Carrie Underwood is mourning the loss of the late “Jesus, Take The Wheel” and “Cowboy Casanova” songwriter Brett James, who suddenly died in a tragic plane crash at 57 years old on Thursday, September 18.
The 42-year-old country superstar took to social media on Friday morning (Sept. 19), just hours after the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee’s passing, to share a heartfelt goodbye to her longtime friend.
“Some things are just unfathomable. The loss of Brett James to his family, friends and our music community is too great to put into words,” Underwood began. “Brett was the epitome of ‘cool.’ I see him in my mind riding up to my cabins to write on his motorcycle…his hair somehow perfectly coiffed despite being under a helmet for however long. I always loved hearing him sing ‘Cowboy Casanova’ because a sassy girl anthem should’ve sounded ridiculous coming from a macho dude like him, but somehow, he even made that cool.”
Underwood shared a series of photo with Brett James from throughout the years alongside her emotional farewell.
“He was a good guy. I remember writing with him on a song that he basically wrote 75% of and had ready when he walked in the room. We filled in the blanks and added a little melody, and I told him after that I didn’t feel right splitting the credit evenly when he did most of the work. He wouldn’t have it. He insisted that everything be equal. He was just that kind of guy.”
In remembering Brett, one friend shared a heartfelt reflection that speaks to both his faith and the deep bond they shared through music. “Brett loved the Lord. Which is the only comfort we can hold on to now. We even had the pleasure of singing together at church,” Underwood continued. “My favorite songs to sing of ours are the ones that he or we wrote about Jesus because the thoughts and feelings behind them are so genuine and pure. I won’t ever sing one note of them again without thinking of him.”
With deep emotion and a heavy heart, she concluded, “Brett’s passing is leaving a hole in all of us that I fear won’t ever go away. It will forever be a reminder that this life is but a moment…we have to make the most of each day we’re given here on earth. Each day is a gift. I’m asking all of you to pray for his family, friends and all of us that were blessed enough to know Brett. Love you, man. I’ll see you again someday.”
Carrie Underwood attended the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala in Music City on November 1, 2021, to honor Brett James, who was inducted that year. The Oklahoma native paid tribute to James with a heartfelt performance of “Jesus, Take The Wheel” alongside Gordie Sampson and Hillary Lindsey.
“Congrats to my friend Brett James on being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame! We’ve spent a lot of time together and [have] written a lot of songs together, and not only are you an incredible songwriter, but you are also an all-around great person. I can think of no one more deserving! Thank you for allowing us to celebrate with you!” Underwood said at the event.
At the event, Brett James called the prestigious achievement, “truly the greatest honor of my life.”
The GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter is the song smith behind hundreds of hit songs, including “Jesus, Take The Wheel” and “Cowboy Casanova” by Carrie Underwood. “Jesus, Take The Wheel” earned the 2006 GRAMMY for Best Country Song and 2005 ACM Single of the Year Award.
In addition to Underwood, he has had over 800 songs of his recorded by artists such as Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Cody Johnson, Parker McCollum, Bon Jovi, Kelly Clarkson, Meghan Trainor, Nick Jonas, Miranda Lambert, Steven Tyler, Kip Moore, Sheryl Crow, Colbie Caillat, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Leona Lewis, Daughtry, Kid Rock, Uncle Kracker, The Fray, Dierks Bentley, Chris Young, Florida Georgie Line, Brantley Gilbert, Chicago, Backstreet Boys, Will I Am, James Arthur, Emily Sande, Paulina Rubio, Jake Owen, Rascal Flatts and many more.
Brett James Cornelius, known professionally as Brett James, passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025, in a tragic plane crash near Iotla Valley Elementary School, close to Macon County Airport in Franklin, North Carolina. He and the two other passengers onboard the small engine aircraft both perished in the crash.
