The country music community is mourning the devastating loss of Brett James, the Grammy-winning songwriter behind some of Nashville’s biggest hits. James, 57, was killed in a plane crash in Franklin, North Carolina, on September 18, 2025.
Authorities confirmed the Cirrus SR22T aircraft was carrying James, his wife Melody Carole Wilson, and his stepdaughter Meryl Maxwell Wilson when it went down in a rural field, killing all three on impact. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now investigating the cause of the crash.
James was renowned for penning chart-topping songs for artists including Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, and Jason Aldean. His work earned him a Grammy Award and ASCAP Songwriter of the Year honors, solidifying his place as one of country music’s most influential creatives.

Tributes have poured in from fellow artists, fans, and industry leaders, who remembered his unmatched talent, generosity, and mentorship. His passing leaves a deep void in Nashville’s creative heart and country music’s future.

