‘Jesus, Take the Wheel’ Songwriter Brett James Dies in Plane Crash

Brett James, who won a Grammy for co-writing Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” tragically died in a plane crash on Thursday. He was 57.

According to FOX 17, a small-engine plane registered to James crashed near an elementary school in Franklin, North Carolina. All three people on board, including Brett, reportedly died.

The FAA said in a statement, “A Cirrus SR22T crashed in a field in Franklin, North Carolina, around 3 p.m. local time on Thursday, Sept. 18. Three people were on board. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide further updates.”

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame also confirmed James’ death, writing, “We mourn the untimely loss of Hall of Fame member Brett James… a 2020 inductee who was killed in a small-engine airplane crash on Sept. 18. He was 57.”

Brett wrote and co-wrote many country hits, including Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker’s “When the Sun Goes Down,” Underwood’s “Cowboy Casanova,” Martina McBride’s “Blessed,” and Taylor Swift’s “A Perfectly Good Heart.”

Brett was named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year twice.

Carrie shared a lengthy message about Brett on Instagram, writing, “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. 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.”

She went on, "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…"

Underwood later wrote, "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." Read her full message here.

Dierks Bentley, who worked with James on the song “I Hold On," shared on Instagram, “When I sing that song live, I’m always thinking of my dad, but I also think about that day we wrote it … Our friendship and that song changed my life. 💔 Prayers for his family.”

Jason Aldean, whose song "The Truth" was co-written by Brett, shared on X, “Heartbroken to hear of the loss of my friend Brett James tonight. I had nothing but love and respect for that guy and he helped change my life. Honored to have met him and worked with him. Thoughts and prayers going out to his family. 💔.”

Sara Evans, who sings James' song "Cheatin,'" shared, “I am absolutely devastated at the loss of one of the best writers I’ve ever written with and recorded several of his songs. Brett James. I’m praying for his loved ones. What a tragic and sad day. He will be so missed. 💔”