Songwriter Brett James, who wrote for superstars like Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood, died in a plane crash on September 18. The plane, a Cirrus SR22T owned by James, was carrying three passengers at the time it crashed and there were no survivors. In addition to James, WZTV reported, his wife, Melody Carole Wilson, 59, and stepdaughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, 28, also died.
Some of the last posts James made on Instagram featured his family, including one where he noted he had “Such an amazing Father’s Day!!” In the family photo he shared on Father’s Day, both his wife and stepdaughter could be seen smiling and posing with him. It appeared the others in the Father’s Day photo were likely his daughter and three sons.
James did not post often on Instagram. The last post before his tragic death was on August 1, and it was simply a graphic touting an event he would be at, “Songwriters Under the Stars,” on August 22 and 23.
In addition to his Father’s Day post, James posted a photo showing him with his wife on the beach a few days earlier, on June 10. In the caption the songwriter wrote, “So much fun with my love in the Bahamas.”
The songwriter’s Instagram page was filled with posts related to his work, which he loved, and his family, whom he clearly treasured.
Wilson and James wed in August 2021, according to an Instagram post she shared in January 2022. In addition to her daughter, she also had a son, Lucas Wilson.
James first made an appearance on Wilson’s Instagram page in June 2018. His Instagram page doesn’t date back quite as far, but Wilson was with him in the second photo he shared, in May 2019. He spoke of her when talking to Taste of Country in March 2020.
“Melody is her name. She’s also a deep soul and a real musical human. She doesn’t make music but she’s got amazing taste in music,” James shared.
The songwriter, whose full name was Brett James Cornelius, was previously married to Sandra Cornelius, and they had four children together. They shared a daughter named Clare along with three sons. His song “True Believer” was an ode to Clare.
Fans Flooded James’ Instagram Posts With Condolences
“Rest in peace Brett James. I met him through the WMBA (Nashville’s Women’s Music Business Association). He was a good honest, tell you the truth, talented songwriter. My condolences to his family he will be missed,” one fan wrote.
“The loss of a huge gift to the songwriting community,” commented another.
“Sending love and comfort to you all during this heartbreaking time. May Brett’s memory live on through his music and your lives. He was an amazing man,” someone else shared.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 20, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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