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Country singer Lauren Alaina<\/strong> is paying tribute to Brett James<\/strong> after the Grammy-winning songwriter died in a plane crash at the age of 57.<\/p>\n On Friday Sept. 18, one day after James’ death, Alaina took to her Instagram Story<\/a> to share an emotional tribute to the country hitmaker.<\/p>\n “Devastated to hear this. The first song I wrote after being on American Idol and signing my [record] deal was with @brettjamessongs and and @lukerobert,” she wrote. “I felt like I was big time because of working with them.”<\/p>\n “It was the perfect introduction to my songwriting story in Nashville,” she continued. “Brett was such a light and talent. He will be missed.”<\/p>\n RELATED: Country Superstar Lainey Wilson Shares Priceless Reaction to Her Historic CMA Awards Nominations<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The song Alaina and James wrote together was “Funny Thing About Love,” which was released on Alaina’s debut studio album Wildflower in 2011.<\/p>\n Alaina joins a growing list of country stars \u2014 including Carrie Underwood<\/strong>, Tim McGraw<\/strong>, Jason Aldean<\/strong>, Dierks Bentley<\/strong>, and more \u2014 who have paid tribute to the legendary songwriter following his passing.<\/p>\n RELATED: Country Star Darius Rucker Reveals Much-Younger Girlfriend in Sweet Instagram Post<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA )\u00a0via WZTV Nashville<\/a>, James was one of three people who died in a plane crash near Franklin, North Carolina, on Thursday, Sept. 18.<\/p>\n James wrote hundreds of songs for artists across genres, but was best known for collaborating with some of country music’s biggest stars. He is most famous for writing Underwood’s Grammy-winning ballad \u201cJesus, Take the Wheel” and was inducted to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020.<\/p>\n James’ wife Melody<\/strong> and his stepdaughter Meryl<\/strong> also died in the plane crash. He is survived by his ex-wife Sandra<\/strong> and their four children.<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfac\u00a0<\/strong>SIGN UP for Parade\u2019s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\ud83c\udfac<\/strong><\/p>\n This story was originally reported by Parade<\/a> on Sep 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the News<\/a> section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n