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When the Nashville community learned of Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James\u2019<\/strong> tragic death<\/a> in a small plane crash at age 57, tributes began pouring in from some of country music\u2019s biggest stars \u2014 including Tim McGraw<\/a>, Carrie Underwood<\/a><\/strong> and even American Pickers<\/a> host Mike Wolfe<\/strong>.<\/p>\n McGraw, who worked closely with James over the years, shared that his family is \u201cheartbroken\u201d over the loss.<\/p>\n \u201cSo heartbroken to hear about the passing of Brett James. Brett was one of the most talented and most respected songwriters in Nashville and wrote some of my personal favorite songs I ever recorded, ‘Telluride’ and ‘Drugs or Jesus.’ Our family\u2019s hearts go out to his family, friends and everyone who loved him,” writes McGraw.<\/p>\n RELATED: \u201980s Music Legend Dies; Belinda Carlisle & Spandau Ballet\u2019s Tony Hadley Pay Tribute<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Wolfe, who has become close with McGraw in recent years, appeared in the comments of McGraw\u2019s post to quietly share his support.<\/p>\n \u201cSo sorry for your loss my friend \u2764\ufe0f\ud83d\ude4f,\u201d Wolfe wrote.<\/p>\n The simple message resonated with fans, many of whom appreciated seeing the crossover between the American Pickers star and one of country music\u2019s biggest names.<\/p>\n Underwood\u2019s tribute was even longer and more personal<\/a>. She recalled James\u2019 generosity in songwriting sessions, his cool factor, and his faith.<\/p>\n \u201cSome things are just unfathomable. The loss of Brett James to his family, friends and our music community is too great to put into words.<\/p>\n Brett was the epitome of \u2018cool\u2019 \u2026 He was a good guy \u2026 Brett loved the Lord. Which is the only comfort we can hold on to now.\u201d<\/p>\n RELATED: Micky Dolenz Honors Late Monkees Songwriter With \u2018Powerful\u2019 New Tribute: \u2018Still Gets Me\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n She closed her post with a heartfelt promise:<\/p>\n \u201cBrett\u2019s passing is leaving a hole in all of us \u2026 I\u2019m 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\u2019ll see you again someday.\u201d<\/p>\n Country trio Rascal Flatts wrote<\/a>, “Sending our heartfelt condolences to the family of our dear friend Brett James. A brilliant songwriter and amazing man. He was the pen behind \u201cSummer Nights\u201d, \u201cLove You out Loud\u201d, and countless songs we\u2019ve all sang along too. He will be greatly missed,” and their lead singer, Gary LeVox, wrote a lengthy memorial<\/a> on his personal Instagram:<\/p>\n One of the legends of songwriting and amazing singer, but a better friend passed yesterday. My God, how many prayers from myself and my family are covering Brett James and his family and extended family and friends right now.<\/p>\n Brett and I have written at least 15 songs together. Every time was over coffee and what melodies yall would wanna hear. Just kills me!!<\/p>\n We wrote “Summer Nights” together and he wrote another Rascal Flatts song early on, that I know yall liked called “LOVE U OUT LOUD!” We\u2019re all loving u out loud, BJ. I will miss u and r talks and texts and melodies and laughs. We wrote a lot about where you\u2019re standing now.<\/p>\n I know it\u2019s gotta be better than what we tried to come up with. I love u and will miss u!<\/p>\n James leaves behind an extraordinary catalog of hits, from Underwood\u2019s \u201cJesus, Take the Wheel\u201d to McGraw\u2019s \u201cTelluride\u201d and even songs recorded by Taylor Swift<\/a>, Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney<\/strong>, Kelly Clarkson<\/strong> and more. His influence spanned decades, and his impact on both artists and fans will not be forgotten.<\/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 20, 2025, where it first appeared in the Celebs<\/a> section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\nTim McGraw\u2019s Emotional Tribute<\/h2>\n
Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts and More Remember Brett James<\/h2>\n
A Lasting Legacy<\/h2>\n