Carrie Underwood is remembering songwriting legend Brett James with a special dedication. James, who co-wrote the “American Idol” winner’s first hit, “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” died in a plane crash on September 18, 2025.
Carrie Underwood Shares Moving Tribute to Brett James
On October 24, Underwood took to Instagram to share the details of a special dedication to James on her SiriusXM channel “Carrie’s Country.”
“This month, Carrie is dedicating her Countdown to honoring the life, legacy, and music of her dear friend and legendary songwriter, Brett James,” the caption explained. “Tune in for an extra special episode of Carrie’s Country. Also available on demand in the SiriusXM app.”
In addition to the Countdown including songs James wrote with Underwood, the singer also recalls the legendary songwriter’s contribution to music.
“I chose to make this countdown about remembering Brett James, because I feel like it is healing. It is celebratory … it’s just fitting,” Underwood shared. “You know, he’s gonna be missed so much by anybody that knew him. It’s gonna be weird writing and not having him on the schedule.”
She noted, “But hopefully, we can take everything that we have learned from Brett with us and continue to write amazing songs, maybe inspired by him. But I hope you all enjoy the countdown.”
Underwood was emotional as she spoke about the loss of her friend. “Sorry I cried my way through it, but you just can’t lose somebody like that without a few tears.”
Fans flooded the comments with kind words about Underwood’s special tribute to James.
“This is so kind and a thoughtful way of remembering him,” one person wrote.
Another fan commented, “Beautiful way to honor your dear friend Carrie. Even though I didn’t know Brett personally, I knew and loved his music. Praying for you Carrie and for all who loved him.”
“Wonderful! Brett was a treasure,” one fan noted. “Love and prayers to you, Carrie.”
“Love your remembrance and celebration tributes of him,” another fan wrote. “Thank you for sharing him with the world that might not have known him. He is so beyond deserving.”
Underwood Called Brett James’ Passing ‘Unfathomable’
Following James’ tragic death, Underwood took to Instagram to share a special tribute, calling his passing “unfathomable.”
“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,” she wrote in the caption.
Underwood continued, “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.”
The “American Idol” judge called James “a good guy,” recalling how she was involved with writing a song with him “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,” she continued. “He wouldn’t have it. He insisted that everything be equal. He was just that kind of guy.”
The singer noted, “Brett loved the Lord. Which is the only comfort we can hold on to now. We even had the pleasure of singing together at church. My favorite songs to sing of ours are the ones that he or we wrote about Jesus because the thoughts and feelings behind them are so genuine and pure. I won’t ever sing one note of them again without thinking of him.”
Underwood shared, “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.”
She added, “I’m 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’ll see you again someday.”
