Carrie Underwood Honors Late Songwriter Brett James With Emotional Opry Tribute
The country music community continues to mourn the devastating loss of Brett James, the acclaimed Nashville songwriter whose words helped shape some of the biggest hits in modern country history. James, along with his wife Melody Carole and stepdaughter Meryl Maxwell Wilson, tragically died in a plane crash in Franklin, North Carolina, on September 18.
A Songwriting Legend Gone Too Soon
Brett James wasn’t just another name in the liner notes — he was a creative force whose songs became anthems for millions. His writing credits spanned an incredible list of hits for Carrie Underwood, including:
“Jesus, Take the Wheel”
“Something in the Water”
“Cowboy Casanova”
“Love Wins”
“Somethin’ Bad” (with Miranda Lambert)
“Twisted”
The song “Jesus, Take the Wheel” earned James and co-writers Hillary Lindsey and Gordie Sampson a Grammy Award for Best Country Song, cementing his legacy as one of Nashville’s finest storytellers.
Carrie Underwood’s Heartfelt Words
Following the news of his passing, Carrie Underwood shared a deeply emotional tribute on social media, describing James as “the epitome of cool” and a man whose faith guided every part of his life.
“Brett loved the Lord,” she wrote. “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.”
Her message captured the bond they shared — not just as artist and songwriter, but as friends united by faith and music.
An Emotional Night at the Grand Ole Opry
On October 24, Underwood took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry for one of the most emotional performances of her career. She paused before singing “Jesus, Take the Wheel” to dedicate the song to her late friend.
Holding back tears, she told the audience:
“I am extraordinarily blessed, because I get to, for the rest of my life, get onstage and sing his words. And it’s a beautiful thing. And I get to think about him every time I do.”
As the crowd joined in to sing along, Underwood’s voice carried a rare mix of grief and gratitude — a fitting tribute to the man who helped her deliver one of country music’s most iconic songs.
Honoring His Legacy Beyond the Stage
Underwood’s Opry performance wasn’t the only way she chose to honor James. She announced that October’s edition of her SiriusXM show, “Carrie’s Countdown,” would be dedicated entirely to his music and memory.
She later posted photos from the night, writing:
“Such a sweet Friday at the @opry! Tonight I got to honor my friend, @brettjamessongs … I’m blessed to have known him and I get the gift of singing his words and melodies for the rest of my life. Thanks to all who love the #GrandOleOpry as much as I do!”
@somewhereoutthere03 I love this song 🥹 she sang four songs tonight in the first Opry show that Brett James cowrote. “Cowboy Casanova,” “Church Bells,” “Something in the Water,” and “Jesus Take the Wheel.” It was very special! ❤️ @Carrie Underwood #CarrieUnderwood #JesusTakeTheWheel #CountryMusic #Opry #superfan ♬ original sound – Country Fan 🤠
@thecountryconcertguy A tear jerker to begin with, even more so on this particular night💔 “I refuse to say goodbye, because that’s not what it is. It’s a see you later.” #carrieunderwood #brettjames #opry #nashville #jesustakethewheel ♬ original sound – Seth
The pictures show a visibly emotional Carrie onstage — smiling through tears, holding her microphone close as she honored the man who gave her one of the songs that defined her career.
A Lasting Impact on Country Music
Brett James’ influence on Nashville runs deep. With a catalog that spanned genres and generations, his songs weren’t just hits — they were healing, faith-filled, and timeless. His words gave artists like Carrie Underwood a voice to tell stories that have moved millions.
As Underwood so beautifully put it, every time she steps on stage to sing “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” she’ll carry a piece of Brett James with her — a reminder of his faith, his friendship, and the eternal power of a song well written.