Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 19, 2025 · Entertainment

Tragic Loss: Country Music Titan Brett James Dies in Plane Crash

Songwriter Brett James, 57, died alongside his girlfriend Melody Wilson, 59, when his plane crashed in North Carolina

SINGER-SONGWRITER BRETT JAMES DIES IN TRAGIC PLANE CRASH ALONGSIDE HIS LOVER AND HER DAUGHTER

In a shocking turn of events, country music sensation Brett James met his untimely demise in a plane crash that left the music industry reeling. The 57-year-old songwriter, who had been enjoying a successful career spanning over two decades, was on board his Cirrus SR22T aircraft when it took off from Nashville and crashed west of Iotla Valley Elementary School in Franklinon Thursday.

James's tragic fate was sealed alongside his longtime lover Melody Wilson, 59, and her 28-year-old daughter Meryl Maxwell Wilson. The couple had been living together in a stunning $2million home in Nashville, frequently sharing their luxurious travels on social media.

Wilson's daughter, Meryl, 28, was also killed when the small plane crashed on Thursday

But little did they know that their last post would be a poignant one - just the day before the crash, Melody had taken to Instagram to wish her daughter a happy 28th birthday. "Happy Birthday my Love!! How Blessed am I to be your Momma!" she wrote, lavishing praise on her "beautiful" and "amazing human." The post was filled with love, gratitude, and admiration for Meryl's shining presence in their lives.

Meryl, who had recently marked 142 days of sobriety, seemed to have been living a life full of promise. Her Instagram posts showcased a young woman on the move, determined to make her mark. "28 years old. 142 days sober. Extremely Happy to be here," she wrote just hours before the tragedy.

James's single-engine plane took off from Nashville International Airport at around 3pm, but it never reached its destination. Witnesses reported seeing smoke billowing into the sky as the aircraft went down in a remote area west of Iotla Valley Elementary School.

No one onboard the small Cessna survived the impact of the collision

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating what caused the plane to crash. But for now, the music industry is left to mourn the loss of one of its most beloved songwriters.

Brett James was no stranger to success. With over 800 songs under his belt, he had written hits for some of country's biggest names - including Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, and Jessica Andrews. His iconic single "Jesus, Take The Wheel," which won a Grammy for Best Country Song in 2006, is still widely played today.

James's journey to stardom was not without its twists and turns. Born on June 5, 1968, in Columbia, Missouri, he had initially set out to become a doctor, enrolling in medical school before changing his mind and following his passion for music.

Tragically, Melody had wished her daughter a happy birthday just one day before the fatal plane crash

The songwriter's big break came when he signed with Arista Nashville's imprint Career Records as a solo artist in 1995. His first solo album was released the same year, but it was six years later that he earned his first number one hit with Jessica Andrews's "Who I Am."

However, it was James's collaboration with Carrie Underwood on "Jesus, Take The Wheel" that cemented his status as a renowned songwriter. He would go on to work with some of the biggest names in music - including Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, and Nick Jonas.

Fellow singer-songwriters took to social media to pay tribute to James after news of his passing broke. Sara Evans shared an emotional post on Instagram, saying: "I am absolutely devastated at the loss of one of the best writers I've ever written with and recorded several of his songs, Brett James." Jessi Alexander reminisced about their time together, saying: "He lived large and always made me feel special."

James and Melody had been in a relationship for several years and often posted their travels on their social media accounts. They lived together in Nashville in a $2million home

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) also issued a statement mourning James's loss. "Brett was a trusted collaborator to country's greatest names and a true advocate for songwriters," they said. "We miss him dearly."

In the wake of this tragedy, fans are taking to social media to share their condolences with James's loved ones. As the music industry comes together to mourn the loss of one its own, we remember the incredible talent and legacy left behind by Brett James.

A TIMELINE OF BRETT JAMES' CAREER

The hitmaker was remembered for his country tunes, including Underwood's Grammy-winning Jesus, Take The Wheel

  • 1968: Born on June 5th in Columbia, Missouri
  • Early 1990s: Enrolled in medical school before switching to pursue a career in music
  • 1995: Signed with Arista Nashville's imprint Career Records as a solo artist and released first solo album
  • 2001: Earned his first number one hit with Jessica Andrews's "Who I Am"
  • 2005: Collaborated with Carrie Underwood on iconic single "Jesus, Take The Wheel," which won a Grammy for Best Country Song in 2006
  • 2010s: Continued to work with some of the biggest names in music - including Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, and Nick Jonas
  • 2020: Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame

A LOOK BACK AT BRETT JAMES' MOST ICONIC SONGS

  • "Jesus, Take The Wheel" (Carrie Underwood)
  • "The Truth" (Jason Aldean)
  • "Who I Am" (Jessica Andrews)
  • "Love's Like That" (Montgomery Gentry)

The songwriter, left, is pictured aboard his plane before his tragic death this week

READERS SHARE THEIR CONDOLENCES WITH BRETT JAMES' LOVED ONES

"I'm absolutely heartbroken for Melody and Meryl. May they find comfort in their memories of Brett." - @CountryMusicLover

"My thoughts are with the family and friends of Brett James. He was an incredible songwriter and a true legend in country music." - @SaraEvansFan