Carrie Underwood Remembers Late Songwriter Brett James in Emotional Tribute. Carrie Underwood has opened up about the devastating loss of her longtime friend and collaborator, Brett James, who tragically passed away, leaving the country music world in mourning.
The Before He Cheats singer, 41, took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message alongside a carousel of photos of herself with James. In her post, she reflected on their many years of friendship, their creative partnership, and the qualities that made him one of the most respected songwriters in Nashville.
“Some Things Are Just Unfathomable”
Carrie began her tribute with words that revealed the depth of her grief:
“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 went on to describe James as “the epitome of cool,” recalling vivid memories of him arriving at her cabin to write songs, always on his motorcycle. “His hair was somehow perfectly styled, even after being under a helmet for hours,” she added, painting a picture of his effortless charm.
Favorite Memories with Brett
One of Carrie’s favorite memories of James was hearing him sing Cowboy Casanova, a track they co-wrote together. She admitted the playful, sassy anthem sounded unlikely coming from a “macho man like him,” but he delivered it in a way that made it cool.
Another moment she recalled was during a writing session when James came prepared with nearly three-quarters of a song already written. “We filled in the blanks and added a little melody,” she explained. “I told him afterward that I didn’t feel right splitting the credit evenly since he did most of the work. But he wouldn’t have it. He insisted everything be equal.”
Carrie said this moment captured his generosity and humility, qualities that defined not only his career but also his friendships.
A Legacy That Lives On
Brett James was one of Nashville’s most celebrated songwriters, penning hits for artists across country and pop. His catalog includes Carrie Underwood’s Grammy-winning “Jesus, Take the Wheel”—a song that became a defining moment in her career—as well as “Cowboy Casanova”, which showcased her bold and playful side.
Beyond Carrie, James wrote for country legends such as Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, and Faith Hill. His ability to blend storytelling with emotional depth made him a powerhouse in the industry.
Carrie’s tribute highlighted not just his musical talent but also his faith. “Brett loved the Lord,” she wrote. “That is the only comfort we can hold on to now. My favorite songs to sing are the ones he and I wrote about Jesus because the feelings behind them were so genuine and pure. I won’t ever sing those songs again without thinking of him.”
The Impact on Carrie Underwood
The loss of Brett James has clearly left a deep scar on Carrie’s heart. She closed her tribute with words that many fans found heartbreaking yet hopeful:
“Brett’s passing is leaving a hole in all of us that I fear won’t ever go away. Love you, man. I’ll see you again someday.”
Her fans, fellow artists, and the wider music community have since flooded her post with condolences, praising both her touching words and James’s legacy.
Remembering Brett James
Brett James was more than a songwriter—he was a creative force who shaped modern country music. His songs topped charts, won awards, and touched millions of lives. But for Carrie Underwood, he was also a loyal friend and collaborator who gave his all, whether in the studio or in life.
As Carrie continues to perform songs they created together, his spirit will live on through the music they shared with the world.
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