Last Updated on 1 week by Vijay Kumar
Sandra Cornelius, wife of Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, stands as a pillar of strength and grace in the wake of her husband’s tragic passing. Brett James, renowned for penning hits like “Jesus, Take the Wheel” for Carrie Underwood and “When the Sun Goes Down” for Kenny Chesney, died in a plane crash in Franklin, North Carolina, on September 18, 2025. The aircraft, a Cirrus SR22T, crashed near Iotla Valley Elementary School, resulting in the loss of all three individuals aboard.
Brett and Sandra’s relationship was marked by mutual respect and shared values. Together, they raised four children, with their family life often serving as inspiration for Brett’s music. His song “True Believer,” which reflects the bond between a father and daughter, was particularly influenced by his relationship with their daughter, Clare.
Before his untimely death, Brett James had a distinguished career in country music. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020 and was twice honored as ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year. His work, which includes over 800 songs recorded by artists such as Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, and Carrie Underwood, has left an indelible mark on the industry.
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers ascap said in an Instagram post announcing James’ death news.
Rest in peace pal. Total stud. Fellow aviator. One of the best singer-songwriters in our town….total legend.
“I brought a couple of roughy sketched verse ideas of I Hold On to Brett after my dad died and he just did his thing. The chorus is all him. When I sing that song live, I’m always thinking of my dad, but I also think about that day we wrote it. He just got it, just lit into it. It was one of the first times we wrote and I decided to drop the most meaningful and necessary idea of a song I had on him, because I felt like God was telling me to do so. Our friendship and that song changed my life. 💔 Prayers for his family “, Dierks Bentley wrote on Instagram.
My name is Vijay Kumar. I work as content writer and founder of this website. I am studying BSC IT. I has been writing content since 2022. I also learn about journalism.