Kenny Chesney Speaks Out Following the Passing of Songwriter Brett James
Kenny Chesney reflects on the life and legacy of renowned songwriter and close friend, Brett James.
“A very tough farewell to my Brother Of The Sun Brett James,” Chesney, 57, shared on Instagram on Monday, September 22. “I hesitated to post because I wanted to deny it. Brett and I had a special connection. A Brotherhood. A kinship. We penned ‘Reality’ and ‘Out Last Night’ on the same afternoon while sitting on my pool deck in the Virgin Islands just two days after Christmas.”
The country music icon further expressed, “We had so much genuine fun creating music together over the years, and I will truly miss that. Processing the absence of his creative spirit is challenging. I feel as if a piece of my artistic soul left with him. This loss creates an everlasting void in my life and creativity. I’ve never experienced songwriting or being on the road without him.”
On Friday, September 19, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) disclosed that James—along with his wife, Melody Carole, and stepdaughter Meryl Maxwell Wilson—lost their lives when their single-engine Cirrus SR22T aircraft crashed into a field near Iotla Valley Elementary School in Franklin, North Carolina, on Thursday, September 18, as reported by The New York Times. He was 57 years old.
The investigation by the NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration regarding the crash is ongoing, with a preliminary report anticipated within 30 days.
“Half the songs in my performances are either songs he wrote or songs we created together,” Chesney added on Monday. “So, moving forward, it’s impossible to perform without thinking of him.”
The duo collaborated on many popular songs, including “Out Last Night,” “You See Me,” “Spirit of a Storm,” “When the Sun Goes Down,” and “Wife and Kids.”
Chesney concluded on Monday, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but adios Brett James. Thank you for being a lifelong friend, for being a carefree, sun-kissed troubadour, for your friendship, your music, and all the joy you brought. Save me a spot at the After Party.”
The musician then quoted one of their many collaborations.
“God, we were so vibrant. I was a kid on a carnival ride, holding my breath until the moment you’d leave me too soon. But I would do it all again because, damn, it was amazing knowing you,” he wrote.
James’ stepdaughter, Meryl, had just celebrated her 28th birthday on September 16, just days before the tragic incident.
“28 years old. 142 days sober. Extremely grateful to be here,” she shared in what became her final Instagram post. Meanwhile, her mother Melody’s penultimate Instagram tribute was a heartfelt message dedicated to her daughter on her birthday.
“How Blessed am I to be your Momma,” Melody wrote on September 17. “You’re the MOST BEAUTIFUL AMAZING HUMAN inside and out! I’m humbled and grateful every day for your radiant presence in my life! God has already used you for His Kingdom in countless ways, and there are many more to come! Words fail to express what a gift you are to me and everyone that knows you!”
