On Friday, Carrie Underwood used social media to honor Brett James, who co-wrote her Grammy-winning 2005 hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” Tragically, James died in a plane crash at age 57, along with two others, on Thursday.

The 42-year-old American Idol alum shared a heartfelt tribute, detailing their close collaboration and connection. ‘Words cannot express the loss of Brett James to his loved ones and the music world,’ Underwood started.

She added, ‘Brett was the definition of “cool.” I picture him riding up to my cabins to write on his motorcycle, his hair remarkably untouched despite being under a helmet. Listening to him sing “Cowboy Casanova” was always amusing because, although a tough guy shouldn’t pull off a sassy girl anthem, he somehow did it with flair.’

She then reminisced about a songwriting session they had. ‘He was an exceptional person,’ she reflected, recalling, ‘He had already composed about 75% of a song when he came in one time, and we just added a few bits and pieces.’

‘I didn’t feel comfortable splitting the credit evenly when he had done most of the work, but he was adamant about sharing it equally. That’s just who he was…’ Underwood remarked, highlighting Brett’s unwavering faith as a source of solace during this time.

‘Brett had a profound love for the Lord,’ she mentioned, also sharing, ‘We had the fortune of singing together at church.’ With 13.4 million followers, she concluded, ‘The songs about Jesus we wrote hold a special place in my heart because of their authenticity. I’ll always think of Brett whenever I sing them.’

James was onboard his Cirrus SR22T when it went down near a school at around 3pm in Franklin, North Carolina, WLOS reported. He and two other passengers — later revealed to be his girlfriend Melody Wilson, 59, and her daughter Meryl Maxwell Wilson, 28 — were pronounced dead at the scene.

Underwood expressed in her Instagram caption: ‘Brett’s passing is leaving a hole in all of us that I fear won’t ever go away. ‘It will forever be a reminder that this life is but a moment…we have to make the most of each day we’re given here on earth. Each day is a gift.’

She solemnly continued, ‘I’m asking all of you to pray for his family, friends and all of us that were blessed enough to know Brett.’ And finally, she wrote, ‘Love you, man. I’ll see you again someday.’