10 Photos of Brett James' Wife Melody Wilson: Age, Daughter, How They Met and Tragic Death in the Plane Crash

The world of country music is reeling after Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, 57, was killed in a plane crash in North Carolina alongside his wife, Melody Carole Wilson, 59, and her daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, 28.

Behind the viral headlines, people are asking: who was the woman who shared the last years of James' life? From their whirlwind romance to her devotion as a mother, Melody's story is now part of a tragedy that has shaken Nashville and beyond.

Who Was Melody Wilson? Her Age and Family Life

Melody Carole Wilson, 59, was more than just Brett James' partner. She was a devoted mother and matriarch. The crash also claimed the life of her daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, who was 28 at the time. According to media reports, Meryl had celebrated her birthday just a day before the crash.

Melody often shared glimpses of family life on social media: faith, gratitude, and milestones. She posted a touching birthday tribute to Meryl: 'Happy Birthday, my Love!! How Blessed am I to be your Momma! You are the most beautiful, amazing human inside and out.'

Her son Lucas married in 2021, and she described welcoming her daughter-in-law as a blessing. Though Melody kept her professional life private, those close to her described her as a 'deep soul' with a refined musical sensibility, a sentiment Brett James echoed in interviews.

Marriage to Brett James and Their Shared Life

Brett James and Melody married on 21 August 2021, solidifying a partnership that friends say had been developing for years. Their home in Nashville was often the setting for quieter moments: family celebrations, beach trips, and shared joys.

James, inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020, frequently credited Melody as a grounding presence in both his life and work.

He once praised her 'amazing taste in music' even though she did not perform professionally. Their public posts showed closeness, from wedding anniversaries to holidays and family snapshots.

Just days before the tragedy, James shared heartfelt moments on social media celebrating Father's Day with his family. Captions such as 'Such an amazing Father's Day!!' now serve as haunting reminders of the joy before loss.

The Tragic Plane Crash That Claimed Their Lives

On 18 September 2025, a small plane crash in Franklin, North Carolina, claimed the lives of Brett James, Melody Carole Wilson, and her daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson. The aircraft was a Cirrus SR22T registered to James under his legal name, Brett James Cornelius.

Authorities confirmed all three aboard died on impact. The crash occurred in a field near Iotla Valley Elementary School. While it is not yet known who was piloting, the FAA and NTSB are jointly investigating under 'unknown circumstances.'

Legacy, Grief, and Reaction

The music community responded with shock and grief. Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean and others paid tribute to James. Fans also mourned Melody and Meryl, whose lives were cut short amidst their protective love and closeness.