The country music world is in mourning following the unexpected death of legendary songwriter Jim McBride at the age of 78. The Alabama native, famed for penning hits for stars like Alan Jackson and Reba McEntire, passed away on January 6, 2026, after suffering a fall.
A Sudden and Tragic Loss
News of McBride's passing was confirmed by his close friend and fellow songwriter, Jerry Salley, who shared the devastating news on social media. Salley described being woken by "shocking news" that his "closest and longest friend" had died unexpectedly from injuries sustained in a fall the previous Monday afternoon. The music community was caught off guard by the sudden loss of a figure who had remained active and creative until the very end.
A Legacy of Hit Songs and Hall of Fame Recognition
Jim McBride's career left an indelible mark on the Nashville sound. He was the creative force behind some of country music's most enduring anthems, most notably Alan Jackson's iconic tracks 'Chattahoochee' and 'Chasing That Neon Rainbow'. His collaboration with Jackson earned him a CMA Song of the Year award for 'Chattahoochee' and contributed to five Grammy nominations for Song of the Year throughout his distinguished career.
His talent was formally recognised with inductions into two prestigious institutions: the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017. Beyond his work with Jackson, McBride's songwriting credits included hits for country greats like Conway Twitty and Johnny Lee, cementing his status as a versatile and sought-after writer.
Tributes from the Heart of Music City
Jerry Salley's heartfelt tribute painted a picture of a deep, decades-long friendship that began in the early 1980s. "Jim McBride wasn’t just a close friend, he was a true, lifelong Brother to me. My best friend," Salley wrote. He recalled their daily communication and how McBride, already an established hitmaker, took a chance on writing with him, sparking an instant creative partnership.
Salley reflected on their shared journey through life's challenges—family deaths, divorces, and career highs and lows—noting that McBride had sent him a meme just two days before his fatal fall. The Alabama Music Hall of Fame also released a statement, extending condolences to his wife Jeanne and family, and honouring McBride as a "beloved Alabamian, songwriter, friend, mentor, and so much more."
The news comes shortly after another country music icon referenced in the original article, Reba McEntire—who also worked with McBride—was forced to debunk AI-generated rumours about her health, highlighting the sometimes surreal intersection of celebrity life and modern media.
Jim McBride's passing leaves a significant void in the country music landscape. His songs, which became the soundtrack for countless lives, ensure his legacy will continue to flow like the waters of the Chattahoochee he so memorably described.
