Parker McCollum’s latest announcement proves he’s already looking ahead to the new year. Today the country star shared that he will be hitting road in early 2026 with a 14-date run.
Produced by Emporium Presents, the self-titled tour is set to kick off January 23, 2026 with a show at Don Haskins Center in El Paso, TX followed by a stop at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, AZ on January 24. He will continue making his way across the U.S. before wrapping up with back-to-back nights at the St. Augustine Amphitheater in St. Augustine, FL on March 27-28.
Parker McCollum at Rodeo Houston; Photo by Chris Kleinmeier
Joining McCollum on this 14-date run are rising Country music stars Max McNown, Jake Worthington, William Beckmann, Jackson Wendell, Tyler Halverson and Laci Kaye Booth as special guests on select dates.
“We cant wait to see y’all in a new year,” he shared in the announcement via social media.
This news follows the release of his highest debuting album, PARKER MCCOLLUM via MCA. The 14-track collection, which serves as McCollum’s fifth studio album, received an overwhelmingly positive response from fans upon its arrival.
“It’s been, like I said, overwhelming, watching all the love the record’s gotten. And all I can say is thank you for actually listening to it. And I knew when we left New York last October that this was the best record I had ever made. I knew it was special. I did not know people would respond to it like this. It’s really been absolutely incredible to witness the impact that it’s had so far, so quickly,” he shared in a video while reflecting on the outpouring of support that he received for the project.
Parker McCollum; Photo by Tim O’Keefe
With the newly announced 2026 dates, fans can look forward to seeing the multi-Platinum star bring his must-see live show to the stage. Throughout the trek, he’s expected to showcase a slew of the new songs including “What Kinda Man,” “Killin’ Me,” “Big Sky,” and “Solid Country Gold” in addition to the chart-topping hits that made him a household name.
Tickets for the PARKER MCCOLLUMTour 2026 will be available starting with a Citi presale starting Tuesday, September 23rd. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Friday, September 26th at 10:00 AM local time at ParkerMcCollum.com.
Citi is the official card of the Parker McCollum 2026 Tour. Citi card members will have access to presale tickets starting Tuesday, September 23rd at 10:00 AM local time until Thursday, September 25th at 10:00 PM local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For more details visit www.citientertainment.com.
Before the year officially comes to a close, Parker McCollum still has plenty of performances on the books. He will be touring throughout the rest of 2025, including a special New Year’s Eve performance at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX on December 31st.
2026 Tour Dates:
1.23.26 | El Paso, TX | Don Haskins Center
1.24.26 | Glendale, AZ | Desert Diamond Arena
1.29.26 | Edinburg, TX | Bert Ogden Arena
1.30.26 | Corpus Christi, TX | Hillard Center Arena
1.31.26 | San Antonio, TX | Frost Bank Center
2.5.26 | Oxford, MS | SJB Pavilion at Ole Miss
2.6.26 | Lexington, KY | Rupp Arena
2.7.26 | Salem, VA | Salem Civic Center
2.12.26 | Winston-Salem, NC | Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum
2.13.26 | Auburn, AL | Neville Arena
2.14.26 | Savannah, GA | Enmarket Arena
3.26.26 | Estero, FL |Hertz Arena
3.27.26 | St. Augustine, FL | St. Augustine Amphitheater
3.28.26 | St. Augustine, FL | St. Augustine Amphitheater
The country music community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of songwriter Brett James, who tragically passed away on Thursday (September 18) in a small plane crash in North Carolina.
Throughout his celebrated career, James had more than 500 songs recorded by artists such as Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean, and many others. His work earned him ACM nominations, multiple CMA Triple Play Awards, a GRAMMY win, and induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
A cherished figure in Nashville, James was not only a hitmaker but also a mentor who often took chances on new songwriters. Friends and colleagues remember him as a true legend, a loyal friend, and a creative force whose impact on the genre is immeasurable.
Carrie Underwood penned a lengthy remembrance post, admitting, “Brett’s passing is leaving a hole in all of us that I fear won’t ever go away.”
His sudden passing has left the music community shaken, and tributes have poured in from artists and fellow songwriters across social media. See their heartfelt messages below.
Rest in peace pal. Total stud. Fellow aviator. One of the best singer-songwriters in our town….total legend.
I brought a couple of roughly 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.
Rodney Atkins
Heartbroken to hear about my friend Brett James. He and Angelo Petraglia wrote “It’s America,” a song that’s been such a big part of my journey. Brett had a gift for putting hope and heart into words, and his songs will keep singing long after. I’m grateful for his life and his music and will be keeping his family in my prayers.
Chris Young
So sad you’re gone… Nashville is less without you, Brett James.
Jake Owen
This is heartbreaking. Wow. I’m shocked and saddened for our entire Nashville community and Brett’s family.
Caitlyn Smith
My heart is so broken. I can’t believe he’s gone. I wish I could tell him one more time how much he meant to me… to all of us. I signed my first publishing deal with Brett James in 2010 and was part of the Cornman family for 9 years…It’s impossible to sum up in a tidy little paragraph all that he was to me. My mentor, champion and big brother, he taught me so much… and him and @natetarpon introduced me to the whole damn music community. We dreamed together, wrote so many songs together, made a record together, played dozens of rounds together, spent countless nights out laughing and singing and having fun… I’ll forever picture him dancing with a rum in his hand. We had so many great talks. He loved the Lord. He loved his kids. He loved adventure. He gave the best hugs. Such a passionate, bright and beautiful light – I have so many sweet memories with him in it… and I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today without him. Go rest high, my friend. I love you so much.
Luke Laird
The first time I heard Brett James was when I bought his album (on cassette) when I was in high school. The first time we met was in 2002, shortly after I signed my first publishing deal. By this point, Brett was one of the biggest hit makers in Nashville. He was a force in the writing room. Lyrics, melody, incredible singer…the total package. The thing I remember was him treating me so kindly and encouraging me. I told him I had his tape, and he just laughed. I brought it to our next write and showed him. He got a kick out of it.
We had a few cuts together and we played several writer rounds together over the years and he always asked, not “what do you have going on?”..or “what cuts have you had recently?”…but “How’s your family?” I always liked to joke with him before shows we played together. I’d ask him “You gonna hit the crowd with some “Female Bonding” or “Wake Up and Smell The Whiskey”? He’d always get a good laugh out of that. The writing community in Nashville is a brotherhood and sisterhood I’m so honored to be a part of. Brett has been a part of that fabric for a long time and he will be deeply missed. My prayers go out to some of his closest longtime collaborators like Hillary Lindsey and Troy Verges as well as his family.
Lee Thomas Miller
Today we mourn the tragic loss of a Music Row giant. Brett James has been a consistent powerhouse songwriter, publisher, and producer for over 30 years. He achieved heights that few songwriters in our town have ever seen. He was a star himself in every way a star can be defined, racking up dozens of hits for the who’s who of music. He represented the Nashville songwriting community all over the world, performing his hits as well as educating fans and lawmakers about the threats to intellectual property. He was a longtime board member and officer for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), serving in any role he was asked. NSAI and country music are better because of Brett. He will be missed more than I can even begin to say.
Mitchell Tenpenny
It’s hard to find the words to put in a damn caption after losing someone that inspired the dream you chase. Thank you for your songs and your impact on country music but more importantly thank you for being my friend. You gave me so much of your time and wisdom when I had nothing to offer you. You always made me feel like I belonged in the same room as you even when I didn’t. You were cool as shit and just always making me feel cool. You were one of a kind and will be deeply missed. Thank you for everything Brett. What a legend.
I am absolutely devastated at the loss of one of the best writers I’ve ever written with and recorded several of his songs. Brett James. I’m praying for his loved ones. What a tragic and sad day. He will be so missed.
Charles Kelley
This is just heartbreaking. Can’t believe you’re gone buddy. Gonna miss seeing your face in the gym every week. Brett James was the coolest cat Nashville ever had.
Jessi Alexander
So many fun nights on stage we shared and memories we made traveling around making music together. He lived large and always made me feel special. Music Row will never be the same.
Trannie Anderson
My heart is so broken. Brett made such an impact on music row and the world with his songs & friendship. What a legacy!
Ryan Tedder
RIP. Got to know this talented fellow Oklahoman and writer and speak with him on different occasions. God bless his family.
Karen Fairchild
Rest in peace friend. You left us too soon. Our hearts are broken and our prayers are with your family.
Sending our heartfelt condolences to the family of our dear friend Brett James. A brilliant songwriter and amazing man. He was the pen behind “Summer Nights”, “Love You out Loud”, and countless songs we’ve all sang along too. He will be greatly missed.
Bobby Bones
Really sad to see that Brett James died. He was always extremely kind, and exceptionally generous with his time and stories. We had worked together a couple of times, and he had been on my podcast as well. And all were a joy. So sorry to hear the news and terribly sad for his family.
Hillary Scott
Every interaction I had with Brett James was warm and kind. He was so gifted and leaves a giant hole in the musical tapestry of this town that will never be repaired or replaced. Jesus, be near and bring his family and all who love him comfort.
Lauren Alaina
Devastated to hear this. The first song I wrote after being on American Idol and singing my deal was with Brett James and Luke Laird. I felt like I was big time because of working with them. It was the perfect introduction to my songwriting story in Nashville. Brett was such a light and talent. He will be missed.
Jason Aldean
Heartbroken to hear of the loss of my friend Brett James tonight. I had nothing but love and respect for that guy and he helped change my life. Honored to have met him and worked with him. Thoughts and prayers going out to his family.
Tim McGraw
So heartbroken to hear about the passing of Brett James. Brett was one of the most talented and most respected songwriters in Nashville and wrote some of my personal favorite songs I ever recorded, Telluride and Drugs or Jesus. Our family’s hearts go out to his family, friends and everyone who loved him.
Carrie Underwood is mourning the loss of Brett James, the celebrated songwriter behind her hit “Jesus, Take The Wheel.”
In an emotional new statement, the songstress shares her sadness following the news that broke Thursday, September 18, revealing that the 57-year-old GRAMMY-winning songwriter was one of three people who died in a small plane crash.
“Some things are just unfathomable. The loss of Brett James to his family, friends and our music community is too great to put into words,” her message began.
Alongside the kind words was a slideshow of photos that found Underwood and James posing in the studio and at various events. She went on to gush over her fellow songwriter, noting that he was “the epitome of ‘cool.’”
“I see him in my mind riding up to my cabins to write on his motorcycle…his hair somehow perfectly coiffed despite being under a helmet for however long. I always loved hearing him sing ‘Cowboy Casanova’ because a sassy girl anthem should’ve sounded ridiculous coming from a macho dude like him, but somehow, he even made that cool.”
“He was a good guy,” she continued. “I remember writing with him on a song that he basically wrote 75% of and had ready when he walked in the room. We filled in the blanks and added a little melody and I told him after that I didn’t feel right splitting the credit evenly when he did most of the work. He wouldn’t have it. He insisted that everything be equal. He was just that kind of guy…”
Beyond the music, Underwood reveals that the two of them connected through their dedication to their faith.
“Brett loved the Lord. Which is the only comfort we can hold on to now. We even had the pleasure of singing together at church. My favorite songs to sing of ours are the ones that he or we wrote about Jesus because the thoughts and feelings behind them are so genuine and pure. I won’t ever sing one note of them again without thinking of him.”
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member is responsible for penning hundreds of hit country songs, including Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take The Wheel” and “Cowboy Casanova.” To this day, “Jesus Take The Wheel” remains one of Carrie Underwoods most beloved hits. It went on to win multiple major awards including a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and an ACM award for Single Record of the Year.
James’ success didn’t stop at Carrie Underwood. He is also responsible for writing hits for plenty other country acts such as Kenny Chesney (“When The Sun Goes Down”, “Out Last Night,” “Keg In the Closet”), Dierks Bentley (“I Hold On”), Jason Aldean (“The Truth”), and Rascal Flatts (“Summer Nights”).
Brett James’ incredible contributions to the country music industry will never be forgotten, allowing his legacy to live on through his passion for music.
