Busbee, Producer For Keith Urban And Maren Morris, Dead At 43

Michael James Ryan — known professionally by the moniker “Busbee” — has died at the age of 43.

News of the talented songwriter and producer's death broke on Sunday (September 29). While Busbee's cause of death has not yet been reported, a friend of the late musician told Variety he was undergoing treatment for glioblastoma — an aggressive brain tumor.

Busbee is survived by his wife and three children, including a newborn daughter.

The 43-year-old Grammy-nominated songwriter worked with some of the biggest names in country music like Maren Morris, Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum, Florida Georgia Line, Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town, Carly Pearce, Jason Aldean, Kellie Pickler, Hunter Hayes, and many others.

One of his biggest collaborations, however, was with Maren as he wrote a number of songs on her 2016 album Hero, including “80s Mercedes,” “Once,” and her breakout hit “My Church,” for which he earned a Grammy nomination.

Following news of Busbee’s death, the 29-year-old singer tweeted a photo of herself with Busbee, which she captioned: "This just doesn’t seem fair. I will always love you and the songs and albums I was lucky to make with you, Busbee. Rest well, my sweet friend. 💔."

Blake Shelton also mourned the loss of his friend on Twitter, writing, "I absolutely can’t accept the loss of mine and Gwen’s friend Michael (Busbee)..Too much to say for social media. Too much pain and unfairness period. I guess sometimes you gotta dig extra EXTRA deep for peace to continue to have faith. And I will because Michael ALWAYS had faith."

See more Busbee tributes below:

Our thoughts are with Busbee's family and friends during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.

Photo: Getty Images


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