It’s been one year since Busbee tragically passed away, after a brief battle with terminal cancer. The producer and songwriter, whose real name is Michael James Ryan Busbee, wrote some of the biggest hits in country music, including Lady A’s “You Look Good” and “Our Kind of Love,” Maren Morris‘ “My Church” and “80s Mercedes,” Keith Urban‘s “The Fighter,” which featured Carrie Underwood, and many more.

Busbee was also a renowned producer, who helped produce records by several pop and country artists, including Carly Pearce. Busbee produced both Every Little Thing and Carly’s self-titled sophomore record, penning eight songs on her freshman project, including the title track.

On the anniversary of his death, Carly wrote a touching tribute to Busbee, which was shared with Good Morning America. Read the letter in its entirety below.

Busbee was so much more than a creative collaborator to me. He was a mentor, my friend and a part of my family.

He took who I am as an artist and gave it wings, and for that I am forever grateful.

His ability to get inside the head of an artist and bring out what was best and unique about them was like nothing I’ve ever seen.

He was the king of multitasking. I’ve never seen someone be able to be working on a track, looking at real estate, sending a voice text, yet hear the one tiny “flat” part of a phrase I sang. He truly was a genius.

I now feel I carry a piece of him with me every night when I step on a stage and see the fans singing along to the songs we created.

I will forever feel a hole in my heart for him, but am so grateful that he got to be such a pivotal part of my story.

As I enter into this new phase of my life and musical journey, I will take what I learned from him with me and will always remember how he encouraged me to “fly.”

May his laugh, heart as big as the moon and unbelievable passion and knowledge of his musical craft carry on forever.

Carly wrote a song, “Show Me Around,” inspired by Busbee’s tragic death. Busbee was 43 years old when he passed away. He is survived by his wife, Jessie, and three children.