Maren Morris is remembering her late producer and co-songwriter Busbee this holiday season.
Busbee (real name: Michael James Ryan), passed away at the age of 43 in late September from brain cancer. He was beloved by some of country music's biggest stars, including Morris, who singer credits Busbee with much of her success. The "Girl" singer recently took to social media to share the heartwarming gift that was given to her by Busbee's family.
"I was given busbee's piano the day before we won album of the year for GIRL. The one we recorded 80s Mercedes and Gold Love on. I play a few crappy chords but I hear him in every one," Morris shares along with a photo of the piano.
Following Busbee's death, Morris was one of the first to speak out publicly. "This just doesn't seem fair," she wrote that the time. "I will always love you and the songs and albums I was lucky to make with you, Busbee. Rest well, my sweet friend."
About two months after Busbee's death, Morris took home the 2019 CMA Award for Album of the Year for her latest release, Girl. During her acceptance speech, Morris paid tribute to the late producer with an emotional speech.
"I would be really remiss if I didn't mention a huge facet of why this album sounds the way it does, and we miss him so dearly, and I ... he texted me the morning that I got the nomination for Album of the Year this year, and we were so excited, and that's our friend Busbee."
She continued, "His wife, Jess, is here tonight and she looks so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your husband with us once a month, and my heart just goes out to you and your beautiful daughters. I hope when they listen to this record, or any of the songs that he made that made us all better, they know how amazing their father was."
Photo: Getty Images