The country singer served as Carter’s coach until his episode 12 elimination.

Reba McEntire pays tribute to* The Voice* alum Dylan Carter who died at 24: ‘Huge ray of sunshine’

The country singer served as Carter's coach until his episode 12 elimination.

By Shania Russell

Shania Russell

Shania Russell is a news writer at *, *with five years of experience. Her work has previously appeared in SlashFilm and Paste Magazine.

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April 27, 2026 2:49 p.m. ET

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Reba McEntire at the Emmy Awards in September; Dylan Carter on the 24th season of 'The Voice'. Credit:

Stefanie Keenan/Getty; Trae Patton/NBC via Getty

- Reba McEntire penned a touching tribute to former *The Voice* competitor, Dylan Carter.

- Carter died Saturday in a South Carolina car accident.

- McEntire served as his coach on the show, after his emotional audition earned a four-chair turn.

Reba McEntire is mourning 24-year-old Dylan Carter, whom she spent a season mentoring on *The Voice*.

Carter, a country musician who competed on the 24th season of the singing competition series, was killed Saturday in a car accident in Colleton County, South Carolina. News of his death was shared by Moncks Corner mayor, Thomas Hamilton Jr, and Local Voice, a non-profit organization that Carter co-founded.

On Monday, McEntire shared a photo of the young singer to her Instagram Stories, alongside a sweet tribute.

"We will miss Dylan so much," the Grammy-winner wrote. "He was a brilliant, kind and talented young man who brought a huge ray of sunshine to *The Voice*. Rest in peace, my dear friend."

** has reached out to the Colleton County Sheriff's Office for more information.

Dylan Carter on 'The Voice'.

Greg Gayne/NBC via Getty

Carter made his mark on *The Voice* with a memorable performance during the blind audition stage, delivering an emotional rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Look To You." The singer was just 20 at the time, and later explained to the judges that he chose the song to honor his mother, who had died the year prior.

Carter ultimately earned a four-chair turn from judges Niall Horan, John Legend, Gwen Stefani, and McEntire, who were teary-eyed as they battled it out to determine who would be his coach.

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While praising his performance, McEntire said through tears, "I saw you get so emotionally involved, and that's when you know you've got a great song and a great singer: when it touches your heart. To me, as a performer, that is when you really hone in to why you’re put on this earth, is to touch people’s hearts. And you did."

Horan chimed in, "You made the Queen cry in the best way possible."

Dylan Carter on 'The Voice'.

Greg Gayne/NBC via Getty

Carter chose McEntire as his mentor, explaining, "Something told me to go with Reba. She could be a comforting mom figure for me." He went on to be eliminated in episode 12 of the season, making it to the battle rounds of the competition.

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Remembering the local performer in a Sunday Facebook post, Mocks County Mayor Hamilton wrote, "Our family is heartbroken to hear about the passing of Dylan Carter in a car accident. As a gifted singer, he frequently entertained our community with his performances at Town events. His kindness and charm earned him immense respect, and his absence will be deeply felt."

The statement continued, "To the loved ones and acquaintances of Dylan, we offer our sincerest condolences during this difficult period. The Town of Moncks Corner, its Council, and entire staff extend their deepest sympathies. He was much more to our family than an entertainer he was our friend and we are deeply saddened."

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