Autumn Nelon, a rising gospel artist, has released an emotionally charged single titled “I’ll Find You,” intending to pay tribute to her loved ones and seek solace through her music. The song emerges from a deep well of personal loss, following a tragic plane crash in July 2024 that claimed the lives of several family members, including her mother, Kelly Nelon Clark, and sister, Amber Nelon Kistler. At the time of the incident, Nelon was pregnant with her first child and had opted to travel separately with her husband.
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Reflecting on the devastating events that led to her current situation, Nelon, now 29, expressed that she cherishes the hope of reuniting with her family in heaven. “I keep coming back to the promise of heaven and that one day we will see our loved ones again,” she stated in an interview with PEOPLE. This belief is a source of strength for her as she navigates life without her family.
In another poignant reflection, Nelon remarked, “It’s been two years since I last saw my mom and sister.” The crash occurred while her family members were en route to join the Gaither Homecoming Alaska Cruise, tragically altering the course of her life forever. As the only surviving member of the Grammy-nominated gospel group The Nelons, she has taken it upon herself to continue the family legacy in the world of gospel music.
The journey to her latest single has not been without challenges. Nelon collaborated with songwriters Joseph Habedank and Kenna Turner West to create “I’ll Find You.” She shared a particularly moving line from the song, which conveys her hope: “The first thing that I’m going to do after I kneel at the altar is find you.” However, she finds comfort in the belief that her family will be waiting for her, rather than her needing to search for them.
Recording the song proved to be an emotional hurdle for Nelon, as she had never performed in the studio solo before. “I actually couldn’t even do the demo,” she explained. Instead, Habedank took the lead on the initial recording, allowing Nelon to absorb the feelings behind the lyrics without overwhelming herself. “Even though it was hard for me, it was still very encouraging,” she remarked.
Although stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist was unfamiliar territory for Nelon, she feels a sense of purpose in carrying on her family’s legacy. “I was the least likely to be doing all of this,” she said. “If you knew me when I was with my family, I would basically want them to do all the talking.” Since taking on more responsibilities in her career, she has grown into the role, embracing the challenge of continuing the family tradition while forging her own path.
Looking forward, Nelon has plans to release a new album featuring collaborations with various renowned artists, including Vince Gill, Amy Grant, The Isaacs, Ricky Skaggs, and Jason Crabb. She is eager for the album’s release early next year and continues to find healing through her artistry. “I feel good about what I’m doing, and I think it’s helping me to keep going and bringing me the healing that I need,” she shared.
The emotional toll of her family’s loss can often feel overwhelming, particularly during moments of reflection. Nelon described her experience watching the music video for “I’ll Find You” as bittersweet, filled with reminders of both her past and present. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to sing the song and watch the video at the same time,” she admitted. Yet the message of hope resonates with her and many others, encouraging listeners through their own grief.
Support from her husband, Jamie Streetman, and their son, Rhett, is vital in helping Nelon move forward. “Rhett was born on Dec. 1 — his late grandmother Kelly’s birthday,” she noted. The joy of motherhood intersperses moments of sadness, and Nelon beams with pride as she describes her son. “He’s just crazy. He’s into everything,” she laughed, acknowledging the challenges of parenting a young child in her current lifestyle.
Despite the heartache, Nelon remains committed to preserving her family’s memory through music and sharing stories of her mother and sister with her son. “My plan is just to continue to do things that I always did with my family and make new memories with my husband and Rhett,” she explained. As she embarks on this new chapter, Nelon aims to ensure that her son knows the love and legacy of his family, keeping their spirits alive in his heart.