“Love Island USA” Tribute to Late Producer Included What Would've Been His Wedding Song, His Partner Reveals
“Love Island USA” Tribute to Late Producer Included What Would've Been His Wedding Song, His Partner Reveals
Brenton BlanchetWed, June 17, 2026 at 3:46 PM UTC
0
James Barker and Adam RothCredit: Adam Roth/Instagram -
Love Island USA's tribute to James Barker included a personal touch
Barker's partner, Adam Roth, shared that the song selected for the moment would have been their wedding song
The executive producer died in Fiji at age 40 while filming season 8, and Love Island USA featured a tribute at the end of the Tuesday, June 16 episode
Love Island USA's tribute to James Barker featured a personal nod to those he loved.
After the reality show aired its Tuesday, June 16 episode with a photo montage of the late executive producer set to "Next To Me" by Rufus du Sol, Barker's partner Adam Roth shared the importance of the song in their own story.
"Tonight's episode of Love Island USA included the most heartfelt tribute to our beautiful James, who passed away suddenly on Friday, [June 12]," Roth wrote in an Instagram caption. "I'll have more to say later, but the song they used is 'Next To Me' by Rufus du Sol, which would have been our wedding song."
Roth added, "Those of you who know the show might recognize the song from a previous season during which James texted me and said 'there's a musical postcard for you in tonight's episode.'"
James BarkerCredit: James Barker/Instagram
Roth continued, sharing that the song's lyrics "said it all for us," including: "Ever since I first looked in your eyes / I said, 'You're the one' / Oh my God, oh my God / Tell me I'm the one."
"If you know me you know I believe in signs, and if I know my James, he'll be sending musical postcards to me forever," Roth wrote. "I want to thank everyone at ITV for being so thoughtful and kind by capturing his spirit with this perfect tribute. You were his family and he loved you all deeply. Babe, I still feel you standing next to me. Rest in Peace my sweet James."
Roth lived with Barker in Brooklyn, N.Y., and the two had been together for four-and-a-half years.
Advertisement
Barker, 40, suffered an "unexpected medical emergency" last week in Fiji, ITV America and Peacock confirmed on Monday, June 15. In a statement, ITV America and Peacock shared that the "unimaginable loss has been deeply felt across not just the entire Love Island USA production, but throughout all of ITV and Peacock."
"He was a beloved and greatly valued member of our collective family whose kindness, talent and dedication left an indelible mark on all of us and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him," the statement read. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to James' family, friends and colleagues."
Tuesday's episode of Love Island USA season 8 concluded with a tribute to the producer, after host Ariana Madix told the group of contestants that "none of us know how long we've got. For some that time can be cut way too short, so please cherish every moment."
A title card reading "For James" then appeared onscreen, along with several photos of him throughout the years and another note that read, "We love you."
Barker joined Love Island USA in 2020 and went on to serve as executive producer for the show's past three seasons. He previously worked on Love Island Games and produced on Queer Eye, Pawn Stars and Forged in Fire.
Roth previously said in a statement that Barker was "such a champion of the community of young music artists he was able to introduce to audiences on Love Island."
"James was the absolute light and love of my life. He brought joy and brilliance to everything he touched," Roth added.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
