Who Passed Away – The Touching Story of Joey and Rory Feek

Dear friend,

The beautiful love story of country music couple Joey and Rory Feek came to a tragic end when Joey sadly passed away in 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was only 40 years old.

As a fellow fan of their music, I wanted to share more details on Joey‘s illness, their incredible bond, and Rory‘s life now as a single dad keeping Joey‘s memory alive. Grab some tissues, and let‘s remember this inspiring couple.

Joey‘s Tough Cancer Fight

In June 2014, Joey began experiencing severe back pain that led to two hospitalizations. After running tests, doctors diagnosed her with cervical cancer that had already reached an advanced stage.

According to the American Cancer Society, around 14,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed annually. Sadly, 4,000 women die from the disease each year. It‘s usually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can sometimes be prevented through vaccination.

Joey underwent a radical hysterectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy. By October 2014, her cancer appeared to be in remission. But a year later, tests revealed the cancer had spread as stage IV and was terminal.

Despite rigorous treatment, the 5-year relative survival rate for stage IV cervical cancer is only 16%. Facing this reality, Joey entered hospice care at home in late 2015 to spend her final months with family.

Joey‘s Death at 40 Years Old

On March 4, 2016, Joey passed away peacefully at home at age 40, surrounded by loved ones after a nearly 2-year battle with cancer.

Just days before, Joey and Rory had celebrated daughter Indiana‘s 2nd birthday on February 17th. Though her time was cut short, Joey lived her last months to the fullest on their farm in Tennessee.

According to Rory, Joey spent her final weeks immersed in family, music, and faith. She even recorded an album called "Hymns That Are Important to Us" just weeks before her death.

Joey remarked, "God gave me these days, and I‘m thankful He did." She will be lovingly remembered for her courage, spirit, and song.

How Rory Has Coped as a Single Father

Losing the love of his life at just 40 years old was incredibly difficult for Rory. But he found purpose in raising their young daughter and sharing Joey‘s story.

Rory continues to wear his wedding ring as a symbol of their enduring love. He also got a tattoo of Joey‘s name over his heart that he‘ll carry with him forever.

Though he misses Joey every day, Rory told People magazine he has no plans to marry again, saying: “There’s nobody that can replace her in my heart, so there’s no point trying.”

Instead, Rory has been focusing on Indiana, who is now 8 years old. He also wrote the book “Once Upon a Farm” about Joey. And he still makes music, including his 2018 gospel album “I’m a Wanderer.”

Through it all, Rory keeps Joey‘s vivacious spirit alive. As he says, “Our life together was beautiful before Joey got sick—and it was beautiful after.”

Joey and Rory‘s Musical Legacy

As a couple and solo artists, Joey and Rory recorded over 10 studio albums and charted multiple hit songs on the country charts.

In 2008, they placed 3rd on CMT‘s “Can You Duet” competition series. Their album “His and Hers” then won the Country Music Association‘s Vocal Duo of the Year award in 2012.

Some of their most popular songs include:

• "Cheater, Cheater"
• "That‘s Important to Me"
• "When I‘m Gone"
• "This Song‘s for You"

Despite hardship, Joey and Rory used music to inspire others. Their song “When I’m Gone”, written during Joey‘s cancer fight, reminds us to cherish every moment we’re given.

Though Joey is no longer here physically, her voice lives on through their songs, which continue touching many.

Remembering Joey‘s Bright Spirit

Joey left this world far too soon at just 40 years old. But she lived life to the fullest and left an incredible legacy along with her beloved Rory.

Her battling cancer with grace and resolve inspired many. Joey remarked, “I’m going to try to trust God every single day and live one day at a time like we’re supposed to do.”

We lost a beautiful soul, but Joey will remain in our hearts. Her story and songs with Rory remind us to love deeply and make the most of each moment. I hope remembering them brought you joy as well as tears.

Thank you for letting me share more about this amazing couple. Joey and Rory‘s story shows the strength of love – even when a life ends, that love goes on.

Sincerely,
Lillie