Joey Feek, half of the musical duo Joey and Rory, has been given a Sagamore of the Wabash award. This is a prestigious award given out by the governor’s office in Indiana. Governor Mike Pence tweeted:
Honored to award this courageous family the Sagamore of the Wabash. Karen and I are praying for you, @joeyandrory https://t.co/9raUjeWPcP
— Governor Mike Pence (@GovPenceIN) February 19, 2016
Joey Feek, as you may know, is dying of cancer, though she did get to experience some significant milestones this past week, including a special Valentine’s Day with husband Rory and her daughter Indiana’s second birthday.
…some birthdays are more than just birthdays. They're dreams coming true and prayers being answered.
Posted by Joey and Rory on Wednesday, February 17, 2016
The local news story the governor linked to reports:
Because of Joey’s declining health in hospice, her father, Jack Martin, accepted the awards at Gaither Studios while Rory stayed home with her. The Sagamore of the Wabash is an honorary award that can only be issued by the governor of Indiana.
According to in.gov, the award is “a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state or to the governor.”
Past recipients of the award have included astronauts, presidents, ambassadors, artists, musicians, politicians, among other civilians.