Joey Feek, one-half of the country/bluegrass duo known as Joey + Rory, lost her battle to cancer on Friday, passing away around 2:30 yesterday afternoon.
Singer Joey Feek dies at 40 https://t.co/1UvkKVBKDI pic.twitter.com/EnqGQBjbcv
— Variety (@Variety) March 5, 2016
Fighting cancer since 2014, Joey Feek never complained about her trials, but used them as a way to grow closer to Jesus. She and husband Rory Feek clung to their deep Christian faith throughout her illness, and Rory will now rely on it for strength in the coming difficult days.
Superstars within the country music world are grieving Joey Feek’s passing right along with her family. Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Chris Young, and more shared their sorrow over the loss of the Joey + Rory singer.
So sad to hear about Joeys passing.. https://t.co/SjIlECXOPQ
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) March 5, 2016
Praying for the family & friends of Joey Feek. A beautiful soul moved into heaven today. A beautiful legacy she left behind. @joeyandrory
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) March 5, 2016
Thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the Feek family. Have played shows with Joey and Rory before and it's so sad to lose her amazing voice
— ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) March 5, 2016
Joey Feek was surrounded by loved ones, including two-year-old daughter Indiana, and Rory Feek’s daughters from a previous relationship, Hopie and Heidi, at the time of her passing. She died at her childhood home in Indiana. She will be buried at the farm she and Rory shared in Tennessee.
WOW! @DollyParton made a moving video for Joey Feek, months before her death. Grab tissues: https://t.co/WNGmNJyCaq pic.twitter.com/Xj45RcdXde
— Taste of Country (@TasteOfCountry) March 5, 2016
Joey Feek’s passing on Friday was first shared by husband Rory on his blog, This Life I Live. Rory Feek has detailed the highs and lows of the past months of Joey’s illness on the blog.
“My wife’s greatest dream came true today. She is in Heaven,” Rory penned.
“The cancer is gone, the pain has ceased and all her tears are dry. Joey is in the arms of her beloved brother Justin and using her pretty voice to sing for her savior,” he shared.
“At 2:30 this afternoon, as we were gathered around her, holding hands and praying.. my precious bride breathed her last,” he wrote.
“And a moment later took her first breath on the other side.”
Rory Feek has struggled immensely in the face of Joey Feek’s illness, yet has remained steadfast and true to their faith. He has remained upbeat and positive for his little girl.
Weeks ago, in his blog, Rory said once Joey Feek was gone, he would stop singing. He claimed he couldn’t imagine performing or recording without his precious Joey by his side.
Country singer Joey Feek dies at 40: 'She is in heaven' https://t.co/bpQWqtMoep pic.twitter.com/l346bcJMyV
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 5, 2016
Perhaps Joey Feek will inspire her husband from Heaven, so he may continue to use the gift he shared with others for so many years.
Life has now irrevocably changed for Rory Feek. He will go on and raise a little girl with Down syndrome as a single dad. He will no doubt cling to his memories of Joey and honor her memory in countless ways in the months and years to come.
Joey Feek left behind a legacy that goes so much farther than her music. She left one of strength and endurance, proving to all that winning the race isn’t necessarily the greatest prize. The prize is in the route itself.
CMA is deeply saddened by the passing of @JoeyAndRory's Joey Feek. Our thoughts are with her family during this time pic.twitter.com/rGVjkxLdaE
— Country Music Assoc. (@CountryMusic) March 5, 2016
Joey Feek touched many along her route, in ways that will affect them for a long, long time.