Introduction
“To Say Goodbye” is a poignant ballad by American country duo Joey + Rory, released in July 2009 as the third single from their debut album, The Life of a Song. The song was co-written by the duo—Rory Feek and Joey Martin Feek—along with Jamie Teachenor.
The track narrates two heart-wrenching stories: a woman who loses her husband in the 9/11 attacks and an elderly man whose wife suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, unable to remember him. Both narratives converge on the theme of missed goodbyes, emphasizing the lingering regret of unspoken farewells.
In conjunction with the song’s release, Joey + Rory launched a dedicated website, creating an online community for individuals to share personal stories and express farewells to lost loved ones. Joey Martin Feek shared her own experience, reflecting on the sudden loss of her brother Justin in a car accident in July 1994, underscoring the song’s deep personal resonance.
Critically, “To Say Goodbye” received mixed reviews. Bobby Peacock of Roughstock praised Joey’s vocal delivery, likening it to that of Patty Loveless, and appreciated the song’s fresh and laid-back sound. Conversely, Stephen M. Deusner of Engine 145 critiqued the song for indulging in melodrama without a clear focus, suggesting it felt incomplete, as if missing a third verse.
“To Say Goodbye” exemplifies Joey + Rory’s storytelling prowess, blending personal experience with broader societal tragedies to create a song that resonates on multiple emotional levels. Its exploration of loss and the yearning for closure continues to touch listeners, reflecting the duo’s commitment to authentic and heartfelt country music.