Introduction
Rory Feek’s Controversial Marriage: When a New Love Sparks Family Turmoil
On July 14, 2024, country singer Rory Feek officially remarried. His bride, Rebecca, a longtime family friend and teacher, became his new partner in a small, romantic wedding held beneath a timber-frame pavilion in Gliff, Montana. The ceremony was made all the more special with the presence of his 10-year-old daughter, Indiana, who played a pivotal role in bringing the couple together.
Rebecca was not just Rory’s new wife—she had been Indiana’s beloved teacher. Though the couple does not have children together, their relationship has been deeply rooted in their shared love and care for Indiana. Rory even surprised Rebecca during the ceremony with a song he wrote just for her titled I Do, moving fans with the heartfelt moment.
But behind the fairytale wedding lies a storm of controversy. Rory’s two adult daughters, Heidi and Hopie, not only refused to attend the wedding but are now suing their father over the custody of Indiana, claiming the young girl with Down Syndrome is no longer safe under his care.
Shocking Allegations from Rory’s Daughters
Heidi and Hopie allege that Rory has deliberately severed contact between Indiana and her sisters over the past few years. From denying FaceTime calls to prohibiting overnight visits in Alabama and even restricting phone conversations, the sisters say the emotional connection has been torn apart. Heidi also revealed disturbing memories of abuse and neglect from their childhood, including being physically punished and manipulated by their father.
Their concerns escalated when Indiana was reportedly left in the care of a family associated with Homestead Heritage—a controversial religious community—while Rory and Rebecca were on their honeymoon. Heidi claims Indiana was previously injured during a visit to the group’s property in Texas, where she sustained a severe leg injury in a child-operated horse-drawn cart accident.
Homestead Heritage, founded in 1973, is a Christian farming community that promotes agrarian living, home education, and adult baptism. Though it may appear wholesome on the surface, the group has faced numerous allegations over the years, including child abuse and domestic violence. The presence of several community members at Rory and Rebecca’s wedding—especially the officiant, Howard Wheeler, a known Homestead member—has raised eyebrows.
Julie Zamboldi, a close family friend and former president of the Joey + Rory fan club, expressed growing concerns. Once a staunch supporter of Rory, she now questions his judgment after witnessing how he distanced Indiana from her sisters. “If my child asked to go to counseling with me to improve our relationship, I wouldn’t hesitate,” she said.
A Love Story or a Family Crisis?
What began as a sweet love story—sparked by Indiana’s innocent wish for her teacher to marry her father—now faces public scrutiny. While some fans celebrate Rory’s newfound happiness after years of grieving his late wife Joey, others, including his older daughters, fear this new chapter may be built on exclusion and secrecy.
Julie, who stood by Joey in her final days, shared tearfully: “Indiana already lost her mother. Her sisters were the next best thing. If Joey were still here, this would never have happened.”