Introduction
Some voices do more than entertain—they touch the soul. Joey Marie Feek was one of those rare voices.
Born on September 9, 1975, Joey became beloved as one half of the country and bluegrass duo Joey + Rory, performing alongside her husband, Rory Feek. After finishing third on CMT’s Can You Duet in 2008, the couple quickly won the hearts of audiences with their authentic style, heartfelt music, and unwavering faith.
Throughout their career, Joey + Rory released several successful albums, including fan favorites such as Cheater, Cheater. Their faith-centered album Hymns That Are Important To Us became their first No. 1 record, further solidifying their place in country music. Yet Joey was admired for far more than her musical talent. Fans cherished her kindness, humility, and deep Christian faith, qualities that shone through both on and off the stage.
In 2014, Joey was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She faced the disease with remarkable courage, enduring months of difficult treatments. By October 2015, Rory shared the heartbreaking news that the cancer had become terminal and that further chemotherapy and radiation were no longer helping. Joey made the difficult decision to stop treatment and spend her remaining time surrounded by those she loved most.
In November 2015, she entered hospice care, where she was embraced by the love of her husband, daughter, family, and friends. Even as her health declined, Joey remained a source of strength and inspiration, demonstrating extraordinary grace, faith, and peace in the face of unimaginable challenges.
On March 4, 2016, Joey Feek passed away at the age of 40. Rory later held a private funeral service on their Tennessee farm, where Joey was laid to rest in the family cemetery—a place she loved and called home.
Though her life was far too short, Joey’s legacy continues to live on through her music, her faith, and the countless lives she touched. She is remembered not only as a gifted singer but as a woman of courage, devotion, and unwavering love—a light that continues to shine long after her final song.