Joey + Rory’s Most Important Career Moments
Joey + Rory Feek had a rollercoaster career and personal life over the last few years, with some impressive highs and more modest successes in between.
Though Rory had had prior success as a songwriter in the country music business, the couple got their break as a duo in 2008 on CMT’s vocal competition Can You Duet? and took third place. They soon signed to indie label Sugar Hill Records and their career as Joey + Rory was born. Since then the artists have had a career filled with ups and downs, but have always stayed confident in their calling to the craft, putting their heart and soul into their art, even in the midst of adversity.
Joey was diagnosed with cervical cancer in June 2014, and after being in remission announced the Stage 4 illness had returned in June 2015. Her health rapidly deteriorated and was declared terminal in October, but the family clung to their faith and showed an inspirational amount of tenacity and hope throughout the tough journey. They even managed to put out a new record in February called Hymns That Are Important to Us, which Joey had determined to finish, despite her illness. They were also nominated for a Grammy award for the first time this year, and charted at No. 1 with the album — a new milestone for the artists.
Joey Feek died on March 4, 2016 — a result of her cancer. She lived to see the Grammys and daughter Indiana’s 2nd birthday, fulfilling a goal she had set for her life.
"My wife’s greatest dream came true today. She is in Heaven," Rory wrote on the couple's blog after her passing. "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. At 2:30 this afternoon, as we were gathered around her, holding hands and praying ... my precious bride breathed her last. And a moment later took her first breath on the other side."
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