Joey Feek of the country duo Joey + Rory has died at the age of 40. The lead vocalist of the husband and wife duo had been battling cervical cancer for 9 months before passing away at home on March 4.
Rory Feek announced her passing on his blog, which he’d been using to document his wife’s final days.
“My wife’s greatest dream came true today. She is in Heaven. 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.”
Feek rose to fame after competing alongside her husband on the CMT show Can You Duet. They charted several songs including their massive 2008 hit “Cheater, Cheater.” She’s survived by Rory as well stepdaughters Heidi and Hope and her daughter with Rory, Indiana.
The music world – particularly in the genre of country – was hit hard by the news of Feek’s passing. Many artists took to Twitter to express shock at the news and share their condolences for the Feek family.
So sad to hear about Joeys passing.. https://t.co/SjIlECXOPQ
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) March 5, 2016
Heaven has one more sweet angel. #JoeyFeek was such a bright light. My family is praying for hers.
— Canaan Smith (@canaansmith) 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
So sad to lose a great heart and country music family member. Prayers for sure for their whole family #JoeyFeek https://t.co/PVaKgidGjz
— The Swon Brothers (@TheSwonBrothers) 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
God bless you Joey,& prayers for Rory and family tonight. There's never been a more courageous battle or inspiring example. Heaven awaits.
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) March 5, 2016
One of God's children has gone home
Rest in peace Joey
Deepest condolences to Rory and the family— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) March 5, 2016
Singer Chris Janson even dedicated a segment of his show to the late singer.
.@janson_chris paying a beautiful tribute to @joeyandrory's Joey Feek tonight. #RIPJoeyFeek pic.twitter.com/ituGCVDY3H
— Taste of Country (@TasteOfCountry) March 5, 2016
Country music stars weren’t alone in expressing loss, however.
RIP Joey Feek.. You were an inspiration to us all. ❤️ @joeyandrory
— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) March 5, 2016
We are so very saddened to learn of the passing of Joey Feek. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and fans today.
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) March 4, 2016
Saddened to hear of the loss of courageous Hoosier Joey Feek. Karen & I send our thoughts/prayers to her family, friends & fans @joeyandrory
— Governor Mike Pence (@GovPenceIN) March 4, 2016
(Via Little Things)
