Joey Feek Has Passed Away

Even though we knew this was coming, it’s still tough to hear:  JOEY FEEK died on Friday after a long battle with cancer.  She was only 40.  Her husband RORY broke the news on his blog.

He wrote:  “My wife’s greatest dream came true today.  She’s in Heaven.  The cancer is gone, the pain has ceased and all her tears are dry.  As we were gathered around her, holding hands and praying . . . my precious bride breathed her last.”

Joey was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014 and had surgery.  About a year later the cancer returned so she had more surgery, plus chemotherapy, and radiation.  And then last fall the doctors told her it was terminal.

Joey was a solo artist when she met Rory, who’s written songs for Blake Shelton, Easton Corbin, and Clay Walker.  They were married in 2002.  Their first big boost as JOEY + RORY came when they took third on CMT’s“Can You Duet” in 2008.

They won Top New Vocal Duo at the 2010 ACMs.  Their most successful album is “Hymns”, which debuted at #1 last month.  Joey called it “God’s record.”  It was also their very first #1 album.

They have one child together.  Their daughter Indiana was born in 2014.  Rory has two older daughters, Heidi and Hopie, from a previous marriage.

Rory’s final blog post also included a video of Joey as a little girl singing DOLLY PARTON’s “Coat of Many Colors”.  Following that there’s a video Dolly sent with words of love and encouragement.  (Here’s that.  Scroll down a third of the way.)

The funeral’s going to be private.  Instead of flowers, the family asks fans to send donations.  (You can find details, here.)

BLAKE SHELTON is getting his own exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame.  Obviously, he’s thrilled.  Quote, “It’s more than a dream come true.  I couldn’t be more excited or more honored than to be a part of the museum.”  “Blake Shelton:  Based on a True Story” will open May 27th.  (Music Row)

CMT has renewed “I Love Kellie Pickler” for a second season.  The new shows will premiere in August.  (The Boot)

JUSTIN MOORE explains why his favorite songwriter is ALAN JACKSON.  Quote, “My favorite thing about him as a songwriter is he writes it like he would talk it.  It comes across to me as more genuine.”

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