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Tag: Indiana Feek

  • Rory Feek Shares Bittersweet Video of Joey Feek’s Public Memorial Service

    Rory Feek Shares Bittersweet Video of Joey Feek’s Public Memorial Service

    Rory Feek shared some bittersweet memories of the public memorial service celebrating the life of his late wife, Joey Feek, in her hometown of Alexandria, Indiana last Sunday. He captured the laughter and the tears on his blog, This Life I Live, on Friday.

    “We took one final tour-bus ride home. To Joey’s town. To grieve with and celebrate with the people in her community. And to lift up one of their own with tears and joy and songs and speeches,” Rory wrote.

    “In the Alexandria High School gymnasium–the same place where Joey had played basketball and volleyball and cheered for her home team–a few thousand people gathered together in her honor. But this time, the cheers were all for her.”

    Rory Feek explained that while two-year-old daughter Indiana napped following their drive from Tennessee, he sat on the floor of the Joey + Rory tour bus and jotted down a few things we wanted to make sure to say at Joey’s memorial.

    “A few minutes before, as Indy was still napping, I sat in the back hallway of the bus and did my best to come up with a few words to say…to thank this town and to lift up my beautiful bride and this community,” Rory penned.

    “Bill and Gloria Gaither hosted the celebration and they and a number of family and friends came up one by one to speak. Joey’s mother and father sang a hymn and shared a few words from their hearts. Her sister Jody talked about being by our side as Joey’s caregiver for the last few months and how Joey has impacted her as a woman and mother. And hometown-hero Carl Erskine, who pitched for the Dodgers in 40’s and 50’s played his harmonica and shared wisdom about raising a child with Down Syndrome with me. Joey’s high school coach Mr Howell even gave me a letter jacket from the high school with Joey’s name on it. An honor that is especially meaningful to a man who’s favorite movie is ‘Hoosiers’ and never lived in one town long enough to play sports or get the chance to try to earn one on his own,” he added.

    Following Rory Feek’s turn to speak at Joey’s memorial, he and Indy watched a video featuring Joey Feek.

    “It was hard and beautiful to watch at the same time,” Rory shared.

    “The whole day was so special. Thank you to everyone who was there and to everyone who wished they could be there with us. Like me, I know my wife would’ve found a way to see the beauty in this sad day,” Rory added.

    Bill Gaither provided Rory Feek with a short video excerpt of Joey Feek’s public memorial, so he could share it with those who read his blog.

    Last Sunday’s public memorial service for the Joey + Rory singer was the final service for Joey Feek. Rory Feek, family members, and close friends celebrated her life at a private funeral on their Tennessee farm on the Tuesday before. Joey was buried afterward in the small family cemetery on the farm.

    Now it’s time for Rory Feek to start figuring out how to move forward–as a single dad to little Indiana, and as a husband without his beloved wife. Indy won’t leave his side in the days since she lost her mother. That’s to be expected, though.

    There are no doubt countless people who are praying for Rory Feek to find his way–a new way.

    He’ll put the pieces of a new life together. He knows Joey is watching him, and expecting him to do exactly that.

  • Rory Feek Shares Poignant Memories, Video of Joey Feek’s Public Memorial Service

    Rory Feek Shares Poignant Memories, Video of Joey Feek’s Public Memorial Service

    Rory Feek shared poignant memories of the memorial service celebrating the life of his late wife, Joey Feek, in her hometown of Alexandria, Indiana on Sunday, on his blog, This Life I Live on Friday.

    “We took one final tour-bus ride home. To Joey’s town. To grieve with and celebrate with the people in her community. And to lift up one of their own with tears and joy and songs and speeches,” Rory wrote.

    “In the Alexandria High School gymnasium–the same place where Joey had played basketball and volleyball and cheered for her home team–a few thousand people gathered together in her honor. But this time, the cheers were all for her.”

    Rory Feek explained that while two-year-old daughter Indiana napped following their drive from Tennessee, he sat on the floor of the Joey + Rory tour bus and jotted down a few things we wanted to say at Joey’s memorial.

    “A few minutes before, as Indy was still napping, I sat in the back hallway of the bus and did my best to come up with a few words to say…to thank this town and to lift up my beautiful bride and this community,” Rory penned.

    “Bill and Gloria Gaither hosted the celebration and they and a number of family and friends came up one by one to speak. Joey’s mother and father sang a hymn and shared a few words from their hearts. Her sister Jody talked about being by our side as Joey’s caregiver for the last few months and how Joey has impacted her as a woman and mother. And hometown-hero Carl Erskine, who pitched for the Dodgers in 40’s and 50’s played his harmonica and shared wisdom about raising a child with Down Syndrome with me. Joey’s high school coach Mr Howell even gave me a letter jacket from the high school with Joey’s name on it. An honor that is especially meaningful to a man who’s favorite movie is ‘Hoosiers’ and never lived in one town long enough to play sports or get the chance to try to earn one on his own,” he added.

    Following Rory Feek’s turn to speak at Joey’s memorial, he and Indy watched a video featuring Joey Feek.

    “It was hard and beautiful to watch at the same time,” he shared.

    “The whole day was so special. Thank you to everyone who was there and to everyone who wished they could be there with us. Like me, I know my wife would’ve found a way to see the beauty in this sad day,” Rory added.

    Bill Gaither gave Rory Feek a short excerpt of Joey’s memorial to share on his blog.

    Sunday’s memorial service for the Joey + Rory singer was the final service for Joey Feek. Rory Feek, family members, and close friends celebrated her life at a private funeral on their Tennessee farm on the Tuesday before. Joey was buried afterward in the small family cemetery on the farm.

    Now that the services are over, Rory Feek can start figuring out how to move forward–as a single dad to little Indiana, and as a husband without his beloved wife. Surely countless people are praying for Rory Feek to find his way.

  • Rory Feek Pictured Grieving at Joey Feek’s Grave, Details on Joey + Rory Singer’s Funeral and Burial

    Rory Feek is seen grieving at the grave of his beloved wife, Joey Feek, in a sorrowful photo shared on his blog, This Life I Live.

    Following the funeral for the Joey + Rory singer on Tuesday, Rory Feek took to his blog to express a plethora of emotions, as well as to share several photos from the simple, private service for his precious Joey that was held on their farm.

    “On Tuesday we laid my beautiful wife to rest,” Rory Feek writes. “In a grove of sassafras trees behind our farmhouse, with friends and family gathered around, we said goodbye to the greatest person I have ever known.”

    “The service started in our barn/concert hall. The last time we were on that stage, was in early October and Joey and I were singing together. But now, a photograph of Joey was in the spotlight…and I was one of many who were there to honor her,” he continues.

    Rory Feek goes on to detail the several close friends and family members who either spoke or sang in honor of Joey. He then describes how he felt when it was his turn to share his thoughts.

    “When it came my time to speak, I walked up on the stage and stood looking at my wife’s sweet picture…and words were not enough to let her know how much she meant to me–how much she still means to me,” Rory writes.

    Rory Feek posted a photo on his blog of that sweet picture, as he bent down to gently place a kiss on his late wife’s likeness.

    “And when my time was through and I thought I couldn’t cry anymore tears…they played a video celebrating Joey’s life that our friends Daniel and Gabe made. And my tears were replaced by smiles and laughter and joy and more tears,” Rory pens. “It was so beautiful, set to the song “After You’re Gone” by Iris Dement…a song that Joey loved and requested be played at her service.”

    “Joey’s one hope was that she could “come home” on a beautiful day…and it oh, it was.” Rory Feek shares. “The daffodils were blooming, the grass was green and sky was bright blue.”

    Rory then shared about the walk from the barn to the small cemetery plot out back, where members of his family are laid to rest, and where the ground was prepared ahead of time for Joey Feek’s simple wooden box.

    That simple box was transported to the gravesite by an “1800s wagon” pulled by two mules. He tells how “eight angelic voices” singing “Down by the River to Pray” for the duration of the walk.

    Two-year-old Indiana Feek rode to her mother’s gravesite on her daddy’s strong shoulders.

    Rory Feek describes the afternoon following Joey’s funeral, too. It was filled with loved ones and memories of Joey Feek. Family and friends gathered near the garden she so loved and shared memories evoking both laughter and tears.

    When everyone left that afternoon, Rory describes how he and little Indy took another walk to Joey Feek’s grave. A heart-rending photo shows him solemnly standing over her flower-laden gravesite.

    “And when most of the guest had gone and the sun was starting to fade, Indy and I took the short walk together into the back field to see her mama one more time,” he writes. “And we stayed awhile and talked with her.”

    “And then we took a deep breath and did what Joey would want us to do,” he adds. “We remembered that she’s still with us. She’ll always be with us. In our hearts.”

    “Forever,” Rory Feek concludes, sharing photos of him with a lauging Indy riding on his shoulders, away from Joey’s grave and on to the new life they must now make without their wife and mother.

  • Joey Feek Lies in Grave on Farm She and Rory Feek Shared

    Joey Feek was laid to rest on Tuesday. She lies buried in a grave on the farm she and husband Rory Feek shared.

    On his blog, This Life I Live, Rory shares the details of Joey Feek’s funeral and burial, as well as how he and two-year-old daughter Indiana plan to move forward.

    “On Tuesday we laid my beautiful wife to rest,” the surviving member of the country bluegrass duo Joey + Rory writes. “In a grove of sassafras trees behind our farmhouse, with friends and family gathered around, we said goodbye to the greatest person I have ever known.”

    “The service started in our barn/concert hall. The last time we were on that stage, was in early October and Joey and I were singing together. But now, a photograph of Joey was in the spotlight…and I was one of many who were there to honor her,” he continues.

    Rory goes on to mention several close friends and family members who spoke or sang in honor of Joey Feek, and then talks about his feelings as his turn to speak arrived.

    “When it came my time to speak, I walked up on the stage and stood looking at my wife’s sweet picture…and words were not enough to let her know how much she meant to me–how much she still means to me,” Rory writes.

    Rory posted a photo on his blog of a photo of Joey Feek, with him bending down to kiss her likeness.

    “And when my time was through and I thought I couldn’t cry anymore tears…they played a video celebrating Joey’s life that our friends Daniel and Gabe made. And my tears were replaced by smiles and laughter and joy and more tears,” Rory pens. “It was so beautiful, set to the song “After You’re Gone” by Iris Dement…a song that Joey loved and requested be played at her service.”

    “Joey’s one hope was that she could “come home” on a beautiful day…and it oh, it was.” Rory Feek shares. “The daffodils were blooming, the grass was green and sky was bright blue.”

    Joey Feek was laid in a “simple wooden box,” per her wishes. Rory explains she was transported from the funeral to the burial site on an “1800’s wagon” pulled by mules.

    “Angelic voices” sang “Down by the River to Pray” as everyone walked alongside the wagon on their way to bury Joey. Indiana rode on her daddy’s shoulders.

    Later, when all the friends and family members left, Rory describes how he and little Indy took another walk to Joey Feek’s grave. A heart-rending photo shows him solemnly standing over her flower-laden gravesite–his head bowed in prayer.

    “And when most of the guest had gone and the sun was starting to fade, Indy and I took the short walk together into the back field to see her mama one more time,” he writes. “And we stayed awhile and talked with her.”

    “And then we took a deep breath and did what Joey would want us to do,” he adds. “We remembered that she’s still with us. She’ll always be with us. In our hearts.”

    “Forever,” Rory Feek concludes, sharing photos of him with a smiling Indy riding on his shoulders, away from Joey Feek’s grave and home to start their new life without her.

    A memorial service was held on Sunday in Joey Feek’s hometown in Indiana. Hosted by Bill and Gloria Gaither, it was expected that Rory would speak at the memorial that was open to the public.

  • Rory Feek Grieves at Joey Feek’s Grave in Heart-Rending Photo

    Rory Feek is seen grieving at the grave of his beloved wife, Joey Feek, in a heart-rending photo shared on his blog, This Life I Live.

    Following Joey’s funeral on Tuesday, Rory Feek took to his blog to express a wealth of emotions, and to share several photos from the simple, private service that was held on their farm.

    “On Tuesday we laid my beautiful wife to rest,” the surviving member of the country bluegrass duo Joey + Rory writes. “In a grove of sassafras trees behind our farmhouse, with friends and family gathered around, we said goodbye to the greatest person I have ever known.”

    “The service started in our barn/concert hall. The last time we were on that stage, was in early October and Joey and I were singing together. But now, a photograph of Joey was in the spotlight…and I was one of many who were there to honor her,” he continues.

    Rory Feek goes on to mention several close friends and family members who spoke or sang in honor of Joey Feek, and then describes how he felt as his turn to speak arrived.

    “When it came my time to speak, I walked up on the stage and stood looking at my wife’s sweet picture…and words were not enough to let her know how much she meant to me–how much she still means to me,” Rory writes.

    Rory Feek posted a photo on his blog that shows him kissing a photo of his precious Joey.

    “And when my time was through and I thought I couldn’t cry anymore tears…they played a video celebrating Joey’s life that our friends Daniel and Gabe made. And my tears were replaced by smiles and laughter and joy and more tears,” Rory pens. “It was so beautiful, set to the song “After You’re Gone” by Iris Dement…a song that Joey loved and requested be played at her service.”

    “Joey’s one hope was that she could “come home” on a beautiful day…and it oh, it was.” Rory Feek shares. “The daffodils were blooming, the grass was green and sky was bright blue.”

    No doubt through many tears, Rory goes on to write about the trip–on foot–from the barn to Joey Feek’s gravesite.

    The singer/songwriter describes Joey Feek’s “simple wooden box,” and how it was transported to her grave on an “1800’s wagon” pulled by mules, accompanied by “eight angelic voices” singing “Down by the River to Pray” throughout the walk.

    Two-year-old Indiana Feek rode to her mother’s grave on her daddy’s shoulders.

    Rory Feek describes the afternoon following Joey’s funeral. It was filled with loved ones and memories of Joey Feek. Family and friends gathered near the garden she loved and shared both laughter and tears.

    Later, when everyone left, Rory Feek describes how he and little Indy took another walk to Joey Feek’s grave. A heart-rending photo shows him solemnly standing over her flower-laden gravesite.

    “And when most of the guest had gone and the sun was starting to fade, Indy and I took the short walk together into the back field to see her mama one more time,” he writes. “And we stayed awhile and talked with her.”

    “And then we took a deep breath and did what Joey would want us to do,” he adds. “We remembered that she’s still with us. She’ll always be with us. In our hearts.”

    “Forever,” Rory Feek concludes, sharing photos of him with a smiling Indy riding on his shoulders, away from Joey’s grave and on to the rest of their lives without her.

  • Rory Feek Lays Wife Joey Feek to Rest in “Tearful, But Optimistic” Funeral

    Rory Feek, the surviving member of the country/bluegrass duo Joey + Rory, laid his wife Joey Feek to rest in a private funeral earlier this week.

    Bill Gaither of Gaither Gospel Hour fame spoke to People magazine about the music, Rory Feek’s poignant words, and the celebration of Joey Feek’s life.

    “It was tearful, but it was optimistic, especially being on the dirt,” Bill Gaither said. “She was part of the earth. We all felt as though we were close to her.”

    Joey Feek’s casket was placed on a horse-drawn carriage. Rory Feek spoke at the service that preceded the burial on the family farm.

    “Singers were performing ‘Let’s Go Down to the River to Pray,’” Gaither shared. “It was just a sweet Tennessee mountain moment. Very positive things were said at the gravesite.”

    Gaither adds that while Rory Feek is devastated over Joey’s passing, he is drawing strength from his faith–especially for his two-year-old daughter Indiana.

    the mail lady delivered big smiles to us today…. hand-sewn hats, made with love.

    A photo posted by Joey+Rory (@roryandjoey) on

    “He said, ‘This is the first day of the rest of my life. I have responsibilities.’ I think that’s pretty special,” Gaither said. “[He’s thinking], ‘What is the next step?’”

    Both Bill and wife Gloria Gaither were close friends with Joey Feek’s family, and since Rory came on the scene–with him as well.

    “They’ve been married only 15 years, but I think they would say 15 great, fantastic years,” he said of Joey and Rory Feek. “I look at people who have been married 50 or 60 years and I say, ‘What would they give for 15 great years out of the 50 or 60?’”

    Rory Feek is expected to speak at a public memorial for Joey to be held on Sunday in Alexandria, Indiana. It is being planned by Bill and Gloria Gaither.

    “It’s a special way for the family to say thanks to the community and for the community to love on the family,” Gaither said of the upcoming memorial.

    Rory Feek bid a bittersweet goodbye to wife Joey one week ago. He shared word of her passing via his blog, This Life I Live.

    “My wife’s greatest dream came true today. She is in Heaven,” he began.

    “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,” Rory penned.

    “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,” Rory wrote.

    From that moment forward, Rory Feek knew it would fall upon him to keep his beloved Joey’s memory alive for their little girl. He has a long road ahead of him, but he also has the strong Christian faith he and Joey shared.

    Once Sunday’s memorial for Joey is over, then Rory Feek will put one foot in front of the other, and set about fulfilling those wishes Joey asked of him.

    May he find peace in his darkest days.

  • Rory Feek, Joey + Rory Singer, Lays Joey Feek to Rest on Family Farm

    Rory Feek, the surviving member of the country/bluegrass duo Joey + Rory, laid wife Rory Feek to rest on Tuesday morning at their farm in Maury County, Tennessee.

    Joey Feek died on Friday at her childhood home in Alabama. Rory Feek shared word of her passing via his blog, This Life I Live.

    “My wife’s greatest dream came true today,” Rory Feek wrote. “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.”

    The day after Joey died, Rory Feek and their two-year-old daughter Indiana returned to their farm in Tennessee to prepare for Joey’s funeral.

    …making plans that I hoped we would never have to make.

    A photo posted by Joey+Rory (@roryandjoey) on

    Rory Feek, family members, and very close friends said goodbye to Joey Feek at the farm on Tuesday morning, after which she was buried in a family cemetery located on the farm.

    A public memorial service for Joey Feek will be held on Sunday in Indiana. It is being hosted by Bill and Gloria Gaither. It’s uncertain if Rory Feek will travel back to Indiana to attend the memorial.

    Rory Feek has a long road ahead of him. He will now raise little Indy as a single dad. Indiana Feek has Down syndrome, which comes with a wealth of complications for some people. It’s unknown if Indiana has many–or any–of those common health issues.

    Rory Feek and his late wife shared a very strong Christian faith that carried them both through Joey Feek’s cancer ordeal. Rory will now rely on that faith to see him through the difficult days ahead.

  • Joey Feek Obituary Published, Funeral Plans Announced–Joey + Rory Singer to Be Laid to Rest On Tennessee Farm

    Joey Feek, one-half of the Joey + Rory Grammy-nominated country/bluegrass duo, died on Friday at the age of 40. As per her wishes, she will be buried on the farm she and husband Rory Feek own in Tennessee.

    Fans may read and sign a guest book via her obituary.

    On the day of Joey’s passing, Rory Feek wrote in his blog, This Life I Live, that he would soon pack up daughter Indiana and head back to the farm. Joey Feek lived out her last months in hospice care at her childhood home in Indiana.

    “So if it’s okay, I’m gonna close, wipe my tears and pack our bags to hit the road headed south. She’s already got a head-start on me,” Rory wrote on the day Joey died.

    Earlier in his post he shared word of his beloved Joey Feek’s passing.

    “My wife’s greatest dream came true today. She is in Heaven,” he wrote through his tears.

    “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,” he added.

    “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.”

    Joey Feek’s life will be celebrated in a private funeral. That means fans will have to find another way to say goodbye to and honor the Joey + Rory singer.

    Any fans who would like to remember Joey Feek in a special way are urged to send a small donation to the following address:

    Joey and Indy
    P.O. Box 5471
    Vancouver, WA 98668

    Rory Feek has returned to the couple’s Tennessee farm along with daughter Indiana. He captioned a photo of him with Indy that perfectly depicts how Joey Feek felt about dying, and how she felt about Rory following her wishes.

    “Home,” it is captioned.

    A photo posted by Joey+Rory (@roryandjoey) on

    In the coming days, Joey Feek’s body will be buried at that home, in a simple wooden box.

  • Rory Feek, Daughter Indiana Return to Tennessee Farm in Wake of Joey Feek’s Passing

    Rory Feek, the remaining half of the country/bluegrass duo Joey + Rory, returned to his Tennessee farm this weekend, in the wake of wife Joey Feek’s passing. He and two-year-old daughter Indiana have a lot of healing to do in the coming weeks and months.

    Joey Feek passed away on Friday, following a nearly two-year battle with cancer. Rory Feek shared word of her death on his blog, This Life I Live.

    “My wife’s greatest dream came true today. She is in Heaven,” Rory wrote through his tears.

    “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,” he added.

    “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.”

    Toward the end of his post, Rory Feek wrote he and Indy would soon return home to Tennessee.

    “So if it’s okay, I’m gonna close, wipe my tears and pack our bags to hit the road headed south. She’s already got a head-start on me,” he penned.

    On Saturday, Rory Feek shared some photos via Instagram that show him and little Indy on their Tennessee farm.

    “Home,” he captioned this one.

    A photo posted by Joey+Rory (@roryandjoey) on

    “Spring,” he captioned another shot of the farm.

    A photo posted by Joey+Rory (@roryandjoey) on

    Rory Feek will soon lay his beloved Joey to rest on the farm they both loved. She told Rory in recent days that the flowers would soon bloom on the farm, and that meant it was time to go home.

    Joey Feek went home to Jesus. Rory Feek returned–without her–to their farm.

    Joey will be buried in a simple wooden box and buried on their farm. Funeral services will be private. Fans who wish to honor Joey and Rory in some way may contribute to the following:

    Joey and Indy
    P.O. Box 5471
    Vancouver, WA 98668

    Rory Feek wrote in the weeks prior to Joey’s passing that the music of Joey + Rory won’t go on without his wife. He claims he won’t sing again without his precious Joey.

    Maybe time on the farm with Indiana will soften his heart, and a song will once again take root there.

    Rory Feek believes Joey is now singing with the angels in Heaven. Hopefully one day he, too, will make music again.

  • Rory Feek Mourns Passing of His Beloved Joey, Will Raise Daughter Indiana as Single Dad

    Rory Feek is mourning the passing of his beloved wife, Joey Feek, who died at the age of 40 on Friday, following a lengthy cancer battle. Rory maintains Joey didn’t lose her battle, however. Instead he believes she won.

    Journaling his way through his wife’s illness on his blog, This Life I Live, Rory Feek shared word of Joey Feek’s passing on Friday afternoon.

    “My wife’s greatest dream came true today. She is in Heaven,” Rory wrote.

    “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,” he continued.

    “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.”

    Clinging to the strong Christian beliefs he and Joey Feek shared, Rory Feek will now go on to raise their daughter, two-year-old Indiana, as a single dad. And while that struggle is great, Rory faces one that is even greater. Indiana Feek has Down syndrome.

    Children with Down syndrome, as Joey and Rory maintained from their moment Joey gave birth to little Indy, are precious gifts from God. No different from other children in so many ways, they love to smile, laugh, play, and fight life’s little battles with energy and perseverance. Unlike many other children, kids with Down syndrome endure a lifetime of developmental delays. Some endure a lifetime of physical ailments, too. Some of those ailments include heart problems, poor hearing and eyesight, and a bevy of respiratory illnesses. It’s uncertain which–if any–Indiana Feek was born with. Depending on her health concerns, Rory Feek could spend a good part of his life visiting doctors with Indy.

    Another concern among parents of children with Down syndrome is who will care for them when their parent or parents are either unable or pass away. Rory Feek is almost 50. Even if he lives into his 80s, Indiana will only be in her 30s. He will need to plan ahead for her care in preparation for the day when he can no longer provide it.

    Although many people with Down syndrome grow up to live independent lives, most require some sort of care or supervision for their entire lives.

    Fortunately Rory Feek is surrounded by many people who love him, and love Indiana, too. His grown daughters, Hopie and Heidi, are a great source of comfort.

    Life won’t be easy for Rory Feek in the weeks and months to come. Armed with his faith and his ongoing love for Joey, he will no doubt move forward, doing all Joey Feek expected of him in light of her passing.

    It will be interesting to see if Rory Feek holds fast to his claim made in recent weeks, that he won’t sing any more once Joey died. His music–even as just half of the country/bluegrass duo Joey + Rory–could be the perfect therapy along his road to healing his aching heart.

    Rory will long be reminded of Joey Feek’s love–especially when he looks into the face of his sweet little Indiana. Hopefully one day soon he will feel her strength, too, and take the steps needed to make a wonderful life for himself and for his little girl.

    Lots of people are praying for Rory Feek and his daughter. He is no doubt surrounded by love at this painful time.

  • Joey Feek: Joey + Rory Singer Kisses Daughter Indiana Goodbye and Goes Into “Deep Sleep,” Nears End of Her Life

    Joey Feek, one-half of the country/bluegrass duo known as Joey + Rory, has been in a “deep sleep” for a few days now, and hospice caregivers told husband Rory she has a few days–at most–to live.

    Battling cancer since her 2014 diagnosis, Joey Feek fought a good fight. She told husband Rory Feek last week she was done fighting.

    “Joey has done all she set out to do… even right to the very end, and by sheer will-power (and God’s grace), she was still here to to see our baby’s 2nd birthday. Over the last number of weeks her pain had gotten worse and her health had continued to decline rapidly. And not long after Indy’s birthday my wife decided that ‘enough is enough’. She was ready to stop fighting and she told me so. She said the flowers would soon be blooming back in Tennessee. It’s time to go home,” Rory Feek posted on his blog, This Life I Live, on Monday.

    “Joey gathered her family together around her and she said goodbye to each of them… to her mother and father and her three sisters. There were lots of tears as she explained to each one how much she loved them and that she was going to be going home soon. That her time here was done and she was going to go to sleep soon. And then she asked me to bring our baby in. And so… I set our little Indy on Joey’s lap and we all cried with my wife as she told her how much her mama loved her and, ‘…you be a big girl for your papa… and that mama will be watching over you.’ And then she pulled Indiana up and she kissed her,” he added. “One last kiss.”

    Rory went on to write that his better half–Joey Feek–is truly nearing the end.

    “My wife has been asleep for days now and her body is shutting down quickly. The hospice nurse came again this morning and said Joey will most-likely only be with us for a few more days… at the most,” he wrote.

    “A few more days…In the 40 short years that Joey has lived, my bride has accomplished many great things…she’s lived a very full life. But even more than that, she has loved those around her greatly and been loved greatly in return. I can honestly say that Joey’s isn’t just a life well-lived, it’s a life well-loved,” Rory wrote.

    “God only gives each of us a certain amount of time to be on this earth and every day when we wake up, we get to decide how we are going to spend those precious minutes and hours. There are no do-overs, no second-chances, no next-time-around’s to get it right. Joey knew this and she has made each and every day count. One of the last things Joey said before she drifted into the deep sleep she’s been in for a few days now is, ‘I have no regrets… I can honestly say, that I have done everything I wanted to do and lived the life I always wanted to live,’” Rory shared.

    Joey Feek lived long enough to realize some milestones in recent weeks, most of which no one believed she’d live to see. She lived to see the release of the new Joey + Rory album, and she learned it hit number one on the Billboard Country charts. She lived to see a Joey + Rory song announced as a nominee on the Grammy Awards. She spent one last romantic Valentine’s Day with her beloved Rory. And she lived to see their sweet little girl, Indiana Feek, celebrate her second birthday.

    Joey Feek has fought the good fight and she doesn’t want to fight any more. She believes strongly she will soon be in Jesus’s loving arms. The strong Christian faith Rory and Joey Faith have long shared will help keep Rory strong in the dark days ahead.

  • Joey and Rory’s Joey Feek: Rory Writes She’s in “Deep Sleep,” Won’t Live Much Longer

    Joey and Rory singer Joey Feek has reportedly been in a “deep sleep” for days, and hospice caregivers told Rory Feek she likely won’t live more than a few days at most.

    Best known as the country/bluegrass duo Joey + Rory, Joey was diagnosed with cancer back in 2014. She stopped treatments this past fall, and has slowly wasted away since then.

    Although Joey’s body has failed her in recent weeks, her heart and mind stayed sharp until she fell into a deep sleep a few days ago.

    Rory Feek writes about these latest developments in his blog, This Life I Live, where he has kept Joey + Rory fans abreast of Joey’s health for months.

    “Joey has done all she set out to do… even right to the very end, and by sheer will-power (and God’s grace), she was still here to to see our baby’s 2nd birthday. Over the last number of weeks her pain had gotten worse and her health had continued to decline rapidly. And not long after Indy’s birthday my wife decided that ‘enough is enough’. She was ready to stop fighting and she told me so. She said the flowers would soon be blooming back in Tennessee. It’s time to go home,” Rory posted on February 29.

    “Joey gathered her family together around her and she said goodbye to each of them… to her mother and father and her three sisters. There were lots of tears as she explained to each one how much she loved them and that she was going to be going home soon. That her time here was done and she was going to go to sleep soon. And then she asked me to bring our baby in. And so… I set our little Indy on Joey’s lap and we all cried with my wife as she told her how much her mama loved her and, ‘…you be a big girl for your papa… and that mama will be watching over you.’ And then she pulled Indiana up and she kissed her,” he added. “One last kiss.”

    Rory went on to write that his better half–one-half of Joey + Rory–is truly near the end.

    “My wife has been asleep for days now and her body is shutting down quickly. The hospice nurse came again this morning and said Joey will most-likely only be with us for a few more days… at the most,” he wrote.

    “A few more days…In the 40 short years that Joey has lived, my bride has accomplished many great things…she’s lived a very full life. But even more than that, she has loved those around her greatly and been loved greatly in return. I can honestly say that Joey’s isn’t just a life well-lived, it’s a life well-loved,” Rory penned.

    “God only gives each of us a certain amount of time to be on this earth and every day when we wake up, we get to decide how we are going to spend those precious minutes and hours. There are no do-overs, no second-chances, no next-time-around’s to get it right. Joey knew this and she has made each and every day count. One of the last things Joey said before she drifted into the deep sleep she’s been in for a few days now is, ‘I have no regrets… I can honestly say, that I have done everything I wanted to do and lived the life I always wanted to live,’” Rory added.

    Joey Feek reached some milestones in recent weeks, most of which no one believed she’d live to see. She lived to see the release of the new Joey + Rory album, and she learned it hit number one on the Billboard Country charts. She lived to see a Joey + Rory song announced as a nominee on the Grammy Awards. She spent one last romantic Valentine’s Day with Rory. And she lived to see their sweet little girl, Indiana Feek, turn two years old.

    Joey, as Rory wrote, is tired. She’s fought the good fight and she doesn’t want to fight any more. She believes strongly she will soon be in her savior’s arms in Heaven. That faith is what will help keep Rory strong in the dark days ahead.

    Joey and Rory asked to have a very special song added to their latest album, “Hymns That Are Important to Us,” before it was released. That song, “When I’m Gone,” will soon hold very special meaning for Rory Feek.

  • Joey Feek of Joey + Rory Fame in “Deep Sleep,” Said Her Goodbyes and Has Just Days–at Most–to Live

    Joey Feek of Joey + Rory Fame in “Deep Sleep,” Said Her Goodbyes and Has Just Days–at Most–to Live

    Joey Feek of country/bluegrass duo Joey + Rory fame is close to the end of her long battle with cancer. Husband Rory wrote about how Joey Feek hasn’t been awake for days, and that she doesn’t have much time left.

    Rory Feek has kept fans, family members, and friends apprised of Joey Feek’s condition for months now, on his blog, This Life I Live. In a February 29 post, he shared that Joey has said her goodbyes to everyone.

    “Joey has done all she set out to do… even right to the very end, and by sheer will-power (and God’s grace), she was still here to to see our baby’s 2nd birthday. Over the last number of weeks her pain had gotten worse and her health had continued to decline rapidly. And not long after Indy’s birthday my wife decided that ‘enough is enough’. She was ready to stop fighting and she told me so. She said the flowers would soon be blooming back in Tennessee. It’s time to go home,” Rory penned through his tears.

    “Joey gathered her family together around her and she said goodbye to each of them… to her mother and father and her three sisters. There were lots of tears as she explained to each one how much she loved them and that she was going to be going home soon. That her time here was done and she was going to go to sleep soon. And then she asked me to bring our baby in. And so… I set our little Indy on Joey’s lap and we all cried with my wife as she told her how much her mama loved her and, ‘…you be a big girl for your papa… and that mama will be watching over you.’ And then she pulled Indiana up and she kissed her,” he adds. “One last kiss.”

    Rory went on to write that Joey Feek is truly near the end.

    “My wife has been asleep for days now and her body is shutting down quickly. The hospice nurse came again this morning and said Joey will most-likely only be with us for a few more days… at the most,” he shares.

    “A few more days…In the 40 short years that Joey has lived, my bride has accomplished many great things…she’s lived a very full life. But even more than that, she has loved those around her greatly and been loved greatly in return. I can honestly say that Joey’s isn’t just a life well-lived, it’s a life well-loved,” Rory writes.

    “God only gives each of us a certain amount of time to be on this earth and every day when we wake up, we get to decide how we are going to spend those precious minutes and hours. There are no do-overs, no second-chances, no next-time-around’s to get it right. Joey knew this and she has made each and every day count. One of the last things Joey said before she drifted into the deep sleep she’s been in for a few days now is, ‘I have no regrets… I can honestly say, that I have done everything I wanted to do and lived the life I always wanted to live,’” Rory adds.

    Joey Feek has reached a point most believed she’d reach weeks, if not months, ago. Instead she lived to see the release of the new Joey + Rory album, and she learned it hit number one on the Billboard Country charts. She lived to see a Joey+ Rory song announced as a nominee on the Grammy Awards. She spent one last romantic Valentine’s Day with her husband. And she lived to see their precious little girl, Indiana, turn two years old.

    Joey Feek, as Rory wrote, is tired. She’s fought the good fight and she doesn’t want to fight any more. She believes strongly she will soon be in her savior’s arms in Heaven. That faith is what will help keep Rory strong in the dark days ahead.

    Joey Feek has set such an incredible example for so many. She’s taught us that life is precious, and that it’s a gift. And she treasured every single moment of it for as long as she could.

    Soon those who prayed for Joey Feek will pray for Rory in the wake of her passing. They’ll pray for strength in his toughest days, and for loved ones to surround him and Indiana.

    Life won’t be easy for Rory when his beloved Joey is gone, but he’ll have no regrets.

    Rory has stood by Joey Feek nearly every minute of every day since she went home to her childhood home to die. Now it seems that day is coming soon.

  • Joey Feek Continues to Amaze and Inspire, Joey + Rory Singer Prepares Dinner from Deathbed

    Joey Feek has been a source of strength and inspiration for so many during her cancer battle. In hospice care at her childhood home in Indiana, husband Rory Feek–the other half of the country/bluegrass Joey + Rory–has chronicled their ups and downs on his blog, This Life I Live.

    On Sunday, Rory shared a photo on Instagram that clearly depicts the love and determination still fully present in Joey Feek, as she prepares dinner for her family from her deathbed.

    “when a mother can’t get to the kitchen, but wants so much to help make her family dinner… you bring the kitchen to mama,” Rory captioned the photo of Joey Feek–in bed, with bowls and ingredients at arms’ length.

    A photo posted by Joey+Rory (@roryandjoey) on

    Just days ago Joey Feek celebrated several milestones she and her family never expected she would live to see. She celebrated the release of the new Joey + Rory album, “Hymns That Are Important to Us,” just before Valentine’s Day. She celebrated Valentine’s Day with her beloved Rory and their daughter Indiana. Joey and Rory watched the Grammy Awards the next night. Even though their song, “If I Needed You,” didn’t win a Grammy, they celebrated Joey Feek living to watch their name announced at the awards show.

    Probably the biggest milestone for Joey Feek, however, was living to celebrate daughter Indiana’s second birthday on Wednesday of last week. Joey and Rory had taken to celebrating Indy’s birthday by the month, fearing Joey wouldn’t live to see her precious little girl turn two.

    Rory Feek shared that precious day on Instagram, too.

    “..some birthdays are more than just birthdays. They’re dreams coming true and prayers being answered,” he captioned a photo of Indiana and Joey Feek sharing love and laughter in Joey’s bed.

    A photo posted by Joey+Rory (@roryandjoey) on

    Joey Feek is astonishing. Just when fans–close friends and family members, too–fear the end is imminent, she surprises everyone with her strength and determination. Seeing Joey Feek preparing dinner from her deathbed is just one such instance those who love and admire the ailing singer will surely never forget.

  • Joey Feek Lives to See Daughter Indiana’s Second Birthday, Celebrates Several Milestones from Deathbed

    Joey Feek reach a milestone she prayed and prayed to see. On Wednesday her little girl Indiana celebrated her second birthday, and Joey Feek lived to celebrate, albeit from her deathbed.

    Rory Feek shared an awe-inspiring Instagram post on Wednesday, showing a smiling Joey Feek with their birthday girl.

    “…some birthdays are more than just birthdays. They’re dreams coming true and prayers being answered,” he captioned the precious photo.

    A photo posted by Joey+Rory (@roryandjoey) on

    Little Indy’s birthday was the third milestone Joey Feek achieved in recent days. She wanted to live to see the new Joey + Rory album released. “Hymns That Are Important to Us” came out last Friday. Joey wanted to see one last Valentine’s Day, which she celebrated with her husband on Sunday. Then on Monday, she and Rory, along with several of their family members and dear friends, watched the Grammy Awards. Joey + Rory received their first-ever Grammy Award nomination for their song, “If I Needed You.” Although they lost out to Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush,” the country/bluegrass duo is more than thrilled with their nomination. Rory Feek’s daughters from a previous relationship–Hopie and Heidi–attended the Grammy Awards on behalf of Joey and Rory.

    “…more than enough,” Rory captioned this photo of the one and only Joey + Rory Grammy Award nomination medal.

    A photo posted by Joey+Rory (@roryandjoey) on

    Joey Feek has been in hospice care since early fall, when she learned her chemotherapy and radiation treatments weren’t working. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer back in 2014, and the cancer has since spread.

    Yes, Joey Feek achieved milestones in the past week, but she gave Rory and her family so much more. They will long remember her presence as they watched the Grammy Awards. Rory will always remember the last Valentine’s Day with the woman who–even after 14 years of marriage–he calls his bride. And an abundance of photos likely exist to show Indiana one day that her mommy fought a long fight, but stayed to celebrate her second birthday.

    Joey Feek is an example of strength, and an example of strong Christian faith. She has inspired many through her recent fight.

    Joey + Rory music will continue to provide that inspiration, long after Joey Feek is gone.

  • Joey Feek Lives to Celebrate Daughter Indiana’s Second Birthday

    Joey Feek lived to meet several milestones she hoped to see this week. She wanted to live to see Valentine’s Day. She and husband Rory Feek went on their first date on Valentine’s Day several years ago. Joey Feek wanted to live to see this year’s Grammy Awards. She and Rory–the country bluegrass duo known as Joey + Rory–were nominated for a Grammy Award, and Joey was determined to watch the festivities on TV.

    More important than both Valentine’s Day and the Grammy Awards, Joey Feek wanted to live to celebrate daughter Indiana’s second birthday. That is today. Rory Feek posted a picture of the mother and daughter on their Facebook page this morning. He noted that this was more than just a birthday. It was a dream come true.

    …some birthdays are more than just birthdays. They're dreams coming true and prayers being answered.

    Posted by Joey and Rory on Wednesday, February 17, 2016

    Joey Feek is dying of cancer, and weeks ago these milestones seemed like impossibilities. She made it to see all three, however, although her body is quickly growing weaker and she is often in pain.

    Rory Feek also shared a short video clip of little Indiana, shortly after she woke up on her birthday.

    …barely awake and already celebrating.

    Posted by Joey and Rory on Wednesday, February 17, 2016

    Rory also shared a photo of Indiana’s birthday breakfast, as “Uncle Russdriver,” Joey and Rory’s tour bus driver, fed her a meal.

    …birthday breakfast fun w uncle Russdriver

    Posted by Joey and Rory on Wednesday, February 17, 2016

    These milestones Joey Feek lived to see must be awfully bittersweet for both her and Rory–as well as for their close friends and family members. Knowing she achieved them no doubt feels good, but understanding she could soon breathe her very last breath must hurt terribly, too.

  • Joey and Rory Feek Thankful for Extra Days They’ve Had Together in Spite of Terminal Cancer

    Joey and Rory Feek are grateful for every day they’ve spent together. The country/bluegrass duo known as Joey + Rory didn’t expect to have as many days as they’ve enjoyed, but in their eyes God has been good. Joey Feek wasn’t expected to live until Thanksgiving, and now–at nearly the end of January–she is still alive.

    Diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014, Joey Feek has fought a hard battle, one she learned this fall she wasn’t going to win. Doctors told her the chemo she’d undergone for the treatment of her cancer hadn’t worked. She returned to her childhood home in Indiana, under hospice care, where she has been ever since.

    Rory Feek has chronicled Joey’s cancer battle in his blog, This Life I Live. His most recent post, “The Power of the Plus-Sign,” provides fodder for some good, long contemplation.

    “It was faith that we added,” Rory writes, addressing the couple’s strong relationship with God. “A willingness to trust Him and be okay with whatever He had in store.”

    Their faith inspired Joey and Rory to “only see the plus’s in our life.”

    “Like all the extra days and weeks that we’ve been given together (the doctors here didn’t expect Joey to make it to Thanksgiving, and here we are near the end of January), and all the beautiful conversations and time we’ve had with her family,” he adds.

    The blog entry ends with a beautiful photo of Joey and Rory’s 23-month-old daughter Indiana.

    “The amazing power of the plus-sign. Joey+Rory = Indy,” he captions it.

    Joey and Rory Feek have likely brought more followers to Jesus Christ during her cancer battle than they will ever know. To see the physical toll the cancer has taken on Joey, and read the inspiring blog posts Rory has shared has no doubt instilled in many of their friends, family members, and fans the knowledge that faith brings with it a wealth of gifts.

    Joey and Rory are abundantly grateful for their gifts, and they’re counting them off–one day at a time.

  • Joey Feek Enjoys Visit from Sister-in-Law, Former Restaurant Co-Owner

    Joey Feek wasn’t always a singer. In fact, she and husband Rory Feek’s sister once ran a restaurant together.

    Those days were part of the reminiscing that took place in recent days as Joey Feek enjoyed a visit from her sister-in-law Marcy.

    Rory shared a photo of the two ladies visiting–along with Joey and Rory Feek’s little girl Indiana–on the couple’s Facebook page.

    …my sister Marcy reminiscing w Joey (and Indy) about how they started the restaurant together nine years ago. What a beautiful blessing Marcy Jo's has been to our family and so many others.

    Posted by Joey and Rory on Tuesday, January 26, 2016

    Marcy and Joey opened Marcy Jo’s Mealhouse back in 2007. It is still in business in Tennessee today.

    Joey Feek–half of the country/bluegrass duo Joey + Rory–is living out her last days in hospice care at her childhood home in Indiana. Suffering from stage IV cervical cancer, doctors told Joey this past fall that chemotherapy treatments weren’t working.

    Knowing the end is near, Joey Feek recently told her husband she’s had conversations with Jesus, and when He is ready for her, she is ready to go home to Him.

    She also has dictated a list of things Rory Feek is to remember to do after she is gone.

    Visits like this one with Rory’s sister are precious to Joey Feek, but likely even more precious to Marcy. Every time a friend or loved one leaves Joey Feek’s side, they likely wonder if they’ll ever see her alive again.

  • Joey Feek Tells Husband Rory What to Remember After She’s Gone

    Joey Feek is increasingly aware that her days on earth are coming to an end. Even in the pain of her final days she is still putting her family first, however.

    Husband Rory Feek–the other half of the country/bluegrass duo know as Joey + Rory–spoke with People magazine, and explained that Joey Feek is most concerned right now with what those she leaves behind remember of her.

    “As Joey has had to learn to come to terms with what is happening to her body and what the future holds, it’s been important to her to share some things that she wants me and our girls to remember after she’s gone,” Rory says.

    Joey Feek will be laid to rest on the property that houses her childhood home. That’s also the place she returned home to under hospice care, to spend her last days with Rory and their daughter Indiana.

    “More than once, I have found myself beside her bed taking notes as she shares things like when the best time to plant the garden will be this spring, how to prune the fruit trees and to make sure we still set aside a percentage of what we make as a tithe each month,” Rory explains.

    Rory is grateful for the family and friends who have helped them in recent months. He is especially thankful for his two daughters from a previous relationship–Heidi, 29, and Hopie, 27.

    “Though Joey didn’t come into their lives until they were teenagers, my girls love her as their mother and she loves them as her own,” Rory says. “They also love their baby sister so much, and they hurt for her and all that Joey is going to miss as she grows up. They have made many trips here from home in Tennessee just to be close to us, spend time with Indy and love on Joey.”

    Joey Feek recently admitted to her husband that she was having many conversations with Jesus, and that when He was ready to take her home to be with Him, she was ready to go.

    “We are surrounded by Joey’s family here in Indiana and life is a revolving door of sisters, parents and nieces and nephews–all pouring love and time into Joey and our little family,” Rory adds. “Though the situation and conditions that brought us here are very difficult, it has been a really beautiful time for Joey and all of us. Not hardly an hour of the day goes by without someone telling someone else that they love them. It’s hard to ask for more than that.”

    Joey Feek will surely be remembered long after she departs this world. In addition to Rory Feek, little Indiana, and her big sisters Hopie and Heidi, she will certainly be remembered by her many fans.

    Rory Feek will long hold the memory of all Joey wants him to remember very close to his heart.

  • Joey Feek Near Death, Morphine Quadrupled to Ease Pain

    Joey Feek, half of the country-bluegrass duo Joey + Rory, is perilously close to death. Her morphine has been quadrupled in the past couple of days to keep the pain at bay.

    Suffering from cervical cancer since a 2014 diagnosis, Joey Feek’s doctor said this fall that chemotherapy treatments weren’t working. Rory Feek brought his wife to her Indiana childhood home, where she has lived out the past few months under hospice care.

    Rory has blogged about Joey Feek’s journey. His most recent post indicates Joey is ready to “come home to Jesus.”

    “Here I sit beside my dying wife,” he penned. “I don’t say those words lightly. As a matter-of-fact, I haven’t said them at all. But my beautiful bride has said them to me in these couple of days. Her pain and discomfort has continued to increase daily and so has the morphine to help her be comfortable. The dosage she’s needed to keep the pain away has quadrupled in the last four days.”

    “I’d like to tell you that she’s doing great and is going to beat this thing,” he wrote, “But I can’t. Yesterday with tears in her eyes and mine, Joey held my hand and told me that she has been having serious talks with Jesus. She said she told him that if He’s ready to take her… she’s ready to come home.”

    Joey Feek set some goals in recent weeks that, and if she passes away as soon as Rory expects, she won’t reach. She wanted to live until February 14–Valentine’s Day–to see the release of a brand new Joey + Rory album. The day after is the broadcast of the Grammy Awards. Rory and Joey Feek had a song nominated for a Grammy Award this year, and Joey prayed to live long enough to see if they win.

    Rory and Joey Feek are parents to a sweet little girl named Indiana. On good days Joey has played with her on the floor. On not such good days she has read her stories in her hospital bed.

    Rory will spend his life keeping Joey Feek alive in his heart, and her memory alive in Indiana’s.

    The strong Christian faith the couple shares ensures them they’ll one day all be together again.

  • Joey Feek: Joey + Rory Singer Lives to Celebrate Christmas

    Joey Feek, one-half of the country-bluegrass duo Joey + Rory, achieved one of her greatest wishes yesterday. She lived to celebrate Christmas.

    Diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014, Feek stopped chemotherapy treatments this fall, when doctors determined they weren’t helping her.

    Joey Feek’s husband and singing partner, Rory Feek, has chronicled their journey on his blog, This Life I Live.

    Joey and Rory shared proof of their Christmas miracle on Facebook, for all their family members, friends, and fans to see.

    …celebrating Christmas with Joey, surrounded by family. The best gift of all. Thank you Lord.

    Posted by Joey and Rory on Friday, December 25, 2015

    Devout Christians, Rory and Joey Feek pray constantly for miracles. Joey living to celebrate Christmas was a miracle in their eyes.

    Since she can now cross Christmas off her bucket list, Joey Feek has a few more miracles she is praying for. She wants to live to see Valentine’s Day. That’s the day the new Joey + Rory album is set to release. She also wants to see the next day, February 15. That’s the day the Grammy Awards air. Joey + Rory received their first-ever Grammy nomination a few weeks ago.

    Living to see Christmas boosted Joey Feek’s faith so much, she now prays she’ll live to see daughter Indiana Feek’s second birthday in February, too. Joey and Rory have celebrated Indiana’s birth by months recently, for fear Joey won’t live to see the actual birthday.

    Prior to Christmas, Joey Feek and her family received a wonderful surprise. Santa Claus arrived at their home, bringing gifts–and inspiration–to all.

    “When the presents were opened and his work was through, Santa found a spot next to Joey and made himself at home–just like an old friend,” Rory Feek wrote on his This Life I Live”>blog. “He said he knew our music (I had no idea Santa was a country music fan) and was a little nervous about coming to see us this evening – not knowing what to expect–or if Joey would be up for their visit. But I think once he saw my bride sitting on the couch and smiling when he came in, and enjoying the evening… he settled in and hopefully had as good a time as we did.”

    Prayers are surely being said by countless people that Joey Feek lives to meet her next milestone. She is certainly living proof that miracles do happen.