Rory Feek commemorates 10th anniversary of Joey Feek’s death

Rory Fike commemorating his late wife Joey Fike Ten years after her death.

on Instagram On Wednesday, March 4, the 60-year-old country music star paid tribute to Joey, who passed away from cervical cancer in March 2016. She is 40 years old.

“Ten years ago today…Joy took her last breath on this earth and moments later took her first breath in heaven,” Rory recalled in a video set against the backdrop of Joy’s gravesite. “While her time on earth was over, her impact on the world was just beginning. In the years to come, millions of people would be moved, moved and inspired by her music and, by extension, her life.”

Rory went on to describe Joey as “by far the bravest man I have ever met” in the heartfelt post.

“Throughout her two-year battle with cervical cancer, she never complained, never felt sorry for herself, and never stopped believing that somehow all of this was part of a greater plan and that one day we would see a purpose that only he could see at the time,” he wrote. “Joy knows what’s most important in life and lives it every day, even and especially in the smallest things.”

The singer also reflected on Joy’s character, noting that while she’s known for her physical beauty and talent, it’s her inner spirit that truly defines her.

“As beautiful as she was, she was even more beautiful on the inside. By the end, when all the outer beauty was taken away, her inner light only grew brighter,” he added. “For the first time in my life, Joey showed me what true, selfless love looks like and inspired us all to live life to the fullest and, more importantly, how to live life to the fullest.”

Rory also talks about Joey’s last weeks and the next chapter of their family, guided by Joy’s love for them. (Rory and Joy married in 2002 and have a 12-year-old daughter, Indiana. After Joy’s death, Rory moved on with Indiana teacher Rebeccahe will get married in July 2024. Rory has children Heidi, 39, and Hopie, 37, with first wife Tamara Gilmer. )

“Over the past few weeks and days, she knew that although her story was coming to an end, and as hard as it was to see at the time… a new story was about to begin for Indy and I,” Rory wrote. She loved us enough to encourage us to love again after she was gone. She was praying for Rebecca, knowing she would be a blessing to us, even though she had never met her. “

At the end of the tribute, Rory explained why Joey’s song “Nothing to Remember” was chosen to accompany this meaningful tribute post.

“This was the first song Joey and I wrote together—long before we were together or had any idea of ​​the incredible life or story God was going to give us in the years to come,” he shared. “It’s a prophetic message about how loving someone makes losing them all the more worth it.”

Joey was first diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014 and relapsed in 2015 with stage 4 cancer. In October 2015, the country singer announced that she would forgo further chemotherapy treatments and instead spend her final days in a hospice.

“I pray one morning I don’t wake up,” the singer told The Tennessean at the time. “I’m not afraid of anything because I’m close to God and we’ve talked about it many times. I know He’s close.”

According to a blog post Rory wrote at the time, Joy died on March 4, 2016, surrounded by her loved ones.

“My wife’s big dream came true today. She is in heaven,” he wrote. “The cancer is gone, the pain is gone, all her tears are gone.”