She’s best known as the beloved half of the country music duo Joey + Rory, where she shared the spotlight with her husband, Rory Lee Feek. Their heartfelt harmonies and authentic storytelling made them a standout act in the genre. Before all the fame, though, her journey began in the most humble of ways—singing in a first-grade talent show, which was really the first hint of the bright future ahead. After high school, she took a different path for a while, working as a veterinary assistant for three years. Then, in 1998, she made the bold move to Nashville, Tennessee, hoping to further her career in veterinary medicine—but life had other plans. Music soon called, and she answered. She married Rory in 2002, and their love story became an inspiration to many. The couple welcomed their daughter, Indiana, on February 17, 2014—a joyful milestone that brought even more meaning to her life. Tragically, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer, she passed away peacefully on March 4, 2016, with Rory by her side. Her legacy, especially through the music she created with Rory Feek, continues to touch hearts around the world.
Back in 2008, she and her husband, performing together as Joey + Rory, made a big splash by securing third place on the CMT reality competition show Can You Duet. Their journey as a musical duo was truly inspiring, and over the years, they built a loyal fanbase. She and her husband continued to create heartfelt music, eventually releasing their seventh and final studio album, Hymns That Are Important to Us, on February 12, 2016. It’s worth noting that this meaningful project not only reflected their deep faith but also resonated widely with listeners. The album made a strong debut, landing right at the top of the Billboard Country Albums chart—a fitting achievement for such a dedicated pair. She always brought sincerity and warmth to every performance, and her legacy continues to touch many.