Introduction
A Song of Love and Loss: Remembering Lorie Pearl Phelps
The world of gospel music is defined by harmony—a blending of voices that offer hope to the weary. But on January 7, 2026, that harmony was met with a heartbreaking pause. David Phelps, the legendary tenor known for his incredible range and his years with the Gaither Vocal Band, shared the devastating news that his wife and partner of 35 years, Lorie Pearl Phelps, had passed away suddenly at the age of 56.
A Sudden Tragedy
The news sent shockwaves through the Christian music community. The tragedy unfolded on a quiet Thursday evening at the family’s 100-acre farm in Culleoka, Tennessee. Following a busy 2025 Christmas tour, the couple was preparing for a simple dinner when Lorie suffered a massive, catastrophic heart attack. Despite the swift arrival of emergency responders, she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a hospital in Columbia, Tennessee.
David, reflecting on the shock of the moment, described it as a “thunderclap” that changed everything in an instant. While Lorie appeared to be the picture of health, preliminary reports suggested underlying cardiovascular issues, a silent burden that took her far too soon.
A Life of Devotion
David and Lorie’s story began in the late 1980s at Baylor University. Sharing the same birthday—October 21, 1969—they felt their union was a “divine alignment”. Married in 1990, Lorie became the practical force behind David’s rising career. While David stood in the spotlight, Lorie was the “architect of the Phelps legacy,” managing logistics, raising their four children—Callie, Maggie Beth, Grant, and Kobe—and turning their farm into a sanctuary.
Her strength was most visible in 2013 when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. During that long winter of chemotherapy and prayer, Lorie’s courage became a beacon for fans worldwide. Her eventual remission granted the family 13 more years of “weddings, farm chores, and Christmas tours”—years David now clings to as a precious gift.
A Legacy Beyond the Stage
Lorie’s impact wasn’t found in a microphone, but in her hospitality. She founded “Barn and Bale,” transforming their family barn into a venue for community and connection. She made every fan feel like a guest at her table.
As David enters a season of silence, putting his performances on hold to grieve, he remains anchored by the faith Lorie embodied. While the music at the Phelps farm may sound more somber now, it carries the weight of a love that lasted a lifetime. Lorie Pearl Phelps leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, reminding a global community that faith isn’t the absence of pain, but the strength to stand within it.