Introduction
RORY FEEK: A LOVE STORY WRITTEN IN SONG AND FAITH
Rory Feek is an American country music singer, songwriter, and author best known as one half of the beloved duo Joey + Rory. Born on April 25, 1965, in Atchison, Kansas, Rory began his career writing songs for other artists, including Blake Shelton and Kenny Chesney, before finding fame with his own heartfelt music.
In 2008, Rory and his wife, Joey Martin Feek, rose to prominence after appearing on the CMT show Can You Duet. Their authentic country sound and emotional storytelling quickly earned them a devoted following. The duo’s breakout single, “Cheater, Cheater,” captured the honesty and humor that defined their style, while songs like “When I’m Gone” revealed a deeper spiritual core that resonated with fans around the world.
In 2014, Joey was diagnosed with cervical cancer, a battle that would change both of their lives forever. Rory shared their journey openly through his widely read blog This Life I Live, chronicling the couple’s faith, love, and courage in the face of devastating loss. Joey passed away in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of grace and strength that continues to inspire countless fans.
The couple’s daughter, Indiana Feek, born in 2014 and diagnosed with Down syndrome, remains the light of Rory’s life. He has often spoken about the joy she brings him each day, saying that her condition “doesn’t define her — she’s a bright, happy child who reminds me what true love is.”
Rory was previously married to Tamara Gilmer, with whom he shares two daughters, Heidi and Hopie. Despite the hardships he has faced, Rory continues to live on the family’s Tennessee farm, raising Indiana and honoring Joey’s memory through his writing and music.
Now in his late fifties, Rory Feek remains a living example of resilience and faith — a man who turned heartbreak into hope and continues to remind the world that love, even after loss, never truly fades.