Rory and Indy Feek Delight with a Soulful Father’s Day Duet
Inspirational tales often emerge from challenges, and the story behind Rory and Indy Feek’s rendition of Shel Silverstein’s “Papa What If” is no exception, rooted in real-life loss. Rory Feek was already established in Nashville for his songwriting and occasional country performances when he and Joey Martin, a promising country singer, quickly decided to marry in 2002.
While they initially continued their careers separately, with Rory penning hits like Blake Shelton’s “Some Beach” and Joey signing with Sony, they eventually formed the duo Rory and Joey in 2008. Their family grew with the arrival of Indiana in 2014, who was born with Down Syndrome. The family’s happiness was overshadowed in 2016 when Joey passed away after battling cervical cancer for two years.
On the 19th of June, 2022, Rory shared a moving video where Indiana, at the age of ten, starts her day by wishing him a Happy Father’s Day, showing her excitement to celebrate the day with him. Rory wanted to pass on the same sentiment to all fathers by sharing this tender moment, especially touching when Indy lovingly tells her father, “I love you.”
Their musical partnership was kindled by an opportunity to compete in “CMT Can You Duet” in 2008, where they finished third and kickstarted their journey with an album release. Their music found a home on the country charts, earning them a devoted fanbase. Their third album, “His and Hers,” featured “When I’m Gone,” a touching track that deals with loss and consolation, echoing the personal loss of its writer, Sandy Lawrence.
The music video for “When I’m Gone” featured Joey in a narrative that would, poignantly, echo their own lives in the years to follow. The song remains a solace for Rory, a reminder of Joey’s enduring love and presence.
Music continued to be a healing force for Rory, often involving Indiana in sing-alongs, especially to her mother’s songs, keeping Joey’s memory alive. This shared love for music has been a comforting constant for the family.
The Instagram post captures a sweet instance of Indiana singing along to her mother’s music, a poignant reminder of Joey’s lasting influence on their lives.
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Music and storytelling remained at the heart of Rory and Joey’s life together, captured beautifully in their performance of “Papa What If.” Rory’s journey as a single father has been supported by his family, with Indiana receiving a unique education alongside other local children on their farm.
Rory has continued to honor Joey’s memory through his creative endeavors, releasing memoirs, children’s books, and a documentary series titled “This Life I Live.” His solo album “Gentle Man,” released in June 2021, marks a new chapter in his personal and musical journey, reflecting on his experiences and growth.
