A Father-Daughter Musical Tribute: Rory and Indy Feek’s Touching Father’s Day Performance
Stories of resilience and triumph often emerge from adversity, and such is the narrative surrounding Rory and Indy Feek’s moving rendition of Shel Silverstein’s “Papa What If”. Rory, a seasoned songwriter and part-time country artist in Nashville, tied the knot with the burgeoning country vocalist Joey Martin in 2002 following a whirlwind romance.
Despite their union, Rory and Joey pursued their individual musical careers. Rory contributed to Blake Shelton’s chart-topping country hit “Some Beach”, while Joey secured a deal with Sony. It wasn’t until 2006 that they began to perform together as Rory and Joey. Their collaboration bore fruit in 2014 with the birth of their first child, Indiana, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Tragedy struck in 2016 when Joey succumbed to cervical cancer after a two-year fight.
Rory shared a poignant video on June 19, 2022, capturing a tender Father’s Day moment with Indiana, then 10. She eagerly presented him with a card and gift right after waking up, and Rory expressed his desire to extend Father’s Day greetings to all fathers while sharing this heartwarming three-minute clip from him and Indy. The emotional peak of the video is Indy’s loving message to her father at the end.
Rory and Joey’s foray into country music as a duo was sparked by a friend’s suggestion to audition for the CMT’s “Can You Duet” in 2008, where they finished third and launched their first album together. Their music found success on country charts and garnered a loyal following. One of their albums, “His and Hers” (2012), featured the poignant single “When I’m Gone”, penned by their friend Sandy Lawrence in memory of her mother, with Joey singing lead.
For the “When I’m Gone” video, it was decided that Joey, being the vocalist, would take the central role, addressing Rory. Despite Rory’s initial reluctance, he agreed, unaware that the video’s premise would soon mirror their own lives. Rory, drawing strength from his faith and the Christian-themed albums they produced, finds solace in the song and video as reminders of Joey’s love and legacy.
At the age of forty, Joey passed away, leaving behind two-year-old Indiana. Rory kept their familial bond alive through music, often playing guitar and singing to Indiana. At four, Indiana began to join in, singing along to her mother’s songs, a moment captured by Rory’s daughter from a previous marriage, Heidi, and shared on Instagram.
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Singing and playing guitar became a staple in Rory and Joey’s daily life, showcasing their effortless execution of “Papa What If”. As a single parent, Rory found support in raising Indiana from his sisters, who reside on his farm, and his daughters from his previous marriage. Indiana receives her education at home alongside other local children in a quaint, one-room schoolhouse on the farm.
Following Joey’s demise, Rory has penned two memoirs and several children’s books, and produced a documentary series titled “This Life I Live” in 2020. In June 2021, he released “Gentle Man”, his debut solo album post Joey’s passing, marking a new chapter in his musical journey.
