Joey Feek & Rory Feek Share Joy Over Grammy Nod & Country Album Amid Terminal Cancer: Sign Their Virtual Card

Joey and Rory Feek once were known primarily as the country music stars of the Joey + Rory Duo. But now, in what has become a love story woven with courage and heartbreak, Joey and Rory have also become known for the battle she is waging from her hospice bed with terminal cancer. Now, nominated for a Grammy for their country strong talent, Joey and Rory are sharing their romance with the world, reported MSN.

Married more than a decade ago, the Feeks never dreamed that they would face death so early in their lives. But at 40, Joey shared her romance with Feek, 49, to discuss what will be their final album together, Hymns & Stories That Are Important to Us. Available on February 12 at Cracker Barrel, the Feek album honors their love, courage, and heartbreak prior to and following her 2014 diagnosis of cervical cancer.

“Rory was singing ‘In the Round’ at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville with three other songwriters,” recalled Joey in revealing how she met Feek in 2002. “From the first song Rory sang, I fell head over heels for him. I didn’t even know him, but something inside me said, ‘You’re going to marry that man and spend the rest of your lives together.'”

It took only two months for her prediction to come true. Joey and Rory rocked on the reality singing competition Can You Duet in 2008 and won third place. Feek has two daughters from a relationship before Joey, Heidi, 29, and Hopie, 27. And a new joy filled their lives in February 2014 with the arrival of their first baby, Indiana.

Rory Feek Reflects On True Meaning Of ‘For Better Or Worse’

But then came the May 2014 diagnosis of cancer. Joey survived a radical hysterectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy. Feek recalled realizing that the woman he had thought would always be by his side would vanish from his life.

“I’m 10 years older than Joey and I always knew that when I get old or if something were to happen to me, Joey would be there beside me no matter what,” revealed Feek. “No matter how hard it was, no matter how I looked or what we faced, she would be there. But I never dreamed that the roles might be reversed and life might require those things from me.”

But Rory also shared what he has learned about the true meaning of the phrase “for better or worse” when it comes to taking their remaining days together one at a time, cherishing every moment that they have left.

“For better or worse aren’t just words you say anymore. Because of all Joey is going through, it’s given me the opportunity to live them every day, and follow through and mean the words I said to her at the altar,” emphasized Feek.

Grammy Nomination Brings Joy

As for their recent Grammy nomination, Joey and Rory haven’t stopped smiling about the recognition, Feek told ET Online.

“When you love country music as much as we do, to even be nominated for a Grammy for Best Duo/Group Country Vocal Performance is like winning the lottery,” declared Rory.

Other nominees include Blake Shelton and Ashley Monroe; Charles Kelley, Dierks Bentley and Eric Paslay; Brothers Osborne; and Little Big Town. And Feek confessed that he’s star-struck.

“Those artists are stars — at least to us, they are,” praised Rory. “Joey and I feel like we’re just regular folks — the kind that buys and listens to those artists’ records. So to be nominated for an award like this with them is such an honor.”

The Grammy awards are held on February 15, almost at the same time as the second birthday of their daughter, Indiana. And the serendipity for Feek is that Indiana, who Rory calls “Indy,” is the little star in the video for “If I Needed You,” which was nominated for a Grammy.

“I made the video right after Indy was born as a way to share this special gift that God had given us with others,” revealed Feek. “I still watch that video all the time. It’s not a music video, it’s a piece of our life set to music. Most all of our videos actually are. This one is just the most special because our little Indy was the guest star!”

Creating Music While Battling Terminal Cancer

As to how Joey managed to create their final album during her terminal cancer struggles, Feek revealed what happened behind the scenes, reported ABC News.

“She would sing into a microphone that we had set up in our room,” recalled Rory. “It wasn’t easy, but it was important to her. Those are moments I’ll never forget.”

Feek also shared his hope for the album, which is that the world learns about Joey both as a woman and as a singer and that their music lives on for generations to come.

“I hope the whole world gets to discover what an amazing singer and woman my beautiful wife is, and that her music outlives not only the both of us, but also our children’s children’s children,” added Rory.

Joey Feek Helps Family Learn To Let Go & Live Again

In her last days, Joey is getting her family ready to live life without her, reported People.

“As Joey has had to learn to come to terms with what is happening to her body and what the future holds, it’s been important to her to share some things that she wants me and our girls to remember after she’s gone,” explained Rory.

Moreover, added Feek, Joey has shown him that the day-to-day duties he will face alone must go on.

“I have found myself beside her bed taking notes as she shares things like when the best time to plant the garden will be this spring, how to prune the fruit trees and to make sure we still set aside a percentage of what we make as a tithe each month,” added Rory.

Share Support By Signing Their Virtual Card

For those who want to send a message to Joey and Rory Feek, Overstock has set up a virtual card to share love and prayers.

Those who use “#CardForJoeyRory” on social media will have their message shared.

[Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CCMA]