Joey Feek Cancer Update: Terminally Ill Country Singer Has No. 1 Album For First Time In Her Career

Joey Feek may be nearing the end of her battle with terminal cancer, but the country singer is going out on a high note after scoring the first No. 1 album of her career.

Feek has been battling cervical cancer for more than a year, and has been at hospice care in her home since October. Her husband, Rory Feek, has chronicled the ups and downs of her cancer fight on his blog and through regular updates on Instagram. While it often has focused on the difficulties — like Joey slowly losing her ability to walk and struggles to play with the couple’s 2-year-old daughter, Indiana — this week, Rory had some very happy news to share with fans.

The couple, who perform together as Joey + Rory, learned this week that their album Hymns That Are Important To Us debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard country and contemporary Christian charts.

As Rory explained, it was a huge moment for the couple, but especially for Joey.

“When the label called to give us the news I immediately took the phone in to Joey,” Rory Feek told People magazine. “This recording was ‘hers’ from the beginning. This is one that she has always wanted to make, and she’s worked so hard to make it happen, in spite of the difficult circumstances she is facing. As I congratulated her, she responded through tears: ‘No, honey, this is God’s record.’ ”

The milestone was bittersweet for Rory, who said he will not be continuing his singing career after Joey’s passing.

“This is the last record that Joey and I will ever get to make and the last songs we’ll ever get to sing together,” Rory Feek said (via the Boot). “I have no desire to go on singing or performing without her.”

Though the cancer battle has been difficult on Joey Feek, in the past few weeks, she has been able to celebrate a number of high points. They had released the album on February 12, and within days they were able to watch as their song “If I Needed You” was up for a Grammy Award. Though they ultimately lost, Rory said the nomination was “more than enough” for the couple.

There were other important moments as well. After the Grammy Award loss, the couple received a different kind of honor. Indiana State Rep. Bruce Borders gave Joey and Rory the Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest honor given in the state.

“Important Hoosier values, such as loving others, serving one’s country, following one’s dreams, and showcasing grace and joy during difficult times — have all been exhibited by Joey and Rory,” Borders said. “I would like everyone to keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Borders said Joey Feek had been an inspiration through her fight with cancer, noting the couple’s strong faith in the midst of such adversity.

“Throughout her battle with cervical cancer, Joey and Rory have maintained their faith in God, while also providing hope and encouragement to family, friends, and thousands of fans that have been impacted by their blog and social media posts,” Borders said.

But as Rory’s social media posts show, Joey Feek seems to be enjoying the small moments with her family — especially with their daughter, Indiana. This week they celebrated Indy’s second birthday, with Rory sharing plenty of pictures.

Later, Rory shared a memory on Facebook remembering a family vacation to Hawaii.

“… Remembering this morning last February, right around this time, we took a family trip together to Hawaii celebrate my upcoming birthday,” he wrote. “What a difference a year makes. The only thing that’s changed is everything. And nothing.”

Based on Rory’s updates, Joey Feek may not have much time left in her fight with cancer, but she seems to be soaking up the most of every moment she has left.

[Image via Instagram]