Husband-and-wife singing duo Joey+Rory wanted more to life … so they chose less. In preparation for the birth of their child, the couple simplified their lives by putting their music career aside and staying at home, planting roots deep in the soil of their small farm, and the community they loved.
They believed God would give them a great story … and He did.
In select theaters Tuesday, September 20—for one special night only—experience the incredible true story of Joey and Rory Feek in the poignant new film TO JOEY, WITH LOVE. Intimately filmed by the couple over two and a half years, the movie documents the stirring journey of the 2010 Academy of Country Music Top New Vocal Duo.
TO JOEY, WITH LOVE takes moviegoers from the birth of their daughter Indiana, born with Down Syndrome, through Joey’s struggle with and ultimate surrender to cancer—all amidst their never-ending hope in something far greater. God gave Joey+Rory a love story for the ages, one that is sure to inspire hope and faith in all who experience it.
I’ve begun writing this blog post numerous times, each time having to stop because the tears were clouding my vision. I’ve finally surrendered to them, and will just brush them away as they continue to fall.
In 2008 my husband and I were obsessed with a new country show on CMT called Can You Duet. It was like the American Idol of country music. And from the first episode, we were hooked. I can remember the first time I saw the man in overalls and his beautiful wife, they were instantly my favorite. Their harmonies, oh their sweet harmonies, were so beautiful I could listen to them all day. We anxiously watched every episode. Though they didn’t win and came in third place (which I thought was complete rubbish) they were still my favorite. And I quickly bought their album when it was released.
Years later, I excitedly found them on TV once again. The Joey + Rory Show on RFDTV was amazing, and I watched every episode I could find. Around the same time, I stumbled on Rorys blog. As a fellow blogger, I absolutely appreciated his desire to document their lives.
I read throughout Joeys pregnancy and excitedly awaited the announcement that their little one had arrived. Sweet little Indiana, she was beautiful. As equally beautiful was the love you could see in her parents eyes. Joey and Rory were head-over-heels with little Indy, every blog post poured with their love for her.
Shortly thereafter came a blog post that shook everyone to their core. Joey had cancer.
Many days I was glued to his blog, hungrily waiting for glimpses into their life while hoping against hope that Joey’s condition would improve.
It didn’t.
The world watched, through Rory’s blog posts, Indy grow bigger and sweeter. While she grew, Joey faded. And shortly after Indiana’s second birthday, Joey passed away.
Rory had taken countless hours of video starting when they decided to take a year off and focus on their life together, right up until her death. Occasionally, through tear-filled eyes, we would get to watch some of these videos on his blog. With the help of filmmakers he assembled this footage into a documentary. It was a labor of love, a gift to his late wife, and such an incredibe tribute to Joey.
I’m not sure I even know how to describe this movie aside than overflowing with love and life. It’s not a grief story, because it’s focused on their life. I would describe it as a beautiful love story. Not just their love story, but mainly focused on their mutual love for Jesus. But more than anything, I would say it’s a beautifully done tribute to a life well lived for Him.
And what I can say is that if you have the chance to see it, jump at that chance. Yes, you’ll cry. But you’ll laugh and you’ll come away appreciating life, love, and everything that goes into it.
And I am honored to have been given a copy to give away to one of my precious readers!! Yep, you read that right. Below you will find a giveaway box, just follow the simple instructions to be entered to win your very own DVD of To Joey, With Love. Y’all, you do NOT want to miss this chance!
Happy Birthday