In 2016, the country music world mourned the loss of Joey Feek, who passed away after a brave battle with cervical cancer. The loss was deeply personal for her husband and musical partner, Rory Feek. He lost not only his wife and mother to their daughter Indy but also his bandmate in the beloved duo Joey+Rory.
Despite the immense grief, Rory found strength through music. He poured his heart into his first solo album, Gentle Man, released in June 2021. Among the album’s most touching tracks is “One Angel,” a tribute to Joey that mixes sorrow and hope, highlighting her strength and grace as she faced cancer. Written by their close friend Sandy Emory Lawrence, the song reflects Joey’s courage during her fight.
A Special Collaboration with Dolly Parton
A month after the release of “One Angel,” Rory surprised fans with a new version of the song featuring none other than country music legend Dolly Parton. Parton, one of Joey’s biggest inspirations, provided harmonies and even sang a verse, making the tribute even more meaningful. Rory described the collaboration as “unimaginable,” something he and Joey could never have dreamed of.
Parton had always inspired Joey, encouraging her to follow her dreams and make her mark in Nashville. As Rory Feek mentioned in one of his YouTube videos, “Dolly Parton has been Joey’s hero since Joey started singing.” Though Joey never had the chance to meet her idol, Parton’s involvement in the song brought Rory’s tribute to an emotional high.
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A Tribute That Touches Hearts
The duet between Dolly Parton and Rory Feek on “One Angel” is a moving reminder of love and resilience. Their voices come together to honor Joey’s legacy, creating a heartfelt tribute that resonates with anyone who has experienced loss. This collaboration, filled with emotion and sincerity, keeps Joey’s memory alive. You can listen to the beautiful tribute in the video below.
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