There are songs that stir emotion. Songs that bring comfort. And then, there are rare songs — rare moments — that feel less like performance and more like a soul reaching out to Heaven.
That’s exactly what the world witnessed when Joey Feek, the radiant voice of the country-gospel duo Joey+Rory, sang “Take My Hand, Precious Lord.” It wasn’t just music. It wasn’t just faith. It was, in every sense, a final prayer set to melody.
As Joey battled terminal cancer in her final months, she made the courageous choice to live fully — not with fear, but with grace. Surrounded by family, friends, and the unwavering love of her husband Rory, she continued to sing when she could, her voice gentler now, but still filled with the same purity and conviction that first captured the hearts of millions.
And then came the moment. In a quiet room, with Rory by her side and the cameras rolling gently for their final documentary, Joey sang “Take My Hand, Precious Lord.”
“When my way grows drear / Precious Lord, linger near / When my life is almost gone…”
Every word carried the weight of truth. Her eyes closed in quiet surrender, her hands folded in peace — Joey wasn’t just performing. She was praying. And in doing so, she invited the world into her sacred space between life and eternity.
“Take My Hand, Precious Lord” has long been a beloved gospel standard, sung by legends like Mahalia Jackson and Elvis Presley. But in Joey’s voice — fragile, steady, and full of trust — it became something different. It became a farewell. A release. A testimony.
The video of that performance has since gone on to inspire millions. It has comforted the grieving, strengthened the faithful, and reminded everyone who sees it that faith is not just about believing — it’s about letting go with hope.
Joey Feek passed away on March 4, 2016, but her legacy lives on. Not only through her music, or her love story with Rory, or the beautiful daughter she left behind — but through that final song, sung with trembling lips and a heart wide open to Heaven.
Because in that moment, Joey didn’t just sing to us.
She sang for us.
And in doing so, she reminded the world: when words fail, when pain overwhelms, when the end comes close — there is still music. There is still God. And there is still peace.