Introduction
“When I’m Gone” by Joey+Rory is one of the duo’s most emotionally resonant and impactful songs. Written by Sandy Lawrence, a close friend of the couple, the song first appeared on Joey+Rory’s 2012 album His and Hers. Lawrence wrote the song after the death of her mother, which gave it deep personal meaning. However, the song took on an even greater poignancy after Joey Feek was diagnosed with terminal cervical cancer in 2014.
The song’s lyrics offer comfort and guidance to loved ones who are left behind, delivering a message of hope and resilience. It speaks of the inevitability of loss, but also of the strength to move forward after a loved one is gone. This message became all the more powerful as fans connected Joey’s real-life battle with cancer to the themes of the song, especially after her death in 2016.
The accompanying music video, featuring Joey Feek, was filmed prior to her diagnosis, but it later became a symbolic farewell. In the video, Joey performs with grace and strength, seemingly aware of the role the song would play in her final days. The video became the couple’s most viewed, gathering millions of views and touching fans worldwide.
“When I’m Gone” stands as a tribute to Joey Feek’s legacy, not just as a singer but as a person who faced life’s greatest challenges with dignity and grace. The song continues to resonate deeply with fans, offering solace and reflection on love, loss, and the enduring human spirit.