Joey Feek, Of Country Duo Joey + Rory, Dies At 40

Joey Feek, who with her husband, Rory, formed the award-winning country duo Joey + Rory, died Friday, her manager said.

Feek, who had been diagnosed with cancer two years ago, died at home in Indiana, Aaron Carnahan said.

The brunette singer from Alexandria, Indiana, found success when she paired up with her songwriter husband on the Country Music Television singing competition "Can You Duet?" in 2008. Joey Feek sang lead and her husband, known for his sideburns and blond flattop, provided harmonies on such traditional country songs as "That's Important to Me."

In 2014, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer, which continued to spread despite multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Last fall, Rory Feek wrote on his blog that they had decided to end treatment.

In a blog post Friday announcing her death, Rory Feek wrote, "My wife's greatest dream came true today. She is in Heaven."

They have a 2-year-old daughter, Indiana.

Their first album, "The Life of a Song," was a surprise hit in 2008 and earned them a spot opening for the Zac Brown Band on tour. Although their songs were never top airplay hits, the couple's plainspoken style and Joey Feek's sweet, smoky voice earned them a host of fans of traditional country and western music. And on "Cheater, Cheater" and other songs they showed they could also handle upbeat and witty material.

In the tradition of such couples as John and June Carter Cash and Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, their blended voices and deep bonds made them beloved by fans of country music.

They earned three nominations, including for the fan-voted new artist of the year, during the 2010 Academy of Country Music Awards and won the Top New Vocal Duo of the Year award. They followed up with "Album Number Two," in 2010, then released a Christmas album in 2011 and a collection of gospel songs, "Inspired," in 2013.

Feek will have a private funeral service, but in a statement from their manager, the family asked that in lieu of flowers, a donation can be sent to Joey and Indy at P.O. Box 5471 Vancouver, WA 98668.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.