Joey + Rory have been friends with gospel singer/songwriter Bill Gaither for years, releasing some of their albums through his Gaither Music Group record label, including their upcoming hymns album.
In one of Rory’s older blog posts, he wrote about how Joey came to know Bill, saying that he once taught English where her mom and dad went to school. Even after achieving fame as a gospel singer, Bill remained in Joey’s hometown of Alexandria, and got to know her and Rory well over the years.
Now, as Joey continues her battle against cancer, her and Bill’s friendship has come to the ultimate test. But Bill rose to the challenge, and has frequently stopped by to visit Joey in the months since she decided to end her cancer treatments.
Rory said that Bill makes it a point to come see Joey almost every day when he isn’t on the road.
“I think he just wants to brighten Joey’s day and create as much joy for her as he can,” Rory wrote.
Rory says that Bill always manages to lift Joey’s spirits, whether he’s cracking jokes or telling stories of days past. But during one of his most recent visits, Bill helped bring some joy to Joey in the best way he knows how…through a hymn.
In a photo Rory shared to the couple’s Facebook page, he says that Bill sang the hymn “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior” to Joey and played the piano for her. Bill has recorded the hymn in the past, and it has also been recorded by other music greats such as Lyle Lovett.
After Bill sang the hymn to Joey, the two old friends looked out the window at the blanket of snow on the ground, taking in the beautiful view.
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…”Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior” – Joey and Bill Gaither enjoying the beautiful view this morning, just after he played that hymn for her on the piano.
Posted by Joey and Rory on Thursday, February 11, 2016
Joey + Rory have many hymns they treasure and hold close to their hearts. That’s why they made the decision to record their hymns album, Joey + Rory Hymns That Are Important To Us. Set for release on Friday (Feb. 12), the album includes some of Joey + Rory’s all-time favorite hymns.
Tune in to the video below to listen to Joey + Rory talk to their longtime friend, Bill about the album and why hymns matter so much to them.
Joey + Rory are so lucky to have a wonderful, loving friend like Bill in their lives.
