Joey Feek's Memory, Spirit to Live on Through Music, Work Husband Rory Feek: 'She Encouraged Me To Write a Book'

Mar 10, 2016 12:01 PM EST

While Joey Feek recently left this earth and entered into the arms of her Heavenly Father, her spirit and legacy will live on through the work of her husband, Rory Feek.

"She talked to me about how she wants me to continue to tell our story, and other stories," Rory - who regularly chronicled his journey with Joey on his blog This Life I Live - told People Magazine. "This past spring I co-wrote and directed my first film, and she wants me to go on and continue writing and making more movies."

He added: "And she's also encouraged me to write a book. Joey and I have both experienced the power of living, and telling a great story, so I hope to be able to continue writing and being part of a great story."

Rory, 50, told the news outlet that her memory will also live on through their daughter, Indiana, and couple's many songs and music videos.

"Without realizing I was doing it, God has allowed me to capture hours and hours of Joey and her life at home on the farm, raising Indiana and playing music," he said. "I can't help but believe that those clips will be an important part of keeping Joey's memory alive in Indy's heart."

Rory continued: "Both Joey and I only hope that these songs and these words can touch people and bring some joy and light to them in their times of need, the way that they have to us. Selfishly, I hope the whole world gets to discover what an amazing singer and woman my beautiful wife is, and that her music outlives not only the both of us but also our children's children's children."

As reported by The Gospel Herald, Joey was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014 and underwent successful surgery, only to find out the cancer had returned one year later. In October 2015, she announced she was ending treatment, as the cancer had rapidly spread. However, Joey was determined to live through several monumental occasions, including the Grammy Awards, her daughter Indiana's second birthday, and the release of the couple's latest album, "Hymns, Songs That Are Important to Us."   

On March 4, Joey left this earth while surrounded by friends and family: "As we were gathered around her, holding hands and praying.. my precious bride breathed her last.  And a moment later took her first breath on the other side," Rory wrote at the time.

The private funeral for Joey will be held on the Pottsville, Tennessee, farm she shared with her husband and their daughter Indiana, 2.

"We will soon be back home in Tennessee," Rory wrote. "Me, and our little one, with our older daughters.  It's hard for me to imagine being there without Joey, but at the same time... it is where she wants us to be.  It's where she will be...  She's gonna be in the mint growing beside our back deck, the sweet-corn frozen in our freezer and a million other places that her hand and heart has touched around our little farmhouse and community.  Joey will still be with us.  Everywhere."

The Feeks have asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Joey and Indy at PO Box 5471, Vancouver, WA 98668.