“A SONG THAT STILL BREAKS HEARTS A DECADE LATER — HANNAH HARPER BRINGS ‘WHEN I’M GONE’ BACK TO LIFE.” Ten years after the passing of beloved country singer Joey Feek, rising vocalist Hannah Harper stepped onto the stage and delivered an emotional rendition of the song that once defined her farewell to fans. The performance of When I’m Gone — the haunting ballad made famous by Joey + Rory — felt less like a cover and more like a quiet tribute to the love, faith, and courage Joey left behind. As the first lines filled the room, the weight of the song’s history returned, reminding listeners why it became one of country music’s most heartbreaking moments when Joey recorded it during her battle with illness. A decade later, Harper’s tender interpretation brought that memory rushing back — proof that some songs never truly fade, and some voices continue to echo long after they’re gone.

Family And Friends Remember Joey Feek On The 10th Anniversary Of Her Passing

Fans and loved ones of Joey Feek have shared emotional tributes on the anniversary of her passing, including American Idol star Hannah Harper.

Joey Feek passed away on March 4, 2016. She was one half of the folk and country duo Joey + Rory, alongside her husband, Rory.

Sadly, Joey was diagnosed with cervical cancer in February 2014, just three months after giving birth to their daughter, Indiana. Although she was declared cancer-free after surgery and treatment, the disease later returned and spread to her colon.

Even 10 years after her death, those who loved Joey keep her memory alive in any way they can.

Rory always posts a tribute on the anniversary, and this year he shared a video of himself at her gravesite on the Feek family farm in Tennessee.

Another touching tribute came from Hannah Harper, who’s quickly become a fan favorite on season 24 of American Idol.

Hannah Harper Performs A Joey Feek Song In Her Memory

If you’ve been tuning in to American Idol this season, then you’re probably already familiar with contestant Hannah Harper.

She had one of the most talked-about auditions of the season after performing an original song titled “String Cheese.” She wrote the song while dealing with postpartum depression after the birth of her third child. It went viral because it resonated with so many other moms out there.

Hannah gets a lot of her musical inspiration from female country artists she grew up listening to. She has mentioned that she admires several women who helped pave the way in the genre, such as Shania Twain and Jo Dee Messina.

She also recently honored another artist she looks up to. Over the weekend, Hannah shared a video of herself singing “When I’m Gone” as a tribute to Joey Feek.

The heartbreaking song was originally released by Joey + Rory years before Joey’s cancer diagnosis. It’s written from the perspective of someone facing the end of their life, but they are reassuring the person they love that they’ll be okay once they’re gone.

A few of the song’s lyrics go:

A bright sunrise will contradict the heavy fault that weighs you down/ In spite of all the funeral songs / The birds will make their joyful sounds / You wonder why the earth still moves / You wonder how you’ll carry on / But you’ll be okay on that first day when I’m gone

“Ten years ago this week, Mrs. Joey Feek received a touch from the Master,” Hannah wrote in the video’s caption.

She continued, “After walking through such a hard and faithful battle, her healing finally came. Even in the midst of suffering, she carried herself with a quiet strength and a faith that pointed so many people back to the Lord. She left behind a beautiful legacy — a husband, a precious baby girl, and songs that still reach hearts today. Her voice, her story, and the way she lived her life will be cherished for generations to come.”

“Well done, my good and faithful servant, ” she concluded.

You can watch Hannah Harper sing “When I’m Gone” in the video below.