Joey Feek received a huge ovation at the Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday night, after two singers praised the fallen singer.
“A few weeks ago, we lost a member of our country music family in the passing of Joey Feek,” Darius Rucker said as he walked onto the stage.
“Joey was more than just a wonderful singer and an ACM-winning artist along with her husband Rory. She was a beloved mom, daughter, family member and friend,” Martina McBride added.
“Of all the different ways we could honor Joey, we think that the way we could honor Joey that would mean the most is one more time, all of her fans and all who love her to give her a big round of applause.”
Then the crowd erupted into applause.
Feek’s widower Rory was not on hand for the awards, but his daughter from a former marriage Hopie and her friend Julie were in attendance.
Feek, who was 40 when she died, is survived by Rory, 50, and their 2-year-old daughter Indiana.
