(KAIR)--The local area joins the rest of the nation in remembering the legacy of country music singer Joey Feek. 

The former Joey Martin was the wife and singing partner of Rory Feek, an Atchison and Highland native. 

Joey Feek died Friday at the age of 40 in her home state of Indiana following a lengthy battle with cancer. 

The two became fan favorites in the local area, prompted by Rory's local ties and performances at Atchison's Lakefest concert and Christmas shows in Highland. 

According to her obituary in The Tennessean, Joey and Rory were named top new vocal duo at the 2010 Academy of Country Music Awards. 

The duo was nominated for a 2016 Grammy award for their cover of the Townes Van Zandt classic, “If I Needed You.” 

Known as champions for traditional country music, Joey and Rory earned their own television program, “The Joey and Rory Show,” which debuted on RFD-TV in July, 2012. 

Joey's battle with cancer has been followed locally, and beyond, through updates posted by Rory on his personal blog. 

It was on that blog Friday that Rory wrote of his wife's death, saying , "She is in Heaven. The cancer is gone, the pain has ceased and all her tears are dry.”

Local residents were joined on Facebook by fans from across the world, as well as numerous celebrities, in expressing their feelings of loss at the news of Joey's death. 

Joey Feek is immediately survived by her husband and two-year-old daughter, Indiana, along with two stepdaughters, Heidi and Hope.

Extended family members also survive in the local area. 

Funeral services will be private. According to the website, Taste of Country, Rory previously indicated Joey would be buried in a simple wood casket on their family property.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to PO Box 5471 Vancouver, Washington 98668.