Former supermodel Christie Brinkley is offering heartfelt well-wishes and prayers to her ex-husband, legendary musician Billy Joel, as he battles normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). In an Instagram post on Saturday, May 24, Brinkley, 71, shared a video of Joel, 76, performing with their 39-year-old daughter Alexa. She expressed her love and good wishes for Joel’s complete and speedy recovery.
Brinkley mentioned that while searching for photos of Joel and Alexa, she stumbled upon a video from a recent concert. The clip not only brought laughter but also highlighted the joy Joel brings and the memorable sing-alongs he orchestrates during his performances. She praised his ability to transform a concert venue full of strangers into a cozy gathering of friends swaying together in harmony.
Additionally, she emphasized Joel’s role as the beloved “piano man” who enchants audiences with his music, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere wherever he performs. Brinkley conveyed a collective sentiment from everyone present at his shows, urging Joel to prioritize his well-being and return to the stage soon. She signed off with affection from their children, herself, and all his fans who eagerly await his return to the spotlight.
Brinkley tagged Joel and her three children in her post. (The supermodel also shares son Jack, 29, and daughter Sailor, 26, with ex-husband Peter Cook.)
Joel revealed on Friday, May 23, that he had been diagnosed with NPH, a brain disorder, and as a result was forced to cancel his upcoming tour in order to recover.
“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance,” Joel’s statement read. “Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during the recovery period.”
The statement continued, “Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health. He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can, once again, take the stage.”
In a personal message, Joel further noted that he was “sincerely sorry” to disappoint his fans but thanked them “for understanding.”
Alexa is also in her father’s corner while he recuperates.
“We love you and we got you, Pop! I just wanted to thank you all for the beautiful outpouring of love and support amid the recent news of my father’s health diagnosis,” Alexa wrote via Instagram on Saturday. “My dad is the strongest and most resilient man I’ve ever known, and he’s entirely committed to making a full recovery with ongoing physical-therapy treatments as he continues to regain his strength.”
She concluded, “The genuine care, empathy, and concern from everyone means so much to him… it means a lot to me, too. ‘Someday We’ll All Be Gone / But Lullabies Go On And On / They Never Die / That’s How You And I Will Be.’ ⚓️ The music continues… 🕊️.”
Joel was married to Brinkley from 1985 to 1994. He later married Alexis Roderick in 2015, months before welcoming daughter Della that same year. The couple’s second daughter, Remy, followed in 2017.
