Christie Brinkley is sharing an update on ex-husband Billy Joel’s health one year after the singer was diagnosed with a brain disorder.
“He’s doing very well,” Brinkley, 72, told Hello! Magazine at the City Harvest 2026 Benefit Gala in New York City on Tuesday, April 21.
Joel, 76, married Brinkley in 1985 — the same year they welcomed daughter Alexa Ray, 40. The pair later split in 1994. (Joel also shares daughters Della Rose, 10, and Remy Anne, 8, with ex-wife Alexis Roderick.)
Back in March, Alexa sang Joel’s song “This Night” during a tribute concert at Carnegie Hall.
“She was so excited to be able to perform for him, and I was sorry that I had to miss that night,” Brinkley told the outlet. “I was out of town, but otherwise it was so wonderful.”
Joel announced in May 2025 that he was diagnosed with a brain disorder called normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), in which fluid builds up inside the skull. The announcement came three months after Joel fell on stage during a concert at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut.
The “Piano Man” singer canceled “all scheduled concerts” due to his diagnosis.
“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance,” a statement from Joel’s team read at the time. “Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period. 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.”
Joel added, “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.”
The musician shared an update on his health in July 2025.
“It’s not fixed,” he said on Bill Maher’s “Club Random” podcast. “It’s still being worked on. My balance sucks, it’s like being on a boat.”
Joel noted that although it’s not clear what caused his illness, he suspected that it had to do with alcohol consumption.
“I thought it must be from drinking. I used to like a fish,” he continued.
Joel returned to the stage for the first time since his diagnosis in January, performing an impromptu two-song concert at Wellington’s 30th birthday party in Florida.
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“I wasn’t planning on working tonight,” he quipped at the time.
Alexa reflected on her dad’s performance during a March interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
“Once a performer, always a performer!” she said. “But health comes first. I said, ‘If you’re going to perform again, please stay seated at the piano. No throwing the microphone stand around!”
