Billy Joel’s daughter breaks silence after father’s rare brain disorder diagnosis
Billy Joel’s daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, has shared a moving tribute to her father following his recent diagnosis with a rare brain condition.
On Friday, the legendary “Piano Man” singer, 76, announced that he would be cancelling all upcoming performances after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a rare disorder caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
The condition, which typically affects people over 60, can lead to symptoms such as hearing, vision, and balance issues.
Joel had been scheduled to perform across the US and at two major UK dates later this year, but his team confirmed that recent shows had worsened his symptoms, prompting the need to cancel the remainder of his tour.
On Saturday, Alexa Ray, 39, took to Instagram to show her support for her father. Alongside a heartfelt message, she shared: “We love you and we got you, Pop!”
In her post, Alexa thanked fans for the “beautiful outpouring of love and support” in the wake of the news.
“My dad is the strongest and most resilient man I’ve ever known,” she wrote. “He’s entirely committed to making a full recovery with ongoing physical therapy as he continues to regain his strength.”
She added: “The genuine care, empathy, and concern from everyone means so much to him… it means a lot to me, too.”
Alexa also shared lyrics from one of Joel’s most beloved songs, “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)”, a tender ballad he wrote for her in 1993:
“Someday we’ll all be gone / But lullabies go on and on / They never die / That’s how you and I will be.”
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Joel’s ex-wife and Alexa’s mother, Christie Brinkley, also posted her own message of support.
Sharing a video clip from a recent concert where she filmed Alexa singing along to “You May Be Right,” she wrote: “Dear Billy, the whole Brinkley gang is sending you lots of love and good wishes for a full and speedy recovery.”
She added: “I was looking for some cute photos of you and Alexa to send you, when I came across this clip from a recent concert. It made me laugh, but it also reminded me of all the joy you create, and all the sensational singalongs you’ve led… you turn an arena of strangers into a living room full of friends as we all sway in unison.”
Christie closed her message with a heartfelt plea: “Please take good care of yourself, we all want you back in that white-hot spotlight.
“You’re our Piano Man, and we’re always in the mood for your melodies. We love you, the kids, me and an arena or two!”
Joel’s representative confirmed that the singer is currently undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to pause performing while he recovers.
In a statement, Joel expressed his gratitude for the support and understanding shown by fans.
“I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding,” he said.
He added that he looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage and perform for his fans.