Christie Brinkley Shares Emotional Tribute To Billy Joel Amid Health Diagnosis

Christie Brinkley, the iconic supermodel and former wife of Billy Joel, is speaking out following the beloved musician’s recent health announcement.

Billy Joel has officially canceled all 17 of his upcoming concerts across North America and the U.K. after being diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain condition that affects memory, movement, and balance.

The health diagnosis announcement came from Joel’s team on Friday, May 23, confirming that the condition has impacted his hearing, vision, and overall balance. His final performance before the cancellations took place on February 22 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut.

In the wake of the news, Brinkley, who has remained on good terms with Joel since their 1994 divorce, shared a touching tribute to the legendary "Piano Man" performer.

Posting on Instagram, she included footage from a recent concert she attended with their daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, including a sweet backstage moment where Alexa playfully sang a line from “You May Be Right” to her smiling father. The post also featured a clip of Alexa joyfully dancing in the audience during the performance.

Alongside the video, Brinkley penned an emotional message to her ex-husband.

“Dear Billy,” she began, “the whole Brinkley gang is sending you lots of love and good wishes for a full and speedy recovery.”

She explained that while searching for photos to send him, she stumbled upon the concert footage, which brought back warm memories. “It made me laugh… but it also reminded me of all the joy you create, and all the sensational sing-alongs you’ve led.”

“You turn an arena of strangers into a living room full of friends,” she added. “I’m sure I’m speaking for everyone in that room when I say, 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!”

Alexa also shared her own message of support, encouraging fans to “SOUND UP” as she posted her thoughts to Instagram.

"Singing ‘Blue Jeans’ by Lana Del Rey, then riffing just for fun," she wrote. "I kinda like this ‘Why you gotta do me like that?’ bit."

She then went on to express her love for her father, writing, “We love you and we got you, Pop! Thank you all for the beautiful outpouring of love and support amid the recent news of my father’s health diagnosis.”

Calling her dad “the strongest and most resilient man I’ve ever known,” Alexa said he is committed to his recovery through ongoing physical therapy.

She closed with a poignant quote from Joel’s 1993 song written for her, "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)":

“Someday we’ll all be gone / But lullabies go on and on / They never die / That’s how you and I will be.”

Signing off with, “The music continues… All my love, Alexa Ray.”

According to a statement from Joel’s team, the legendary performer is undergoing specific physical therapy to help manage the condition and has been instructed by his doctors to take time off from performing.

“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances,” the statement read. “Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health.”

In his own words, Joel expressed deep regret to fans. “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding,” he said.

The Cleveland Clinic says Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is a neurological condition caused by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in or around the brain, which interferes with normal brain function. This disruption can impact a range of abilities, including memory, movement, concentration, and overall cognitive performance.

While NPH often presents with symptoms similar to those seen in dementia, medical experts note that, in some cases, the condition can be reversed with appropriate treatment.

As Joel focuses on recovery, the music world, and his fans, are sending an outpouring of love to the man who’s been their “Piano Man” for generations.