The renowned Piano Man Billy Joel, aged 76, has recently received an outpouring of support from his ex-wife, the iconic supermodel Christie Brinkley, following his diagnosis of a brain disorder known as normal pressure hydrocephalus. Brinkley, who is 71, took to Instagram on Saturday to share heartfelt clips of their daughter, Sailor Brinkley Cook, 26, at one of Joel's unforgettable concerts held at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
In her touching Instagram post, Brinkley included a delightful video showcasing a moment where Sailor sang Joel's beloved hit "You May Be Right" alongside him backstage. She began her caption with a warm message: “Dear Billy, The whole Brinkley gang is sending you lots of love and good wishes for a full and speedy recovery.” Brinkley reminisced about their shared moments, stating, “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 sing-alongs you’ve led.”
Brinkley continued, expressing the collective sentiment of concertgoers, “You turn an arena of strangers into a living room full of friends as we all sway in unison. 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 all hope you’re feeling alright!” She concluded with a heartfelt message, “We Love You, the kids, me and an arena or two!”
Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley were married from 1985 to 1994 and are proud parents to their daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, 39. Following the news of her father's health struggles, Alexa also shared a tribute on Instagram, emphasizing her father's strength and resilience. “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 wrote alongside a moving black-and-white painting depicting a young Alexa holding hands with her father.
Alexa’s heartfelt message encapsulated their family bond: “We love you and we got you, Pop.” This display of love and support highlights the strong family ties that remain, even through difficult times.
In a statement released on Friday, Billy Joel confirmed the cancellation of all his upcoming tour dates due to his diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus. This disorder occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates within the skull, leading to pressure on the brain that can disrupt cognitive functioning, as explained by the Cleveland Clinic. Joel's announcement revealed that this condition has been aggravated by recent concert performances, causing issues with his hearing, vision, and balance.
To ensure a thorough recovery, Joel is following his doctor's recommendations, which include specific physical therapy and a period of rest from performing. This comes after he had previously postponed several tour dates in March due to an unspecified medical condition.
As Billy Joel navigates this challenging chapter in his life, the support from his family, including Christie Brinkley and Alexa Ray Joel, is a testament to the enduring connections that transcend personal relationships. Fans and loved ones alike are rallying around him, hoping for a swift recovery so he can once again grace the stage as the beloved Piano Man we all cherish.
