On Friday, Billy Joel shared the sad news that he’d been diagnosed with a brain disorder called normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), and he had to cancel all of his scheduled tour dates. The condition, which causes excess fluid buildup around the brain, can affect numerous functions, including concentration, memory, and body movements.
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Following the announcement, a multitude of the Piano Man’s fans have been sharing their concern for and offering well-wishes to the 76-year-old music legend. In response, Joel’s wife, Alexis, has posted a note on Billy’s social media pages expressing her gratitude for the positive messages and for the excellent medical care her husband is receiving.
“Thank you for the outpouring of love and support,” Alexis wrote. “We are so grateful for the wonderful care and swift diagnosis we received. Bill is beloved by so many, and to us, he is a father and husband who is at the center of our world. We are hopeful for his recovery. We look forward to seeing you all in the future.”
Alexis’ message was accompanied by a photo of her and Joel with their two young daughters, Della and Remy.
Meanwhile, a new article from People reported that a source close to Joel said, “He is not retiring and hopes to be able to resume performing as his recovery progresses.”
More About Joel’s Announcement, Health Issues and Show Cancellations
Joel’s announcement about his health issue noted that the condition had been “exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance.”
The message also noted, “Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.”
In addition, the announcement shared, “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 in a statement, “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.”
Prior to the news about Joel’s diagnosis and tour cancellation, Billy announced in March that he was taking a four-month hiatus from performing “to allow him to recover from recent surgery and to undergo physical therapy.” That announcement came after Joel had taken a fall onstage during a February 22 concert in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Joel initially had been slated to resume his tour in July, and had rescheduled a series of postponed dates for later in 2025 and 2026.
Billy’s May 23 announcement reported that all 17 concerts on his forthcoming itinerary had been canceled. They included headlining dates and multiple joint shows with Sting, Stevie Nicks, and Rod Stewart.
Messages from Joel’s Daughter Alexa and Ex-Wife Christie Brinkley
Joel’s oldest daughter, Alexa Ray, also posted a message to her dad and his fans on her social media pages.
“We love you and we got you, Pop!” she wrote. “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.”
She added, “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.”
In addition, Alexa Ray included some poignant lyrics from Joel’s 1993 song “Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel)” in her post.
Here they are: “Someday we’ll all be gone / but lullabies go on and on / They never die / That’s how you and I will be.”
Brinkley, who is Alexa’s mom, posted an encouraging message of her own to her ex-husband.
The note, which included references to some of Billy’s famous songs, read in part: “Dear Billy, The whole Brinkley gang is sending you lots of love and good wishes for a full and speedy recovery. … [Y]ou 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 And we all hope you’re feeling alright!”
(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
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