Billy Joel’s ex-wife, Christie Brinkley, recently took to social media to express her love and support for the legendary singer as he faces health challenges. Joel, famous for his iconic music career, announced last week that he is dealing with a rare brain disorder known as normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). This condition occurs when cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the skull, putting pressure on the brain.
In her heartfelt Instagram post, Brinkley, who is 71 years old, wrote, “Dear Billy, The whole Brinkley gang is sending you lots of love and good wishes for a full and speedy recovery.” This warm message reflects the genuine bond they once shared, despite their separation.
Christie shared how she was reminiscing about the good times by looking for old photos of Joel and their daughter, Alexa Ray. Instead, she stumbled upon videos from one of Billy’s concerts, which also featured her other daughter, Sailor Brinkley Cook. One clip showed Sailor singing along to Billy’s classic hit “You May Be Right” backstage, capturing the joyful spirit of the family.
Brinkley commented on the montage, stating, “It made me laugh…but it also reminded me of all the joy you create.” She expressed gratitude for how Joel has this remarkable ability to unify audiences. “You turn an arena of strangers into a living room full of friends as we all sway in unison,” she added.
Her message conveys not just affection but a sincere plea for Billy to take care of himself: “Please take good care of yourself; we all want you back in that white hot spotlight. You’re OUR piano man.” Brinkley emphasized the impact of his music on fans, saying, “We’re always in the mood for your melodies.”
Billy and Christie were married from 1985 to 1994 and share a daughter, Alexa Ray. Their marriage ended due to a series of personal challenges. In her memoir, Brinkley mentioned that Joel’s struggles with alcohol led to significant issues during their relationship. Despite their separation, she reflected fondly on their time together, saying, “I do think that we were probably really soulmates. It was an amazing time of my life.”
After their divorce, the pair have managed to maintain a cordial relationship, sometimes getting together when Joel visits their daughter Alexa, who is now 39. This shows that despite their past, they have built a shared respect and connection as co-parents.
Joel, now 76, disclosed that his health issues have impacted his ability to perform. He mentioned that his symptoms worsened after recent concert performances, which affected his hearing, vision, and balance. As a result, he made the difficult decision to cancel his remaining shows for the time being. Joel is currently undergoing physical therapy to help manage his condition and aid his recovery.
Christie’s encouraging message is a reminder of the importance of family, love, and support during difficult times. In light of Joel’s health struggles, it’s uplifting to see a former couple come together to offer each other encouragement amidst personal challenges. As fans continue to rally around Joel, one can only hope that he will recover swiftly and return to the stage to entertain audiences once more.
