Christie Brinkley Provides Update on Billy Joel's Recovery from Brain Disorder

Christie Brinkley shared an update on the health of her ex-husband, Billy Joel, stating that he is doing well almost a year after his diagnosis with normal pressure hydrocephalus. The model provided the information in an interview with Hello! Magazine on Tuesday.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a rare brain disorder where cerebrospinal fluid accumulates inside the skull and presses on the brain, which can disrupt cognitive functioning. Brinkley, 72, was married to Joel from 1985 to 1994. They share a daughter, Alexa, 40.

Joel, 76, also has a wife, Alexis Roderick, 43, and their daughters, Della Rose, 10, and Remy, 8.

” She sang “This Night” at the concert. Brinkley stated to Hello! Magazine that Alexa was excited to perform for her father, adding that she regretted missing the event due to being out of town. Hours before the tribute, Alexa provided an update on Joel’s condition to the Hollywood Reporter.

She said he is undergoing physical therapy regularly, has lost weight through a diet, and is committed to his health. Alexa described him as resilient and proactive.

revealed his diagnosis in May 2025, which led to the cancellation of several tour performances. The condition worsened due to his concert activities, affecting his hearing, vision, and balance, according to his Instagram announcement. Doctors advised him to refrain from performing during recovery.

In July 2025, Joel issued a statement indicating he was managing the condition and staying positive. He told People magazine that the situation was concerning but he was not seriously ill, and he was working on recovery. More recently, in January, Joel performed at an event marking the 30th anniversary of Wellington, Florida.

” Joel noted that he had not planned to perform that night.