Billy Joel and daughter Alex Ray Joel.
Alexa Ray Joel has been a pillar of strength for her father, the iconic Billy Joel, following his recent health diagnosis.
In a heartfelt Instagram tribute on Saturday, May 24, Alexa, 39, expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support shown by fans:
“We love you and we’ve got you, Pop! A huge thank you to everyone for the incredible outpouring of love and support concerning my father’s health.”
She went on to describe her father as “the strongest and most resilient man I’ve ever known,” and voiced confidence in his dedication to a full recovery through targeted physical therapy.
Echoing the heartfelt lyrics from her father’s 1993 classic “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel),” she shared:
“Someday We’ll All Be Gone / But Lullabies Go On And On / They Never Die / That’s How You And I Will Be.”
On Friday, May 23, Billy Joel — the beloved “Piano Man” — announced the cancellation of all his scheduled concerts following a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). The disorder, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, results from excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, leading to walking difficulties, memory loss, and bladder control issues.
Billy’s team detailed the diagnosis via Instagram, noting symptoms such as impaired hearing, vision issues, and balance challenges, which had recently affected his stage performance.
Doctors have since advised him to refrain from performing while undergoing specialized therapy. His last concert took place in February at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut.
In a personal message to fans, Billy said:
“I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience. Thank you for understanding.”
Seventeen performances across the U.S. and England have now been canceled for the rest of 2025. Previously in March, he had already postponed several summer stadium shows due to an unnamed “medical condition”, though his team maintained optimism about recovery.
Back in March, Billy told fans:
“I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans.”
In July 2024, Billy marked a monumental milestone — his 150th show at Madison Square Garden — culminating a historic residency at the venue. He was joined on stage by Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose, making the night truly unforgettable.
Reflecting on that evening, Billy remarked:
“Everybody in the world knows when you play The Garden, it’s not just New York.”
“I just want to thank everyone for the wonderful thing that’s happened here, even at 150 lifetime shows.”
