Billy Joel’s wife shared her gratitude for the “outpouring of love and support” their family has received in the wake of the musician announcing he had been diagnosed with a rare brain disorder.
“We are so grateful for the wonderful care and swift diagnosis we received,” Alexis Roderick Joel wrote in an Instagram post on Monday, sharing a photo of Joel, herself, and their two young daughters. “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.”
Joel, 76, announced Friday that he’d be canceling 17 upcoming shows across North America and Europe after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). The condition is caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulating in the brain’s ventricles, which affects memory, movement, thinking, and concentration, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance,” a statement from Joel’s team read. “Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period. Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health.”
Over the weekend, Joel’s daughter with ex-wife Christie Brinkley, Alexa Ray Joel, also shared her thanks for the kind messages that their family has received. “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,” Alexa Ray wrote, including lyrics from the song Joel wrote for her, “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel).”
“My Dad is the strongest and most resilient man I’ve ever known,” she added. “He’s entirely committed to making a full recovery with ongoing physical-therapy treatments as he continues to regain his strength. The genuine care, empathy, and concern from everyone means so much to him… it means a lot to me, too.”
Brinkley also sent a message of support to Joel. “The whole Brinkley gang is sending you lots of love and good wishes for a full and speedy recovery,” the model wrote. “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.”
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Several of Joel’s celebrity friends also passed along their best wishes, including Kristin Chenoweth and Jack Quaid. “I really understand,” Chenoweth said. “I have menieres. Very similar !! Sending love.”
From Rolling Stone US
