In an exclusive bombshell interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Alexa Ray Joel has pulled back the curtain on her father Billy Joel's private health crisis. The music legend's daughter reveals he's waging a gritty, all-out war against a serious brain disorder that forced him to cancel his entire tour.
"He's doing great—he's lost weight and is so resilient," Alexa Ray declared, her voice filled with pride. "He's always been a fighter, and he talks about life being a fight in his documentary. I'm incredibly proud of his commitment to being proactive about his health."
The 76-year-old icon was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition where cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the skull, wreaking havoc on balance, vision, and hearing. Joel has thrown himself into recovery, undergoing rigorous physical therapy and sticking to a strict diet as he battles the disorder head-on.
In a heartfelt statement, Joel expressed deep gratitude for his medical team and vowed to return to the stage. "I'm dedicated to my health and hopeful for the future," he said, sparking speculation about a comeback. Meanwhile, a star-studded tribute concert, "The Music of Billy Joel," is set to light up Carnegie Hall, with Wyclef Jean, Rob Thomas, and Pat Monahan belting out his classics.
Billy Joel and daughter Alexa Ray Joel in a throwback photo. Alexa Ray Joel/Instagram
Earlier this year, Joel stunned fans with a surprise performance at a cover band concert, rocking out to "We Didn't Start the Fire" and "Big Shot"—a testament to his unbreakable spirit. The rocker, who shares two younger daughters, Della Rose and Remy Anne, with wife Alexis Roderick, continues to inspire with his relentless fight.
