Billy Joel's Daughter Alexa Speaks Up Following His Diagnosis

As concern builds around Billy Joel’s health, his daughter has broken her silence with a heartfelt message.

Alexa Ray Joel has spoken publicly following her father Billy Joel's announcement that he is stepping back from touring due to a medical diagnosis. In an Instagram post, she thanked fans for their support and offered a glimpse of her father's strength and determination to recover.

"Sound up 🕊️ We love you and we got you, Pop," she wrote, calling him "the strongest and most resilient man" she has ever known. She confirmed he is undergoing physical therapy and is fully committed to regaining his strength.

Soon after, Alexa shared black-and-white Instagram Stories featuring photos of her and her father, from childhood moments to stage appearances. One touching caption read, "Every moment with you is a diamond, Pop."

Just days earlier, on May 9, Billy celebrated his 75th birthday. To mark the occasion, Alexa posted a heartfelt tribute online, honoring both his legendary career and their close relationship.

"Sound up 🕊️ HAPPY BIRTHDAY POP! The King Of New York, And The King Of Our Hearts..." she began. She called it the "honor of my lifetime" to share the stage with him, but said being his daughter was an even greater privilege.

Looking back on a special performance memory, Alexa admired the depth and character of her father's voice, comparing its richness to the iconic sounds of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett.

She described her dad's musical talent as instinctive and limitless, and said his ability to master different styles reminded her of his song "The River of Dreams."

She also reflected on her childhood, remembering how he used to sing her to sleep with The Beatles songs. Alexa said "Goodnight, My Angel," still echoes in her mind like a sacred lullaby, full of personal meaning that has stayed with her over time.

She ended the tribute with a line from the song that she says reflects her and Billy's lasting bond, "Someday we'll all be gone, but lullabies go on and on... they never die, that's how you and I will be."

Alexa's messages followed Billy's May 22 Instagram statement confirming that he has been diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a neurological disorder caused by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain's ventricles.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, NPH is referred to as "normal pressure" because CSF pressure often appears normal during testing, despite excess fluid. As the ventricles enlarge, they can press on brain tissue, resulting in symptoms such as walking difficulty, slowed thinking, memory problems, and loss of bladder control.

NPH primarily affects older adults and is frequently misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. In some cases, it can be treated with the surgical insertion of a shunt to drain excess fluid. While this procedure often improves mobility, cognitive and urinary symptoms may persist, and long-term outcomes can vary.

Billy noted he is following medical guidance and "undergoing specific physical therapy" as part of his recovery. He also expressed gratitude for the care he is receiving and for the continued support from fans.

"I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding," he said. According to his post, ticket holders will receive automatic refunds through their original method of payment.

This is not the first time that Billy's tour plans have been interrupted due to health issues. According to a previous Instagram update posted on March 10, his concert dates were already postponed earlier this year to allow time for recovery following surgery.

At the time, Billy stated, "While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first. I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans."

The tour was initially expected to resume at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on July 5. Several rescheduled dates were also announced, including stops in Detroit, Toronto, Salt Lake City, Edinburgh, and Liverpool, while the Milwaukee venue is listed as TBD (To Be Determined).

Long before his recent health issues, Billy had already shared some honest thoughts about aging and life on stage. In a 2019 interview with Rolling Stone, ahead of his 70th birthday concert at Madison Square Garden, Billy admitted he had "mixed feelings" about performing on the occasion.

"On the one hand, I'm happy to be alive," he said. On the flip side, he said turning 70 didn't feel like a big reason to celebrate. "I mean, it's a work night — you can't have birthday cake, you can't do any of that stuff," he joked. He went on to describe his career as "a Peter Pan kinda job."

Reflecting on the surreal feeling of aging in the spotlight, Billy said, "You become a little myopic about how old you actually are. I see pictures of myself at the Garden recently, and I go, 'That don't look right.' I got old, I lost my hair. I was never a matinee idol to begin with, and there I am onstage still doing the same job I was doing when I was 16."

As Billy steps back to focus on recovery, his daughter’s words—grounded in love, gratitude, and unwavering support—have struck a chord with fans who continue to rally behind the iconic performer.