Christie Brinkley Shares Rare Family Moment With Ex Billy Joel as He Steps Back From Touring
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While Billy Joel has hit pause on his tour to focus on his health, Christie Brinkley has given fans a rare, touching glimpse into their family bond — and sent her ex-husband all the love he needs.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, Brinkley shared a tender video of Joel, duetting with their daughter Alexa Ray. “Dear Billy, the whole Brinkley gang is sending you lots of love and good wishes for a full and speedy recovery,” she wrote. Digging through photos of Joel and Alexa Ray, Brinkley stumbled on the concert clip that “made me laugh, but it also reminded me of all the joy you create, and all the sensational sing-a-longs you’ve led.”
That home-video warmth isn’t your average concert flash — it captures the rare, musical magic between father and daughter. As Brinkley noted, “You turn an arena of strangers into a living room full of friends as we all sway in unison,” before urging Joel, “please take good care of yourself, we all want you back in that white hot spotlight. You’re OUR piano man — and we’re always in the mood for your melodies. And we all hope you’re feeling alright! We love you, the kids, me and an arena or two!”
She tagged Joel alongside their daughter, Alexa Ray, 39, and her two younger children, Jack, 29, and Sailor, 26 — showing that this support shout-out comes not just from her, but the entire Brinkley brood.
Joel first disclosed his NPH diagnosis on May 23, revealing that recent performances exacerbated “problems with hearing, vision and balance.” On medical advice, he’s now undergoing targeted physical therapy and must “refrain from performing during the recovery period,” a decision that led to the cancellation of his upcoming tour dates. In a personal note, he apologized for letting fans down—“sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience” and thanked everyone “for understanding.”
Brinkley and Joel met in 1984 while vacationing in St. Barts. At the time, she was one of the world’s most recognizable models, and he was fresh off a Grammy win. They married in 1985, welcomed Alexa Ray that December, and divorced in 1994, but never lost touch. Joel even serenaded her with “Uptown Girl” at Madison Square Garden in 2024.
In her memoir Uptown Girl, released last month, Brinkley doesn’t shy from the past, calling alcohol the “other woman” that fractured their union and recalling the night Joel vanished during their daughter’s fifth birthday. She’s also quipped that “how close we can be depends on who he’s married to,” a knowing nod to the chapters that followed, including Joel’s marriages to Katie Lee and Alexis Roderick.
Through health scares and Hollywood headlines, one thing remains clear: the “Uptown Girl” and her “Piano Man” share a bond that’s built to last. As Brinkley’s warm tribute shows, family — and music — will always bring them back to center stage.
Before you go, click here to see celebrity exes who will always be friends.