Musician Billy Joey is battling a serious health issue. He was diagnosed with a rare brain disease and had to stop performing. His daughter shared a major health update, saying her dad is going to “fight.” Keep reading to find out how he’s doing now.
Billy Joel Canceled Tour After Shocking Diagnosis
Billy Joel had multiple tour dates scheduled for the summer of 2025. Among the tour dates was a multi-night event at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. However, the sold-out shows were abruptly canceled in May 2025. In a social media announcement, Billy Joel revealed a shocking health diagnosis and revealed that his doctors forbade him from touring.
The “We Didn’t Start the Fire” singer was diagnosed with a rare brain disorder. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) causes excessive fluid to build up in the brain’s ventricles, putting pressure on the brain. The rare disorder mainly affects patients over the age of 60. At the time, Billy Joel said his only symptom was balance issues. How is he doing now?
Daughter Reveals Major Health Update, Vows To ‘Fight’
Billy Joel was married to supermodel Christie Brinkley for nine years. They share one child, Alexa Ray Joel. He has two other children with his wife, Alexis Roderick. Alexa Ray Joel is a singer like her father. She took part in the The Music of Billy Joel fundraiser at Carnegie Hall this week.
She spoke to The Hollywood Reporter ahead of the performance. Alexa Ray Joel shared a hopeful update about her dad’s progress. “He’s doing physical therapy regularly and he’s doing great. He’s lost weight as he’s on his diet,” she told the outlet. She added, “I’m so proud of him. He’s such a trooper, so resilient and committed to being healthy and proactive.”
“He’s always been a fighter and talks in his documentary about how life’s like a fight,” Billy Joel’s daughter said. The documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes came out in July 2025, shortly after he went public with his health issues.
While the singer had to cancel his tour last year, he returned to the stage in January. He made a surprise appearance at the Billy Joel cover band Turnstile’s special New Year’s performance. He performed some of his biggest hits.
Alexa Ray Joel said that her father hopes to return to touring soon. But she has rules for him to follow: “Once a performer, always a performer! But health comes first. I said, ‘If you’re going to perform again, please stay seated at the piano. No throwing the microphone stand around!’”
There is no cure for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH.) However, doctors can treat it and manage it. We look forward to hearing more from him soon.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger
