Alexa Ray Joel recently shared a new update on her dad, Billy Joel‘s, ongoing struggles after being diagnosed with a severe brain disorder earlier this year. While the Still Rock and Roll to Me hitmaker continues to adjust and navigate this new era of his life, his daughter reveals that things have changed significantly for her dad. After music icon Billy Joel was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a brain disorder affecting balance, hearing, and vision, a new chapter began in the life of the 76-year-old entertainer. However, according to Alexa, Billy is handling things much better than anyone could have expected.
“He doesn’t whine, especially in his older age,” Alexa proudly states. “He’s so cool about everything. He’s always playing everything down, ‘Oh, I’m fine. Don’t worry.’ He doesn’t want me to worry, and he’s just cool as a cat about everything. And I ask him, ‘I’m like, how are you feeling? Are you OK?‘”
Billy Joel has admitted that the disorder sometimes leaves him feeling like he is on a boat due to his off-balance sensations. Radar Online reports that sources close to the singer claim that, despite being sober now, at first, Billy believed that decades of heavy drinking may have been behind the diagnosis. Luckily, Alexa has shared that they haven’t seen any signs of cognitive decline so far.
Billy Joel Admits Lifestyle Changes He’s Made Seem To Help
The brain disorder diagnosis has forced Billy Joel to make some tough decisions and major lifestyle changes. Sadly, Joel admits he has been forced to put his music career on pause until late 2026.
He is also embracing a new, healthier day-to-day routine. He attends physical therapy up to five times a week and has drastically adjusted his diet. Once a steak-and-potatoes kind of guy, Joel now chooses chicken, vegetables, and even eggplant. Alexa admits she’s proud of how quickly he’s adapted.
Billy Joel has had a lot of support from his family and friends. This has helped him cope through some of the more challenging days. Even his exes, including Christie Brinkley and Elizabeth Weber, have kept in touch and offered support.
While Billy Joel continues to face the realities of his health struggles, his family and fans are left concerned about what the future holds. The condition has already forced him to step away from the stage. Fans remain supportive. They wish Billy Joel the best and hope to see him back in action on stage in the near future.
Billy Joel remains strong and determined to get his health under control with physical therapy and healthy changes. But his challenges are far from over. The work is far from over. Halting his workload, changing his lifestyle, and leaning on his family and friends for support indicate just how seriously the singer is taking the situation.
