Alexa Ray Joel, the daughter of music icon Billy Joel, has provided an encouraging update on her father's health following his diagnosis with a rare neurological condition. The 76-year-old singer was diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) in May 2024, a disorder characterised by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's ventricles, leading to symptoms such as balance issues.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Alexa Ray, 40, praised her father's commitment to recovery. "He's doing physical therapy regularly and he's doing great. He's lost weight as he's on his diet," she said. "I'm so proud of him. He's such a trooper, so resilient and committed to being healthy and proactive." She added that he is "a fighter," referencing his documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes.
Following his diagnosis, Joel cancelled all scheduled performances for 2024, including planned shows in the US and the UK. A statement on his Instagram cited that the condition had been "exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance." He was advised to undergo specific physical therapy and refrain from performing during recovery.
Joel first spoke publicly about his condition in July 2024 on Bill Maher's podcast, stating, "I feel fine," though he admitted his "balance sucks." He dismissed speculation that his past alcohol use caused the disorder, saying, "They don't know… I thought it must be from drinking." The five-time Grammy winner, who is now three years sober, insisted he feels "good" and noted that the term "brain disorder" sounds worse than his actual experience.
In January 2025, Joel surprised fans by performing with a cover band in Florida, playing hits like "We Didn't Start the Fire" and "Big Shot" — his first performance since the diagnosis. Joel shares Alexa Ray with ex-wife Christie Brinkley, and also has two young daughters, Della Rose, 10, and Remmy Anne, 8, with wife Alexis Roderick.
