Billy Joel’s wife thanks fans for ‘love and support’ amid Piano Man’s health battle

Billy Joel’s wife has shared a heartfelt message on social media thanking fans for their “love and support” after the Uptown Girl singer shared news of his brain illness fight.

The 76-year-old musician had to cancel all his scheduled concerts after he recently revealed that he was diagnosed with a condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus and has been advised to refrain from performing while he recovers.

The condition, which causes a buildup of spinal fluid in the brain, has started to affect his balance, as shown by a fall in February during a concert in Connecticut.

Its symptoms resemble those of dementia and can sometimes be reversible.

On Monday, his wife Alexis Roderick Joel took to Instagram and shared an emotional message to fans on his condition.

Roderick Joel posted the message alongside a family photo of the pair with their two daughters, thanking everyone for their “love and support” and explained how grateful they are for their father and husband’s “wonderful care and swift diagnosis”.

“Bill is beloved by so many, and to us, he is a father and husband who is at the center of our world,” Roderick Joel said.

“We are hopeful for his recovery.

“We look forward to seeing you all in the future.”

 

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Fans responded in droves, flooding the comments with messages of encouragement.

“You’ll always be number one! Praying for a full recovery!” one commented.

“Prayers for a quick recovery. 🙏 All your fans are supporting you! ❤️” another added.

“COME ON BILL WE GOT U,” another commented.

“Love him so much. The soundtrack to my life❤️.”

The message comes after his eldest child, Alexa paid tribute to her father on social media after he revealed his diagnosis to the world.

Alexa Ray, whose mother is model Christie Brinkley, shared a painting of a father and daughter on Instagram with the caption: “SOUND UP. We love you and we got you, Pop!”

“My Dad is the strongest and most resilient man I’ve ever known … and he’s entirely committed to making a full recovery with ongoing physical-therapy treatments as he continues to regain his strength,” Alexa Ray wrote.

“The genuine care, empathy, and concern from everyone means so much to him … it means a lot to me, too.”

The 39 year old then concluded her post by sharing the lyrics to Joel’s 1993 track Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel), which he penned for Alexa Ray.

“Someday We’ll All Be Gone / But Lullabies Go On And On / They Never Die / That’s How You And I Will Be,” she added.

“The music continues…  All My Love, Alexa Ray.”

On Saturday, the Uptown Girl singer took to Instagram and apologised to fans for cancelling the tour, which included 17 dates in North America and England.