Billy Joel's Wife on Singer's Health: "He's Trying to Get Better"
Comedic remark from Billy Joel about growing older and plans for posthumous cremation following his diagnosis with a brain disorder
Legendary singer Billy Joel's wife, Alexis Roderick Joel, recently shared an update on the music icon's health following the postponement of his tour due to a four-month recovery plan for a medical condition requiring surgery and rehabilitation.
In high spirits, Billy Joel remains optimistic despite his formidable health challenges. Although he was unable to attend the premiere of his new documentary, "And So It Goes," at the Tribeca Film Festival due to a brain disorder diagnosis, he made sure to send fans a message.
"Billy wishes he were here tonight, and he asked us to convey his greetings to you all," director Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin told the crowd, as reported by Variety. In this heartfelt yet darkly humorous message, "Piano Man" Billy Joel quipped, "getting old sucks, but it's still preferable to getting cremated." Lacy reassured the audience, "He will be back."
*BILLY JOEL OPENS UP ABOUT AFFAIR THAT LED TO TWO SUICIDE ATTEMPTS**
The 76-year-old singer famously jokes about the downsides of aging, even as he battles health issues.
With his health sidelining him, Joel's message to fans was both heartfelt and humorously morose, marking his first public communication since news broke of his brain disorder diagnosis.
*BILLY JOEL CANCELS ALL CONCERTS DUE TO BRAIN DISORDER DIAGNOSIS**
On May 23, Joel announced he was canceling all upcoming concerts due to his diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). This condition, which can affect vision, hearing, and balance, is a rare occurrence most likely to occur in people over 65 years old. It happens when cerebrospinal fluid builds up inside the skull, pressing on the brain.
Traditional shunt surgery, a method that involves draining excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain into another part of the body, is one way to treat NPH, albeit with some risks. Minimally invasive techniques, such as the eShunt System, are undergoing clinical trials and show promise as a less invasive alternative[1]. Supportive measures like physical therapy are also used to manage symptoms and improve quality of life[2].
Alexis Roderick Joel expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they've received. She remains hopeful about her husband's recovery and looks forward to future performances.
"I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding," Billy Joel concluded in his message.
[1] CereVasc. (n.d.). eShunt System for Treating Hydrocephalus – CereVasc, Inc.. Cerevasc.com. https://cerevasc.com/eshunt-system/
[2] Yale Medicine. (2021). Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. Yale Medicine. https://www.yalehealth.org/conditions/normal-pressure-hydrocephalus
[3] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16963-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-nph
Stephanie Giang-Paunon is an Entertainment Writer for our website Digital. For story tips, feel free to contact her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter: @SGiangPaunon.
- Billy Joel, while battling a brain disorder, humorously discussed the challenges of aging, even as he grapples with health-and-wellness issues.
- In light of his medical condition requiring surgery and rehabilitation, Joel's wife, Alexis Roderick Joel, spoke about the singer's determination to recover and his future performances in the realm of entertainment.
- The health complications suffered by Billy Joel prevent him from attending events, such as the Tribeca Film Festival premiere of his documentary, but he continues to engage with fans through health-related communication. Despite the diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus, a medical-condition that affects older adults, he is hopeful for a return to the entertainment industry with treatments like the eShunt System and supportive measures like physical therapy.
