In the second part of HBO’s “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” which aired July 25, 2025, the legendary musician reflects on his high-profile marriage to supermodel Christie Brinkley — from their romantic beginnings to their painful split.The couple met in 1983 in St. Barts and married two years later. Joel, 76, described Brinkley as his muse, admitting he felt lucky to be with her: “I’m from Hicksville… What am I doing with a supermodel?” Their early relationship, both say, was fun and full of creative energy.
But cracks formed by the late ’80s. Christie pointed to his single “I Go to Extremes” as a reflection of his inner conflict — a loving partner by day, a restless artist by night. Financial stress from a lawsuit and Joel’s heavy touring schedule only added to the pressure. “I wasn’t able to be at home,” Billy admitted. “It all catches up.”
They divorced in 1994 but have remained amicable. On May 23, 2025, Billy revealed his diagnosis with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain condition affecting balance and cognition. The next day, Christie posted a heartfelt tribute, wishing him a full recovery and calling him “our piano man.”Their daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, also shared a touching message: “We love you and we got you, Pop.”
Christie recently explored their shared history in her memoir Uptown Girl, released in April. She recalled the joy, the tension, and the emotional distance that eventually drove them apart. “To be clear, I never wanted to end things with Billy,” she wrote, “but his drinking was bigger than both of us.” Despite the past, the support from Christie and Alexa speaks volumes. As Billy focuses on recovery, one thing is clear — love and respect still linger between the lines of their complicated, beautiful history.
