Billy Joel's wife breaks silence on husband's brain disorder with emotional message to fans

Billy Joel's wife has spoken out to address fans after the singer was forced to cancel all his remaining concerts.

Last week, the 76-year-old's reps announced to the world that the 'Piano Man' singer had been diagnosed with a chronic brain condition, before axing the 17 upcoming shows he had spread across 2025 and 2026.

The 'We Didn't Start the Fire' hitmaker has been diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a rare disorder that affects just 0.2 percent of people in their 70s.

"Billy Joel has announced that he will be cancelling all scheduled concerts following a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)," the initial announcement on Instagram read.

"This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance. Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.

Billy Joel pictured in February last year with wife Alexis Roderick Joel, and their two daughters Remy Anne and Della Rose (ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

"Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health. He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage."

The statement concluded with a message from Joel himself, which read: "I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience and thank you for understanding."

Now, the singer's wife Alexis Roderick Joel, who is 33 years his junior, took to his Instagram page yesterday (May 26) to thank fans for their support.

Posting a picture of herself, Joel and their two young daughters, the 43-year-old said in the caption: "Thank you for the outpouring of love and support. We are so grateful for the wonderful care and swift diagnosis we received.

"Bill is beloved by so many, and to us, he is a father and husband who is at the center of our world. We are hopeful for his recovery. We look forward to seeing you all in the future."

Billy Joel's wife Alexis Roderick Joel shared this picture with his fans, which includes her alongside the singer and their two kids, thanking them for their support (Instagram/@billyjoel)

Cleveland Clinic reports that the symptoms of NPH include taking shorter and unsteady steps, having trouble lifting your feet and walking uncertainly - as if you've forgotten how to do so.

While other symptoms the service mentions are mental and physical slowness, problems with memory, changes in emotional behavior, and urinary incontinence.

The condition is estimated to affect around 700,000 Americans, with the average age of developing onset NPH being 70 years old.

Although the chance of developing it increases as you get older, with 5.9 percent of Americans over 80 living with it, according to the Cleveland Clinic.