Ethereal Elegance: Alexa Ray Joel & Christie Brinkley at Billy Joel's Doc Premiere
EXCLUSIVE: Billy Joel's Family Supports Him Through Thick and Thin - But Will He Ever Recover from His Shocking Health Scare?
In a rare public appearance, Alexa Ray Joel, 39, joined her mom Christie Brinkley, 71, at the screening of the new HBO documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" on Thursday. The docuseries lifts the lid on Billy's personal life and career, revealing the highs and lows that have made him a household name.
The eldest daughter of the Piano Man singer stunned in an ivory ankle-length dress with star-studded sleeves, which added inches to her frame. She paired the look with towering nude platform heels and a pink bag, completing it with pigtails tied with two ivory ribbons. Meanwhile, Christie Brinkley cut a casual display in a denim playsuit cinched around her waist, featuring an intricate flower design over the shoulders.
The mother-daughter duo's appearance at the screening came as Billy Joel's health scare continues to make headlines. The singer, 72, has been battling normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition that affects his hearing, vision, and balance. In May, he announced that he would be canceling all planned concerts due to the brain disorder.
But it seems that Billy's family is rallying around him in support. A source close to the singer told The Scholarly Note that "Billy is grateful for the love and support of his family during this challenging time." However, insiders reveal that Billy's health issues have been a long time coming - he has been struggling with memory problems for over a decade.
In 2014, Billy famously forgot the lyrics to one of his hit songs, We Didn't Start The Fire, at Toronto's Air Canada Centre. At the time, he attributed it to the song being "one of the worst melodies I ever wrote." However, sources close to the singer say that the problem has been ongoing for much longer.
"Billy has been struggling with memory issues and difficulty with lyrics for over a decade," said an insider. "He's tried to brush it off as just getting older or tired, but deep down he knows there's something more serious going on."
The source added that Billy's condition has been exacerbated by his recent performances, which have put additional pressure on his brain.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a rare and often misunderstood condition. According to experts, the excess fluid collecting in the ventricles of the brain can cause a range of symptoms, including difficulty walking, memory problems, and even personality changes.
Despite his health issues, Billy Joel: And So It Goes has been well-received by critics, with glowing reviews from Rolling Stone, Variety, and Newsday. The docuseries delves into Billy's personal life, including his failed marriages, struggles with alcohol, and pre-fame suicide attempts.
The singer also opens up about his mother's struggles with alcoholism and how it affected him growing up. "Billy has always been very open about his family dynamics," said the insider. "He wants to use his platform to help others who may be going through similar experiences."
The release of Billy Joel: And So It Goes comes after a decade of turmoil for the singer, including financial troubles and personal struggles. However, with the support of his family and fans, Billy is determined to bounce back from his health scare.
"Billy is a fighter," said the source. "He's been through tough times before and has always come out on top. We're confident that he'll do the same this time around."
The documentary is available to stream now on Hulu, offering a rare glimpse into the life of one of music's most beloved stars.
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- Billy Joel's Family Feud: How His Ex-Wives and Children Have Been Affected by His Personal Life