Billy Joel's Daughter Shares Update on His Brain Disorder Recovery

Alexa Ray Joel says her dad is a 'fighter' as he undergoes physical therapy for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Almost a year after Billy Joel was diagnosed with the neurological condition Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, his daughter, singer Alexa Ray Joel, gave an update on how the 'Piano Man' singer is doing. Alexa Ray said her 76-year-old dad is doing physical therapy regularly, has lost weight, and is committed to being healthy and proactive. She described him as a 'fighter' who is excited to attend a tribute concert in his honor at Carnegie Hall.

Why it matters

Billy Joel's diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, a condition that affects balance, vision and hearing, led to the cancellation of his planned 2025 tour dates. Alexa Ray's update on her dad's recovery process provides reassurance to fans about his health and potential return to performing.

The details

Alexa Ray said her dad is doing 'physical therapy regularly' and has 'lost weight as he's on his diet.' She praised his resilience and commitment to being healthy, saying 'He's a fighter. He's always been a fighter.' Joel was diagnosed with the condition almost a year ago, which forced him to cancel his 2025 tour. Alexa Ray said her dad is excited to attend the 'The Music of Billy Joel' tribute concert at Carnegie Hall, an event he first played in the 1970s.

  • Almost a year after Billy Joel was diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.
  • On March 12, 2026, the 'The Music of Billy Joel' tribute concert took place at Carnegie Hall.

The players

Billy Joel

A 76-year-old singer-songwriter, also known as the 'Piano Man,' who was diagnosed with the neurological condition Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus almost a year ago.

Alexa Ray Joel

Billy Joel's daughter, a singer-songwriter who provided an update on her dad's recovery process from his brain disorder.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He's doing physical therapy regularly and he's doing great. He's lost weight as he's on his diet. I'm so proud of him. He's such a trooper, so resilient and committed to being healthy and proactive. He's a fighter. He's always been a fighter and talks in his documentary about how life's like a fight.”

— Alexa Ray Joel, Singer-songwriter, Billy Joel's daughter

“Dad, you better be there! This is Carnegie Hall. Everyone's paying tribute to you, and it's an amazing group of artists.”

— Alexa Ray Joel, Singer-songwriter, Billy Joel's daughter

“Let me mark that down. He was so excited when he first played Carnegie Hall in the '70s, so it's exciting for him to come back decades later and see amazing artists and his daughter pay tribute to him. It's a full-circle moment.”

— Billy Joel

What’s next

Billy Joel plans to attend the 'The Music of Billy Joel' tribute concert at Carnegie Hall on March 12, 2026.

The takeaway

Billy Joel's resilience and commitment to his health during his recovery from Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is an inspiring story for fans, as he prepares to attend a special tribute concert honoring his iconic music career.