Billy Joel’s Daughter Alexa Ray Shares Update on His Health Battle: ‘He’s a Fighter’

Billy Joel’s daughter Alexa Ray Joel is sharing an update on the singer’s health after he was diagnosed with a brain disorder nearly one year ago.

“He’s doing physical therapy regularly and he’s doing great. He’s lost weight as he’s on his diet,” Alexa, 40, told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview published on Thursday, March 12. “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.”

Billy, 76, announced in May 2025 that he was canceling “all scheduled concerts” due to being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).

NPH is a “brain disorder in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain’s ventricles, which are fluid-filled chambers,” according to the Alzheimer’s Association. “As brain ventricles enlarge with the excess CSF, they can disrupt and damage nearby brain tissue, leading to difficulty walking, problems with thinking and reasoning, and loss of bladder control.”

Billy’s team revealed via Instagram at the time that NPH has caused problems with his “hearing, vision, and balance,” which has impacted his performances. (Billy lost his balance and fell down during a concert at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, in February 2025.)

“He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take to the stage,” his reps continued.

Billy added in his own statement, “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience. Thank you for understanding.”

Alexa reacted to her father’s diagnosis via Instagram shortly after the concert cancellations.

“We love you and we got you, Pop! I just wanted to thank you all for the beautiful outpouring of love and support amid the recent news of My Father’s health diagnosis,” she wrote. “My Dad is the strongest and most resilient man I’ve ever known… and he’s entirely committed to making a full recovery with ongoing physical-therapy treatments as he continues to regain his strength.”

Billy returned to the stage in January after nearly a year off to perform two songs at Wellington’s 30th birthday party in Florida.

“I wasn’t planning on working tonight,” he quipped at the impromptu show.

Addressing Billy’s performance, Alexa told THR, “Once a performer, always a performer! But health comes first. I said, ‘If you’re going to perform again, please stay seated at the piano. No throwing the microphone stand around!’”