Billy Joel’s Wife Expresses Gratitude for Outpouring of Support Following His Rare Brain Disorder Diagnosis
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Billy Joel’s wife, Alexis Roderick Joel, has thanked fans for their "outpouring of love and support" after the musician announced his diagnosis with a rare brain disorder, according to a report from Yahoo News.
The news of Joel’s diagnosis was shared on Friday, with the 76-year-old musician announcing that he would be canceling 17 upcoming shows across North America and Europe. According to a statement from Joel’s team, he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulating in the brain’s ventricles, which affects memory, movement, thinking, and concentration.
"We are so grateful for the wonderful care and swift diagnosis we received," Alexis Roderick Joel wrote in her Instagram post, sharing a photo of Joel, herself, and their two young daughters. "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."
As reported by Yahoo News, Joel’s team stated that his condition had been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance. Under his doctor’s instructions, Joel is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.
The outpouring of support for Joel has been widespread, with his daughter with ex-wife Christie Brinkley, Alexa Ray Joel, also sharing her thanks for the kind messages that their family has received. "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," Alexa Ray wrote, including lyrics from the song Joel wrote for her, "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)."
"My Dad is the strongest and most resilient man I’ve ever known," she added. "He’s entirely committed to making a full recovery with ongoing physical-therapy treatments as he continues to regain his strength. The genuine care, empathy, and concern from everyone means so much to him… it means a lot to me, too."
Christie Brinkley also sent a message of support to Joel, writing: "The whole Brinkley gang is sending you lots of love and good wishes for a full and speedy recovery. You turn an arena of strangers into a living room full of friends as we all sway in unison. I’m sure I’m speaking for everyone in that room when I say please take good care of yourself, we all want you back in that white hot spotlight, you’re OUR piano man."
Several of Joel’s celebrity friends have also passed along their best wishes, including Kristin Chenoweth and Jack Quaid. "I really understand," Chenoweth said. "I have menieres. Very similar! Sending love."
The news of Joel’s diagnosis has sparked an outpouring of support from fans around the world, with many taking to social media to share their well-wishes for the musician’s recovery. As reported by Yahoo News, Joel is set to undergo a period of physical therapy and recovery, with his team stating that he is "fully committed to prioritizing his health."
As the music world rallies around Joel, his wife Alexis Roderick Joel has expressed her gratitude for the support, saying: "We are so grateful for the wonderful care and swift diagnosis we received." With fans and friends alike sending their best wishes for his recovery, Joel is set to face his health challenges with the support of those around him.
Original Source: Yahoo News
