Billy Joel's Journey to a Healthier Life
When you think of Billy Joel, the legendary "Piano Man" singer, you picture a man who's lived life to the fullest. But there was a time when Billy's lifestyle was dangerously out of control. Drinking heavily and packing on the pounds, his reckless habits were threatening to cut his incredible career short. Thankfully, love stepped in and changed everything. Billy is now celebrating a decade of marriage with his wife, Alexis Roderick, and he's crediting her with transforming his life for the better.
According to an insider speaking exclusively to Closer, Billy's life has been completely transformed since Alexis entered the picture. "A few years ago, he was piling on the pounds and drinking heavily, but then this amazing woman entered his life," the source reveals. "He’s looking good, and he’s shed some weight. He’s not super skinny, but this is a significant improvement. The excessive eating and booze binges that plagued him are now a thing of the past.”
A New Chapter in Billy's Life
At the age of 75, Billy married Alexis, 41, in 2015. Together, they’ve welcomed two beautiful daughters, Della and Remy, into their lives. Billy is also a proud father to Alexa Ray Joel, whom he shares with his ex-wife, the stunning Christie Brinkley. Alexis has been more than just a loving partner—she’s been a guiding light in Billy’s life, helping him steer clear of his old destructive habits.
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“Alexis is ultra-fit and a healthy influence. She’s always there to keep him in check and make sure he doesn’t slide off the rails,” the source continues. “He’s in a completely different headspace, both at home and at work. He’s learned the meaning of moderation, and it’s all thanks to her. He’s got so much more energy now and isn’t breathless on stage like he used to be. His family is incredibly grateful. He’s 75, and they want him to stick around for many more decades.”
Battling the Demon of Alcohol Addiction
In the past, Billy has been open about his struggles with alcohol addiction and how it derailed his career at times. “I couldn’t be as good as I wanted to be. It drove me crazy. The drinking was part of it,” he confessed to Parade. “If I couldn’t be as good as I wanted to be, I’d just drown it with booze. … I know I’ve got a reputation that I’m this depressed guy. I’m not—I’m a happy guy. … I was in rehab twice.”
“The first time I went to rehab, in 2002, I wouldn’t even stay,” Billy recalls. “I was only there for a couple of days. The press was all over the place, and I said, ‘I’ve got to get out of here.’ The second time was at the Betty Ford Center in 2005, which wasn’t a lot of fun. I was drinking too much, and I said, ‘This time I’m going to stick it through for a month.’ It was one of the best things I ever did.”
After getting his drinking under control, Billy was able to jump back into his successful music career with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Just recently, he performed “Uptown Girl” at his Madison Square Garden show on April 26, with Christie and Alexa in the crowd cheering him on.
