Billy Joel’s Health Update: Daughter Alexa Ray Shares Positive News

Singer Billy Joel is continuing to make progress in his recovery from normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a rare brain disorder diagnosed in May 2023, according to his daughter, Alexa Ray Joel. The update came during a tribute concert honoring the “Piano Man” at Novel York’s Carnegie Hall on March 12, 2026.

Progress and Treatment

Alexa Ray Joel shared with The Hollywood Reporter that her father is “doing physical therapy regularly and he’s doing great.” She as well noted he has been focusing on his health and has lost weight while following a 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,” she said. Fox News reported.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is a condition that often affects individuals over the age of 65, impacting balance, vision, and hearing. KGW explains that the disorder occurs when cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain, putting pressure on brain tissue.

Carnegie Hall Tribute

The “Music of Billy Joel” event at Carnegie Hall was a fundraiser for music education programs, raising over $225,000, the largest amount in the event’s 20-year history. Billboard reported that the tribute featured performances by artists including Rob Thomas, Matt Nathanson, and Wyclef Jean.

Alexa Ray Joel shared that her father was excited to return to Carnegie Hall decades after his first performance there. “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,” she said.

Previous Performances and Future Outlook

Billy Joel briefly returned to the stage in January 2026, joining a tribute band, Turnstiles, for a two-song set in Florida. KGW noted this was his first public performance since announcing his diagnosis.

While there is no current update on a potential return to touring, Alexa Ray Joel expressed a desire for her father to prioritize his health, suggesting he remain seated at the piano if he does perform again. She also mentioned that he asked her not to watch footage of a previous incident where he fell onstage, as he was concerned about her anxiety.