Billy Joel’s daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, is reacting to his health condition.
The “Piano Man” singer, 76, stated on Friday, May 23, that he will cancel all upcoming concerts due to a recent diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a disease in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain ventricles.
A day later, on Saturday, May 24, Alexa, 39, paid tribute to her father through an Instagram post. “SOUND UP 🕊️ We love you and got you, Pop!” she opened her statement, sharing a black and white piece of artwork depicting a father holding his small daughter’s hand.
“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, who Billy has with ex Christie Brinkley, said. “My father is the toughest and most resilient man I’ve ever known… and he is completely devoted to making a full recovery with regular physical therapy sessions as he continues to develop strength.”
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“He appreciates everyone’s genuine care, sensitivity, and concern…” It means a lot to me, too,” she continued, finishing her message with the words of “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel),” a song Billy composed for her and published on his 1993 album River of Dreams.
“‘Someday We’ll All Be Gone / But Lullabies Go On / They Never Die / That’s How You And I Will Be.'” “The music continues. 🕊️ All my love, Alexa Ray,” she added.
According to a statement acquired by PEOPLE and uploaded on his Instagram, Billy’s NPH has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, causing issues with his hearing, vision, and balance.
The actor, who has daughters Della Rose Joel, 9, and Remy Anne Joel, 7, with wife Alexis Roderick, is getting specialist physical treatment as prescribed by his doctor. He was also “advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.”
Billy, according to the statement, “is grateful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health.” He appreciates the fans’ support during this period and hopes to return to the stage one day.
“I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding,” Billy exclaimed.
Billy’s recently canceled concert dates include gigs in New York City this summer, as well as stops in New Orleans, Toronto, Santa Clara, Salt Lake City, Washington, D.C., and Liverpool.
Refunds will be processed back to the original payment method for fans who planned to attend the shows.
Billy collapsed at a concert at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut in February, prompting the cancellations months later.
The next month, the artist stated that he would postpone his concerts until June, claiming a “medical condition” that needed him to “undergo physical therapy under the supervision of his doctors.”
Billy has had a successful career throughout the years. The artist has won five Grammys and been nominated 23 times. He has sold over 150 million albums and has 33 Top 40 songs. He was elected into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.
In July 2024, he performed his final Madison Square Garden concert as part of his record-breaking 10-year residency, which was his 150th event at the arena.