They may have long since split, but the ‘Uptown Girl’ reached out to everyone’s favorite ‘Piano Man’ to let him known he was in her thoughts.
Christie Brinkley, formerly married to singer Billy Joel and mother to their daughter, addressed his recent brain disorder diagnosis in a touching Instagram message on Saturday.
The 71-year-old former supermodel shared videos of Joel with their daughter, Alexis, at a recent show, with footage capturing her enjoying some of her father’s classic songs.
“I was searching for adorable photos of you and Alexa to share with you and stumbled upon this clip from a recent concert,” Brinkley expressed in the caption. “It brought me laughter, but also reminded me of all the happiness you bring and the amazing sing-alongs you’ve led.”
Joel, 76, announced Friday his upcoming concerts would be canceled due to the diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus, or NPH. The disorder can cause trouble walking and thinking clearly, but is sometimes reversible and can be treated.
“Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period,” Joel’s statement read on Friday. “Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health.”
NPH occurs when there is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid inside the skull and presses on the brain, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Older adults are most commonly diagnosed, usually around age 70.
Brinkley and Joel had a 9-year marriage that ended in 1994, which Brinkley detailed in her 2015 memoir “Uptown Girl.”
“You turn an arena of strangers into a living room full of friends as we all sway in unison,” Brinkley said. “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.”
