Billy Joel is recovering as he continues his battle with the rare brain disorder Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), according to his daughter Alexa Ray Joel.
“He’s doing physical therapy regularly and he’s doing great,” Alexa Ray told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview published Thursday. “He’s also lost weight while sticking to his diet.”
She added that she’s incredibly proud of her father’s determination throughout the health challenge.
“I’m so proud of him,” she said. “He’s such a trooper — resilient and committed to staying healthy and proactive. He’s a fighter. He’s always been a fighter and even talks in his documentary about how life is like a fight.”
Alexa Ray Joel shared a positive health update about her famous father, Billy Joel, amid his battle with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. The singer was pictured during a rare outing in New York City¡
“He’s doing physical therapy regularly and he’s doing great,” Alexa Ray Joel said of her dad, Billy Joel, who was seen in New York City on March 12, 2026, during a new interview.
The “Piano Man” singer, 76, shares Alexa Ray, 40, with his ex-wife, Christie Brinkley. He also shares daughters Della Rose, 10, and Remy Anne, 8, with his current wife, Alexis Roderick.
Alexa Ray’s interview with The Hollywood Reporter came just hours before her father was set to be honored at Carnegie Hall during “The Music of Billy Joel” tribute event on Thursday night.
Although several stars — including Rob Thomas, Wyclef Jean and Gavin DeGraw — were announced as performers for the fundraiser, Alexa Ray revealed she planned to surprise her father with a special performance of her own.
“He was so excited when he first played Carnegie Hall in the ’70s, so it’s exciting for him to come back decades later and see amazing artists and his daughter pay tribute to him,” she said. “It’s a full-circle moment.” 🎶
Alexa Ray Joel (pictured here with the “Uptown Girl” crooner, Billy Joel, in July 2025) shared the welcome health update just hours before her dad was set to be honored at Carnegie HalL
“It’s a full-circle moment,” Alexa Ray Joel said of the fundraiser at Carnegie Hall on March 12. 🎶
The “Piano Man” singer, Billy Joel, shares Alexa Ray Joel with his ex-wife, Christie Brinkley (all three pictured together during the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2010).
The “Uptown Girl” singer’s oldest daughter also revealed she was the one who persuaded him to attend the special event in the first place.
“I said, ‘Dad, you better be there! This is Carnegie Hall. Everyone’s paying tribute to you, and it’s an amazing group of artists,’” Alexa Ray said of her “homebody” dad.
She added, “He was like, ‘Let me mark that down.’ He’s very organized with his little calendar.”
The “New York State of Mind” singer, meanwhile, was spotted stepping out in New York City on Thursday afternoon just hours before “The Music of Billy Joel” event was set to begin.
He was seen walking with a cane during the rare outing and spent time at a nearby Four Seasons Hotel New York before heading over to Carnegie Hall.
The “New York State of Mind” singer, Billy Joel (seen here during a concert in Florida in November 2024), was spotted stepping out in New York City on March 12 ahead of “The Music of Billy Joel” event. 🎶
Billy Joel (pictured here with Alexa Ray Joel during a performance at Madison Square Garden in April 2024) was seen walking with a cane during the rare outing.
Joel had to cancel several tour performances last year after revealing his shocking Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) diagnosis in May 2025.
He later issued a statement in July 2025 to reassure fans he was doing well and staying positive about his future despite the diagnosis.
“It was scary, but I’m okay,” Joel told People at the time. “I just wanted to let people know, don’t worry about me being deathly ill or anything.”
More recently, the “Movin’ Out” hitmaker surprised fans with his first performance since revealing his battle with NPH.
Billy Joel (pictured here during a surprise performance in January 2026) announced his “scary” Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) diagnosis in May 2025.
The “Big Shot” crooner, Billy Joel, surprised fans with his first performance since revealing his brain disorder diagnosis during an event in Wellington.
Back in January, Joel took the stage for a celebration marking the 30th anniversary of Wellington.
He was joined by his wife, Alexis Roderick, and their two daughters, performing hits like “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and “Big Shot.”
“I wasn’t planning on working tonight,” Joel joked as he walked to the keyboard with the help of a cane.
