Christie Brinkley ‘Beyond Grateful’ Ex Billy Joel Survived Brain Surgery, But ‘There Are Still Worries’

Billy Joel is on the mend after undergoing brain surgery, but he’s not out of the woods yet and loved ones, including ex-wife Christie Brinkley, continue to fuss over him, a source tells Examiner.

Despite divorcing in 1994, “Billy is a huge part of Christie’s world,” reveals the source. “Coming so close to losing him really rocked her. She’s beyond grateful that he’s come through this, not just for herself,” but for their daughter Alexa Ray Joel, 40, too.

After being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus in 2025, the “Vienna” singer, 77, had a shunt placed in his brain to help with some of the symptoms like balance and memory.

“He’s doing really well right now, but this was a very serious brain surgery, so naturally, there are still worries,” the source notes. “He’s being told by his doctors that he needs to slow way down and take it easy and that’s very tough for someone like Billy who thrives on being busy.”

As Examiner previously reported, the Piano Man made a surprise return to the stage at the Village of Wellington’s 20th anniversary celebration in Florida earlier this year, performing two of his biggest hits, “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and “Big Shot” for fans.

Brinkley, 72, “tries to be the voice of reason and is always reminding him that he needs to be cautious and not rush anything,” says the source. “She is a huge believer in natural health, so she’s always sending gift baskets with fresh green juice and that sort of thing for him.”

The former supermodel “gets along great” with Billy’s current wife Alexis Roderick, the source adds, “which really helps because there’s no awkwardness over her special bond with Billy.”