Billy Joel’s daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, is offering a cautiously optimistic update on the music legend’s health as he recovers from a rare brain disorder — news that mattered to fans waiting to see if the 76-year-old would reappear publicly. Her remarks came ahead of a star-studded Carnegie Hall tribute that doubled as a fundraiser for music education.

What Alexa Ray said and why it matters

On the eve of “The Music of Billy Joel” tribute at Carnegie Hall (March 12), Alexa Ray told The Hollywood Reporter that her father “is doing physical therapy regularly, and he’s doing great. He’s lost weight as he’s on his 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 added, noting Joel’s determination to get stronger after his diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition that can affect balance, memory and other brain functions.

How the diagnosis unfolded

Joel’s diagnosis was publicly confirmed last year after a widely shared onstage fall during a 2025 concert at Mohegan Sun. He later acknowledged the condition, saying it had been “exacerbated by recent concert performances.” The diagnosis forced cancellation of planned tour dates and pushed Joel into a period of treatment and rehabilitation.

Alexa Ray said her father initially “played it down” when she saw footage of the fall. “When I saw the footage, I was crying. But then I went with him to the doctors, and we’re on top of everything,” she said.

Recent public appearances and the Carnegie Hall tribute

Joel attended the Carnegie Hall tribute in a sharp suit while Alexa Ray performed and joined other artists including Rob Thomas, Gavin DeGraw and Rufus Wainwright. The two sold-out shows drew more than 3,500 attendees and raised over $225,000 for music education — the largest total in the event’s history.

The tribute is part of promoter Michael Dorf’s long-running Music Of benefit series, which has raised more than $2 million for music education programs in New York over the past 20 years.

Fan reaction and industry context

Fans and fellow artists greeted Joel’s presence and Alexa Ray’s update with relief. The singer’s brief public performances earlier in the year, including a surprise two-song mini-set with the tribute band Turnstiles in Florida, offered glimpses that he was still engaged with music even while managing his health.

Industry watchers say NPH can be treatable but recovery timelines vary; there has been no official prognosis or confirmed timetable for a return to touring. Joel himself has sought to reassure fans, telling People last July, “I know a lot of people are worried about me and my health, but I’m OK,” and calling the diagnosis “scary” but emphasizing he’s working to recover.

What to expect next

  • Ongoing rehabilitation: Alexa Ray emphasized physical therapy and diet as part of his recovery routine.
  • No firm return-to-stage date: There’s still no update on when Joel might resume full concerts.
  • Family support: Alexa Ray, his wife Alexis Roderick and Joel’s daughters have been visible at recent events, reinforcing a family-centered recovery approach.

For now, fans can take reassurance from Alexa Ray’s words: her father is actively working on his health and attending milestone events — a sign of progress that many see as hopeful after a difficult year.