Billy Joel Wives and Children: What Most People Get Wrong

Billy Joel has spent half a century being the world’s "Piano Man," but if you look at the lyrics of his biggest hits, you’re basically reading his marital diary. Honestly, the guy doesn't just write songs; he writes eulogies and love letters to the women who’ve shared his life. From the savvy business mind of Elizabeth Weber to the high-fashion era of Christie Brinkley and his current life with Alexis Roderick, his family tree is as complex as one of his bridge transitions.

People always ask about billy joel wives and children like it’s a simple list. It’s not. It’s a saga of lawsuits, supermodels, and a late-in-life fatherhood reboot that nobody saw coming back in the '80s.

The Muse Who Managed Him: Elizabeth Weber

Before the stadium tours and the Grammys, there was Elizabeth Weber. Most fans know "Just the Way You Are" is a classic, but they don't realize it was actually a birthday gift for Elizabeth. She wasn't just his wife from 1973 to 1982; she was his manager. She was tough.

Legend has it that when he first played that song for her, she didn't cry or swoon. She reportedly asked if she’d get the publishing rights.

Their story is kind of dark, actually. They met when she was married to Billy’s bandmate, Jon Small. It caused a huge rift, led to a suicide attempt by Billy, and eventually, a marriage that was as much a business partnership as a romance. When they finally split, it wasn't just a divorce—it was a legal mess involving her brother, Frank Weber, who Billy later sued for millions. If you want to hear what that heartbreak sounds like, just go listen to "She's Always a Woman." It's basically a character study of Elizabeth’s "European-style" grit.

The Uptown Girl Era: Christie Brinkley

Then came Christie. In 1983, Billy was in St. Bart’s, basically hanging out with supermodels like Elle Macpherson and Christie Brinkley. Can you imagine? He was the short guy from Long Island suddenly dating the most famous face in the world.

They married in 1985 on a boat. This was the "Uptown Girl" era. While the song was technically started when he was seeing Macpherson, Christie became the face of it. Together, they had Billy’s first child, Alexa Ray Joel, born in December 1985.

Alexa is 40 now. She’s a musician herself—classically trained, super talented, and very close to both her parents. Even though Billy and Christie divorced in 1994, they’ve stayed remarkably tight. You’ll often see them together at Alexa’s shows or family events. It’s one of the few Hollywood divorces that actually feels... healthy?

The Third Act: Katie Lee

In 2004, Billy married Katie Lee. She was 23; he was 55.

She’s a chef and a TV personality now, but back then, she was just a college grad who met him at a hotel bar. This marriage lasted about five years. They didn't have any kids, and honestly, it felt like a transitional period for Billy. They split in 2009, but again, the guy manages to stay friends with his exes. Katie has since gone on to have a massive career on the Food Network.

The Surprise Fourth Marriage and the New Kids

Most people thought Billy was done with the whole marriage thing after Katie Lee. But then he met Alexis Roderick.

Alexis was a risk manager at Morgan Stanley—not a model, not a celeb. They met at a restaurant in Huntington, Long Island, in 2009. He actually called her from across the restaurant to ask for a ride home. Bold move, right?

They stayed under the radar for a long time. Then, on July 4, 2015, they threw a party at his estate. Surprise! It was actually a wedding presided over by Andrew Cuomo. Alexis is about 33 years younger than Billy, but they’ve been together for over 15 years now.

And then came the kids.

At an age when most people are looking at retirement homes, Billy became a "girl dad" all over again.

• Della Rose Joel was born in August 2015.
• Remy Anne Joel arrived in October 2017.

It’s wild to think about. Alexa Ray is 40, while her youngest sister, Remy, is only 8. That’s a 32-year age gap between siblings.

What the Joel Kids Are Doing in 2026

If you follow Billy on Instagram or saw any of his final Madison Square Garden residency shows in 2024, you’ve seen the little ones. They aren't shy.

1. Alexa Ray Joel: She’s been doing her own thing for years. She’s a singer-songwriter with a soulful, cabaret-pop vibe. She’s also engaged to Ryan Gleason, and their wedding has been one of those "any day now" celebrity topics for a while.
2. Della Rose Joel: Now 10, she’s already a stage veteran. She’s performed "My Life" and "Don't Ask Me Why" with her dad at MSG. She’s got her dad’s timing and her mom’s equestrian interests.
3. Remy Anne Joel: At 8 years old, she’s the "baby" of the family. Billy recently shared photos of her for her birthday, and she’s often seen backstage at his shows.

In June 2025, there was a bit of a scare when Billy had a fall on stage and was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). It forced him to cancel some dates, but Alexis has been his rock through the recovery. It really highlights how different this marriage is compared to the high-flying '80s. It’s quieter. More grounded.

Facts About the Joel Family Tree

To keep it straight, here is how the timeline actually shook out:

The Wives

• Elizabeth Weber (1973–1982): The manager and muse.
• Christie Brinkley (1985–1994): The supermodel and mother of Alexa Ray.
• Katie Lee (2004–2009): The celebrity chef.
• Alexis Roderick (2015–Present): The former Wall Street exec and mother of the younger girls.

The Children

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• Alexa Ray (Age 40): Musician, daughter of Christie.
• Della Rose (Age 10): Daughter of Alexis.
• Remy Anne (Age 8): Daughter of Alexis.

Why It Matters Now

Billy Joel isn't touring the way he used to. He’s finished his historic MSG run. He’s 76. When you see him now, he’s usually flanked by his young daughters or posting about their horse riding competitions in Florida.

He’s admitted in interviews that he’s taking fatherhood way more seriously this time around because he actually has the time. Back in the '80s, he was broke (thanks to the lawsuits with Elizabeth’s brother) and had to tour constantly to stay afloat. He missed a lot of Alexa's childhood. With Della and Remy, he’s actually there for the school runs and the bedtime stories.

It’s a strange, beautiful full-circle moment for a guy who once sang about being a "New York State of Mind" loner.

If you're looking to dive deeper into the family's history, the best place to start is the two-part documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes. It actually features interviews with Elizabeth Weber, which is a huge deal since she stayed silent for decades. Watching that gives you a much better sense of the man behind the piano than any tabloid ever could.

Actionable Insights for Fans:

• Check out Alexa Ray’s music: If you haven't heard "Invisible" or her cover of "Just the Way You Are," you're missing out on a very different take on the Joel legacy.
• Watch the 2025 HBO Documentary: Billy Joel: And So It Goes provides the most factual, verified account of his marriages, including the financial fallout of the first one.
• Follow the Official IG: Billy’s team is surprisingly active, often posting clips of Della and Remy performing, which gives a glimpse into the next generation of Joels.