AceShowbiz - Billy Joel was diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a neurological disorder, in May last year. Nearly a year after this diagnosis, his daughter, singer Alexa Ray Joel, has provided an update on her father’s recovery and current health status.

Alexa Ray Joel told The Hollywood Reporter that her dad is making significant progress. “He’s doing physical therapy regularly and he’s doing great. He’s lost weight as he’s on his diet,” she said, describing the condition that affects balance, vision, and hearing, which also forced the cancellation of Billy Joel’s planned 2025 tour dates.

She expressed pride in her father’s resilience, calling him “a trooper” who is “so committed to being healthy and proactive.” She emphasized his fighting spirit, noting, “He’s a fighter. He’s always been a fighter,” a sentiment he also discusses in his documentary, where he compares life to a battle.

The update came just before the March 12, 2026, tribute event titled The Music of Billy Joel, held at Carnegie Hall. This benefit concert featured performances by artists including Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty, Matt Nathanson, Pat Monahan of Train, Sammy Rae, Rufus Wainwright, Mark Roberge from O.A.R., Jon McLaughlin, Wyclef Jean, and others. These musicians celebrated the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s extensive catalog.

Backing the performers was Billy Joel’s touring band, led by his longtime musical director and keyboardist David Rosenthal. The concert also included appearances by Alexa Ray Joel, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Ledisi, Natalie Merchant, violinist Itzhak Perlman, Gavin DeGraw, Bettye LaVette, and Yola. The event culminated with Andrew McMahon of Jack’s Mannequin leading the crowd in a sing-along of “Piano Man,” followed by the entire cast performing a rousing finale of “You May Be Right.”

This concert was part of promoter Michael Dorf’s Music Of benefit series, which has contributed more than $2 million to music education programs in New York over the past two decades. The sold-out event and an earlier rehearsal together raised over $225,000, marking the highest fundraising total in the series’ history.

Alexa Ray Joel shared that her father, now 76, planned to attend the tribute. He did show up, posing backstage with his friend P!nk, who attended with her daughter Willow, as well as with Alexa Ray Joel. She recalled encouraging him, saying, “Dad, you better be there! This is Carnegie Hall. Everyone’s paying tribute to you, and it’s an amazing group of artists.”

She described Billy Joel as very organized, referencing his habit of marking dates in his calendar. It was especially meaningful for him to return to Carnegie Hall decades after his first performance there in the 1970s. Alexa Ray called it a “full-circle moment” to see such a talented group of performers honoring him and to witness her own participation in the tribute.

The singer’s neurological condition was first suspected after an incident at a Mohegan Sun show last year, when Billy Joel fell following a microphone spin. This fall led to the diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, a disorder caused by cerebrospinal fluid accumulation inside the skull, putting pressure on the brain. This pressure can impact multiple brain functions, including thinking, memory, movement, and concentration, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Alexa Ray Joel revealed that her father downplayed the incident at first. “He knows I have anxiety and am a neurotic worrier, so he was like, ‘Everything’s fine. It was just a little trip,’” she explained. Watching the footage herself brought her to tears, but she remains committed to supporting him through his treatment and recovery. “I just tell him to stay healthy,” she said.

Since his diagnosis, Billy Joel has kept a low profile. In an interview with Bill Maher last July, he stated, “I feel fine,” though he admitted his balance “sucks” and compared the sensation to “being on a boat.” While there has been no official update on his prognosis or plans to resume touring, he gave fans a surprise appearance on January 2, 2026, in Florida.

In Wellington, Florida, Billy Joel joined the tribute band Turnstiles for a brief two-song mini-set at a village amphitheater. Accompanied by his wife Alexis Roderick and their daughters Della and Remy, he performed “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and “Big Shot” while his girls danced nearby. This marked his first time back on stage since his diagnosis was publicly announced in May 2025. His last full concert had taken place in February 2025.

The journey through this challenging diagnosis has showcased Billy Joel’s determination and the strong support of his family, particularly Alexa Ray Joel. As he continues physical therapy and adheres to his diet, his loved ones remain hopeful for his ongoing improvement and eventual return to performing.