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The Four Wives Of Billy Joel: A Deep Dive Into His Marriages, Divorces, And Current Love Story

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Billy Joel, the legendary "Piano Man," has had a life as dramatic and lyrical as his biggest hits, especially concerning his personal relationships. As of late 2025, the iconic musician remains happily married to his fourth wife, Alexis Roderick, a former financial executive who is 33 years his junior. This article provides an in-depth, updated look at the four women who have held the title of Mrs. Billy Joel, detailing the unique circumstances of each marriage, the surprising revelations from their time together, and the blended family he has built over the decades. The story of Billy Joel's wives is a fascinating timeline of love, loss, and inspiration, with each relationship reportedly influencing the music that cemented his status as a rock and roll icon. From a tumultuous first marriage to a supermodel romance and a brief union with a celebrity chef, the journey ultimately led him to a quiet, stable life on Long Island with his current partner and two young daughters.

Billy Joel: A Quick Biographical Profile and Family Overview

To fully appreciate the context of his personal life, here is a quick look at the biographical details of the legendary singer-songwriter:

  • Full Name: William Martin Joel
  • Date of Birth: May 9, 1949
  • Place of Birth: The Bronx, New York City
  • Occupation: Singer, songwriter, pianist, composer
  • Signature Nickname: The "Piano Man"
  • Estimated Net Worth (2024/2025): Approximately $250 million, largely from his extensive catalog and record-breaking Madison Square Garden residency.
  • Total Marriages: Four
  • Children: Three daughters—Alexa Ray Joel (with Christie Brinkley), Della Rose Joel (with Alexis Roderick), and Remy Anne Joel (with Alexis Roderick).

The Four Women Who Married Billy Joel: A Complete Timeline

Billy Joel's four marriages span five decades, each bringing a new chapter to his life and, often, inspiration for his music. His current relationship with Alexis Roderick is his longest-lasting marriage since his first, proving that the fourth time can indeed be the charm.

1. Elizabeth Weber Small (Married: 1973–1982)

Elizabeth Weber was Billy Joel’s first wife and arguably his most significant early muse. Their relationship began under dramatic circumstances, as she was initially married to Joel's bandmate, Jon Small.

Key Details:

  • The Muse for "Just the Way You Are": It is widely believed that Elizabeth was the inspiration for the 1977 hit single "Just the Way You Are." She also reportedly served as his manager for a time.
  • A Tumultuous Start: Joel met Elizabeth when she was still married to Jon Small, the drummer in his band, The Hassles. The affair caused considerable friction, and Joel's deep emotional turmoil over the situation is said to have led to a near-fatal incident in 1970.
  • A Recent Defense: In a unique and recent detail from the documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes, Elizabeth Weber defended Joel against "homewrecker" claims, stating her marriage to Jon Small lacked a deep connection before she met Joel.
  • Duration: 9 years.

2. Christie Brinkley (Married: 1985–1994)

The marriage between the "Piano Man" and the world-famous supermodel, Christie Brinkley, was a union of two American icons and became a staple of 1980s pop culture. They met in 1983 while vacationing in St. Barts.

Key Details:

  • "Uptown Girl": Brinkley was the direct muse for the massive 1983 hit "Uptown Girl." Joel wrote the song while waiting for her on the beach, initially intending it to be about his previous relationships with models.
  • Family Life: They welcomed their daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, in 1985. Alexa Ray is now a singer and songwriter herself.
  • An Amicable Split: The couple divorced in 1994 but have remained famously friendly co-parents and supportive exes, often appearing together at family events.
  • Duration: 9 years.

3. Katie Lee (Married: 2004–2009)

Billy Joel's third marriage was to chef and television personality Katie Lee. The 32-year age gap—Joel was 55 and Lee was 23 when they married—was a major talking point at the time.

Key Details:

  • The Age Gap: Their wedding took place at Joel’s waterfront estate on Long Island in 2004, with his daughter Alexa Ray serving as the maid of honor.
  • The Rehab Ultimatum: A significant and recent revelation from the aforementioned documentary is that Katie Lee gave Joel an "ultimatum" to go to rehab for his alcohol abuse during their marriage.
  • The "Three-Time Loser" Quote: Following their divorce in 2009, Joel admitted he felt like a "three-time loser" and feared "dying alone" before he met his current wife.
  • Duration: 5 years.

Alexis Roderick: The Current Mrs. Billy Joel and His Blended Family

After his third divorce, Billy Joel found lasting stability with Alexis Roderick, a woman who had a successful career in finance at Morgan Stanley before focusing on family. Their relationship is characterized by a low-key, private life away from the Hollywood spotlight.

The Low-Key Wedding and Growing Family

Billy and Alexis met in 2009 at a restaurant in Huntington, New York. They dated quietly for six years before tying the knot in a surprise ceremony at his Long Island estate on July 4, 2015. The wedding was a small, intimate affair, surprising guests who believed they were attending the couple's annual Independence Day party.

The ceremony was officiated by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, a friend of the couple.

A Focus on Fatherhood:

With Alexis, Billy Joel, who was in his mid-60s at the time, embraced fatherhood again. They share two daughters, Della Rose Joel (born in 2015) and Remy Anne Joel (born in 2017).

Joel has often expressed that having young children later in life has been a joy and a grounding force, allowing him to be a more present father than he was during the peak of his touring career with Alexa Ray. The couple and their children live a private life, largely out of the public eye, on Long Island, focusing on their equestrian interests and family time. Their stable and grounded relationship offers a stark contrast to the high-profile romances that defined his earlier years.

The Enduring Legacy of Love and Music

The story of Billy Joel's four wives is inseparable from his musical legacy. Elizabeth Weber inspired his tender ballads, Christie Brinkley his upbeat pop hits, and the turbulence of his personal life undoubtedly fueled the emotional depth of his later work.

Today, Billy Joel continues his historic, sold-out residency at Madison Square Garden, a testament to his enduring talent. Offstage, he is a dedicated husband to Alexis Roderick and father to three daughters, finally finding the harmony in his personal life that has long been present in his music. His journey proves that even a "three-time loser" can ultimately write the perfect final verse to his own love story.

billy joel wives
billy joel wives

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