The Four Women Who Inspired The Piano Man: A Deep Dive Into Billy Joel's Marriages

Few musical legends have had their personal lives as closely intertwined with their discography as Billy Joel. The "Piano Man" has channeled the triumphs and heartbreaks of his romantic journey into some of the most iconic love songs of all time, giving fans a direct window into the women who shaped his life. As of December 2025, Joel has been married four times, with each relationship marking a distinct era in his career and personal growth.

The central question of "who was Billy Joel married to" is a fascinating exploration of muses, power dynamics, and the pursuit of lasting happiness. From his first wife who was also his manager to his current wife, a former Wall Street executive, the women in Joel's life are as diverse and compelling as his music catalog.

The Complete List of Billy Joel's Wives and Daughters

Billy Joel has been married four times and is a father to three daughters. His relationships have spanned decades, from the early 1970s to the present day.

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• First Wife: Elizabeth Weber (m. 1973; div. 1982)
• Second Wife: Christie Brinkley (m. 1985; div. 1994)
• Third Wife: Katie Lee (m. 2004; div. 2009)
• Current Wife: Alexis Roderick (m. 2015; present)

He has three children:

• Alexa Ray Joel (b. 1985) with Christie Brinkley.
• Della Rose Joel (b. 2015) with Alexis Roderick.
• Remy Anne Joel (b. 2017) with Alexis Roderick.

Elizabeth Weber: The Manager and Muse Behind the Classics

Elizabeth Weber was not only Billy Joel's first wife but also one of the most significant figures in his early career, serving as his manager and the inspiration for some of his most tender and profound ballads. Joel married Elizabeth in 1973, but their relationship began under unusual circumstances: she was initially married to his bandmate and best friend, Jon Small. Joel’s unrequited love for her during this time is believed to have inspired his 1971 song "Everybody Loves You Now."

The marriage lasted nine years, ending in divorce in 1982. During their time together, Elizabeth Weber was a savvy and tough business manager who helped guide Joel's career during his crucial rise to fame.

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The Songs She Inspired

Elizabeth Weber is widely credited as the muse for three of Joel’s most enduring love songs, highlighting her dual role as both romantic partner and formidable professional:

• "Just The Way You Are" (1977): Joel reportedly wrote this Grammy-winning song for her birthday. The lyrics speak to accepting a partner unconditionally.
• "She's Got A Way" (1971): A beautiful, early ballad that captures the depth of his initial feelings for her.
• "She's Always A Woman" (1977): This song's lyrics—describing a woman who is both a "lioness" and a "child"—is thought to be a direct nod to her strong, uncompromising nature as his manager and partner.

Christie Brinkley: The 'Uptown Girl' and High-Profile Romance

Billy Joel's second marriage was his most high-profile, uniting the "Piano Man" with supermodel Christie Brinkley. The couple met in 1983 while vacationing in St. Barts, and they married in 1985.

Brinkley, famous for her appearances on the cover of the *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue*, became an instant pop culture icon alongside Joel. Their relationship, which lasted until their divorce in 1994, produced his first child, daughter Alexa Ray Joel, who has since become a singer-songwriter in her own right.

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The Song That Defined Their Era

The inspiration for Christie Brinkley is perhaps the most famous of all: the 1983 hit "Uptown Girl." The song, about a working-class man dating a sophisticated woman, perfectly encapsulated the public perception of their romance. Brinkley herself starred in the song's iconic music video, which further cemented its connection to their story. Even after their divorce, the two have remained amicable, often attending events together to support their daughter, Alexa Ray Joel.

Katie Lee: The Culinary Star and Brief Union

Billy Joel married his third wife, Katie Lee, in 2004. The marriage drew significant media attention due to the considerable age difference between the two; Joel was 55 and Lee was 23 at the time of their wedding.

Katie Lee, a West Virginia native, was a food critic and budding culinary personality when they met. After their separation in 2009, she went on to establish a successful career in the food world, co-hosting the popular Food Network show *The Kitchen*, writing several cookbooks, and becoming a well-known television personality.

• Marriage Duration: 2004–2009 (5 years)
• Lee's Career: Culinary expert, author, and TV host (e.g., *The Kitchen*).

Their split was amicable, and Joel later reflected on the challenges of their age gap, noting that the end of this marriage made him feel like a "loser" before he met his current wife.

Alexis Roderick: The Current Chapter and New Family

Billy Joel is currently married to Alexis Roderick, marking his fourth marriage. The couple first met in 2009 at a restaurant on Long Island, New York, and dated for six years before tying the knot in a surprise wedding ceremony at Joel’s estate on July 4, 2015.

Alexis Roderick is a former executive at the financial firm Morgan Stanley and an accomplished equestrian. She is 33 years younger than the legendary musician. The couple have since welcomed two daughters, Della Rose Joel (born in 2015) and Remy Anne Joel (born in 2017), completing Joel's family of three daughters.

Life in the Hamptons and Endometriosis Advocacy

The couple maintains a relatively private life in the Hamptons. In recent years, Alexis Roderick Joel has been open about her personal struggles, publicly sharing her journey with endometriosis to raise awareness. She has credited Billy Joel with being a supportive partner through her health challenges, showcasing a stable and caring dynamic in their current marriage.

Alexis Roderick's steady presence and the birth of their two young daughters have ushered in a new, quieter era for the iconic singer, focusing on family life and his ongoing, record-breaking concert residencies.