The Four Wives Of Billy Joel: A Deep Dive Into The Piano Man's Romantic History And Who He's With Now

Few rock legends have had a love life as publicly scrutinized and romantically complex as Billy Joel. The "Piano Man" singer-songwriter, whose music often chronicles the highs and lows of relationships, has walked down the aisle four times, with each marriage marking a distinct era in his storied career. As of December 2025, Joel is happily married to his fourth wife, Alexis Roderick, with whom he shares two young daughters, completing a blended family that spans decades.

The journey through Billy Joel's relationships is a fascinating look at how his personal life intersected with his professional world, inspiring some of his most iconic and enduring hits. From his tumultuous first marriage that nearly derailed his career to his high-profile union with a supermodel and his current, more private life, here is a complete and updated look at the women who have shared the legendary artist's life.

Billy Joel's Wives: A Complete Biographical Profile

The iconic musician, born William Martin Joel on May 9, 1949, has been married four times. His romantic history is a compelling narrative of passion, heartbreak, and ultimately, finding lasting stability.

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• First Wife: Elizabeth Weber Small
• Marriage Duration: 1973–1982 (9 years)
• Children: None
• Profession: Business Manager / Former Wife of his bandmate
• Notable Fact: She was the muse for his 1977 hit "She's Always a Woman."
• Second Wife: Christie Brinkley
• Marriage Duration: 1985–1994 (9 years)
• Children: Alexa Ray Joel (born 1985)
• Profession: Supermodel, Actress, Entrepreneur
• Notable Fact: She was the inspiration for the song "Uptown Girl."
• Third Wife: Katie Lee
• Marriage Duration: 2004–2010 (6 years)
• Children: None
• Profession: Chef, Television Host, Author
• Notable Fact: Their 33-year age gap was a major media talking point during their marriage.
• Fourth (Current) Wife: Alexis Roderick
• Marriage Duration: 2015–Present
• Children: Della Rose Joel (born 2015) and Remy Anne Joel (born 2017)
• Profession: Former Hedge Fund Manager
• Notable Fact: The couple had a surprise wedding ceremony on July 4, 2015, at their Long Island estate.

The Turbulent First Chapter: Elizabeth Weber Small

Billy Joel’s first marriage to Elizabeth Weber was arguably his most dramatic and formative. Their relationship began while Weber was still married to Joel's bandmate, Jon Small, setting the stage for a tumultuous romance.

The pair married in 1973, shortly after Weber’s divorce from Small.

Elizabeth became his first manager, a role that was complicated by their personal dynamic.

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This period of his life was fraught with financial and emotional stress, culminating in a period where Joel struggled deeply, even inspiring the famous opening line of "Piano Man": "It's nine o'clock on a Saturday, the regular crowd shuffles in."

Despite the difficulties, the relationship was a powerful creative muse. The classic ballad "She's Always a Woman" is a direct tribute to Weber, capturing her complex personality, which he described as both "a pain in the ass" and "the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen."

Their marriage ended in divorce in 1982, but its impact on Joel’s early career and songwriting remains undeniable. The financial fallout from the divorce and his management issues with Weber’s brother, Frank Weber, led to a significant legal battle and a financial reset for the star.

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The Supermodel Era: Christie Brinkley and the "Uptown Girl"

Following his divorce, Joel entered his most high-profile and glamorous marriage to supermodel Christie Brinkley.

They first met in 1983 while vacationing in St. Barts, a chance encounter that quickly blossomed into a global media sensation.

Their union was the ultimate celebrity pairing of the 1980s: the Long Island rock star and the all-American beauty.

The song "Uptown Girl," one of Joel's biggest hits, was written about Brinkley and her model friends, famously featuring her in the iconic music video.

The couple married in 1985, and later that year, they welcomed their daughter, Alexa Ray Joel.

Alexa Ray Joel has since followed in her father's footsteps as a singer-songwriter, carrying on the family's musical legacy.

Despite their seemingly perfect public image, the pressures of two demanding careers and constant travel eventually took their toll.

They divorced in 1994 after nine years of marriage, but their relationship remains remarkably cordial, often attending events together to support their daughter.

Joel has since spoken about the heartbreak of the divorce, revealing that the relationship was a source of great personal pain for him.

The Brief Union: Katie Lee and the Age Gap

Billy Joel's third marriage was to Katie Lee, a celebrity chef and television host.

The couple met in 2002 and married in 2004 in a private ceremony at Joel's Long Island estate.

The most notable aspect of their marriage was their significant age difference; Joel was 55, and Lee was 23 when they married, a 32-year gap that sparked considerable media attention.

During their six-year marriage, Lee built a successful career in the culinary world, becoming a prominent figure in food media.

They announced their separation in 2009 and officially divorced in 2010.

The split was reported to be amicable, with both parties wishing each other well, allowing them to move on to the next phases of their lives and careers.

The Current Chapter: Alexis Roderick and a Blended Family

Billy Joel found lasting love and stability with his current wife, Alexis Roderick, a former hedge fund manager.

The couple, who are 33 years apart in age, began dating in 2009, shortly after his separation from Katie Lee.

They maintained a relatively low-key relationship for several years before surprising friends and family with a Fourth of July wedding in 2015 at their Long Island property. The ceremony was officiated by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and attended by his ex-wife Christie Brinkley and daughter Alexa Ray Joel, showcasing the strength of his blended family.

Roderick and Joel have two daughters together: Della Rose Joel, born in August 2015, and Remy Anne Joel, born in October 2017.

Becoming a father again in his mid-60s has been a source of immense joy for the "Piano Man."

In a recent update, Alexis Roderick has been a steadfast source of support for Joel, particularly following his public revelation of a diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a rare brain disorder.

She has publicly thanked fans for their "outpouring of love and support" and expressed hope for her husband's recovery, demonstrating the strength and private nature of their current marriage.

Today, Billy Joel, at 76 years old (as of 2025), continues his historic monthly residency at Madison Square Garden while balancing his professional life with his role as a dedicated husband and father to his three daughters, making his fourth marriage a peaceful and enduring final movement in his storied personal symphony.