Daughter of Music Icon and Supermodel Shares Emotional Reaction to ‘Billy Joel: And So It Goes,’ Revealing Intimate Family Dynamics and Enduring Bonds.
NEW YORK, NY – The highly anticipated two-part HBO documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, has stirred deep emotions, particularly for Alexa Ray Joel, the 39-year-old daughter of music legend Billy Joel, 76, and supermodel Christie Brinkley, 71. The second part of the revealing series, which delves into the “Piano Man” singer’s illustrious life, career, and music, premiered on July 25, prompting a heartfelt response from his eldest child.
Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE, Alexa Ray Joel described watching the documentary as “moving, beyond belief.” She shared that the experience was not only deeply personal, reliving her own childhood memories, but also resonated widely, with many viewers messaging her in tears. “I think the world was very enchanted by my parents when they were together. They were like the ultimate dream couple,” she remarked, highlighting the public’s fascination with the iconic pair.
A Love Story of Opposites Attracting
Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley’s relationship, which began in 1983, captivated the world. Despite their contrasting personalities, Alexa observed how harmoniously they complemented each other. “Opposites attract. My mom being this beautiful model, and extrovert, and very sunny and outgoing. My dad is definitely more of an introvert, which I would say, I’m more introverted too,” she explained. This dynamic, she noted, made the documentary particularly “beautiful and emotional” to witness, leading both her and her mother to shed tears.
In the documentary, Joel, a native of Hicksville, candidly recalled his initial disbelief at dating the renowned supermodel. “Here I am dating this beautiful supermodel and… me? I’m from Hicksville. What am I doing with her? What’s she doing with me?” he mused in the film. He credited Brinkley as a significant muse during this period, stating, “I wrote a lot of songs for her. She was a muse.” He further described the early days of their romance as feeling “like being a teenager all over again,” rediscovering the exhilarating emotions of first love.
From Muse to Marital Strife: The “I Go to Extremes” Era
While their initial years were filled with joy, their relationship began to unravel around 1989. Brinkley revealed in the documentary that Joel’s single “I Go to Extremes” served as a poignant reflection of his internal struggles. She described him “boomeranging between being a family man and tortured artist,” often disappearing in the dead of night to drink amidst his “unraveling” life.
Despite these challenges, the couple, who were married for nine years, ultimately divorced in 1994. However, they maintained a remarkable friendship and a strong co-parenting relationship for Alexa.
Their enduring bond was publicly showcased as recently as August 2024, when Joel serenaded Brinkley with his hit “Uptown Girl” during a concert at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, a testament to their continued respect and affection.
New Chapters: Love and Fatherhood
Today, the “New York State of Mind” singer has found happiness in his marriage to Alexis, whom he wed in 2015. The couple shares two young daughters: Della, who turns 10 this month, and Remy, 7. Joel recently shared with PEOPLE that he is “really enjoying this time in my life,” embracing fatherhood in his later years.
The documentary also touches upon Joel’s unique first encounter with Alexis. He recalled attempting to impress her by playing the piano, drawing inspiration from a scene in the Marilyn Monroe film The Seven-Year Itch, where a character tries to woo Monroe’s character with a Sergei Rachmaninoff piece. However, Alexis remained “completely unimpressed with it, totally. She couldn’t care less what I’m playing,” Joel recounted. This unexpected lack of awe from Alexis, he admitted, “impressed me. Because I thought, ‘OK, maybe she’s just here because she likes me, not the Billy Joel guy.’”
Billy Joel: And So It Goes offers an intimate look into the life, career, and personal relationships of one of music’s most enduring figures, providing fans and new audiences alike with a deeper understanding of the man behind the music. The documentary is currently available for streaming on HBO Max.
