By JEFF NELSON
‘HE IS GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT FROM HIS FANS DURING THIS TIME’ — JOEL’ S REPINA STATEMENT
Billy Joel was gearing up for a historic summer. Set to become the first singer to play concerts at all three New York City-area stadiums in the same season, the music icon was forced to press pause on those plans due to a private health crisis. On May 23, Joel, 76, announced he would be canceling all scheduled concerts while revealing in a statement to People that he was recently diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain condition caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid buildup in the brain ventricles that can affect memory, movement and concentration. “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience and thank you for understanding,” Joel said.
The “Piano Man” singer has faced health struggles publicly in recent months, and his NPH revelation comes after he suffered an onstage fall at a concert in Connecticut in February, causing concern among fans; by March, he had postponed shows through June. Joel’s “condition has been exacerbated by recent performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance,” the statement said, adding that he is undergoing physical therapy specifically for his diagnosis and “looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, NPH occurs when cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the skull and presses on the brain. The rare condition—usually treated with surgery—most often affects people over 65 and can cause dementia-like symptoms, including issues walking, urinary incontinence and cognitive difficulties.
Joel’s family—including his daughter, singer Alexa Ray, 39, with ex Christie Brinkley—have rallied around the Grammy winner throughout the ordeal. On May 26 his fourth wife, Alexis, 43, gave an update on his condition. “We are so grateful for the wonderful care and swift diagnosis we received,” she captioned a smiley Instagram photo with their daughters Della, 9, and Remy, 7. “We are hopeful for his recovery.”
For now, Joel is following his doctors’ orders and refraining from performing and “is fully committed to prioritizing his health” as he focuses on getting better, the statement added. “He is happiest while performing. Music is, has been and will always be his life,” says a music industry insider. “He’s not ready to retire.” Indeed, a source close to Joel adds, “he is not retiring and hopes to be able to resume performing as his recovery progresses.”
—ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY LINDA MARX
Demi Lovato has gotten her happily ever after. The musician, 32, exchanged vows with singer-songwriter Jordan “Jutes” Lutes, 34, on May 25 at the Clark Estate in Santa Barbara. “The wedding setting was pure magic,” a source says. “Demi looked stunning—mostly smiling, though there were a few emotional moments that clearly moved her.” For her walk down the aisle, she chose a cathedral-style veil and custom-corseted Vivienne Westwood gown, according to Vogue. Later, wedding guest Paris Hilton did an impromptu DJ set.
Lovato and Lutes first met in the studio in January 2022 while working on Lovato’s studio album Holy Fvck. Nearly two years later, in December 2023, Lutes popped the question with a pear-shaped diamond ring. Following the ceremony Lovato slipped into another Vivienne Westwood look— an ivory silk satin column dress with broken pearls cascading from a draped corset top. Says another source: “It was an incredible night and everything they’ve been looking forward to.” —ASHLYN ROBINETTE WITH REPORTING BY MELODY CHIU AND PERNILLA CEDENHEIM
TOP LEFT: KEVIN MAZUR/GETTY IMAGES (WEDDING) BACKGRID(2)