Howard Stern Reveals if Billy Joel is ‘Dying’ After Singer is Diagnosed with a Rare Brain Disorder [WATCH]

Fans around the world were left concerned when legendary singer-songwriter Billy Joel announced he was canceling upcoming tour dates due to a medical condition known as normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a rare brain disorder.

With speculation and fear swirling on social media, many wondered just how serious the condition is—and whether Joel was facing a life-threatening situation.

Now, longtime friend and iconic radio personality Howard Stern is setting the record straight.

Stern: “He’s Not Dying”

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Speaking candidly on The Howard Stern Show earlier this week, Stern said he recently visited with Joel—just about two weeks ago, around the time Joel made his diagnosis public.

“Yeah, he does have issues, but he said, ‘Yeah, you can tell people, you know, I’m not dying,’” Stern told his co-host Robin Quivers.

“You know, he wants people to know that,” Stern emphasized.

Howard shares an update on Billy Joel’s health following the announcement of the musician’s rare brain condition. pic.twitter.com/iqWUrdOec5

— Stern Show (@sternshow) June 3, 2025

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“He just, he’s gotta deal with some medical stuff, but he was delightful. We had a great time with the wives. We had a great conversation. I was telling him, I’m enjoying playing classical music on the guitar.”

Stern’s remarks come as a relief to fans, countering dire speculation that Joel may be facing a terminal illness.

The 75-year-old “Piano Man” is indeed confronting serious health concerns, but his friend’s upbeat report paints a more hopeful picture of the situation.

What Is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus?

According to the Mayo Clinic, NPH is a condition that results from a buildup of fluid in the brain. This fluid accumulation enlarges the ventricles and puts pressure on surrounding brain tissue, often leading to neurological issues including problems with hearing, vision, and balance.

Joel himself referenced these symptoms in a statement posted to Instagram when announcing the cancellation of his concerts.

“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance,” the statement read.

Billy Joel just cancelled all his upcoming shows. Really disappointing stuff but his health obviously takes priority. pic.twitter.com/Pt5gRZTiQB

— Andrew Harts (@AndrewHarts) May 23, 2025

“Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.”

Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, Joel assured fans that his focus remains on healing.

He continued, “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.”

The statement added that Joel is “thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health. He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.”

Billy Joel’s diagnosis is raising awareness about a condition that’s often overlooked: normal pressure #hydrocephalus (NPH). If you’ve noticed the signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s time to learn more.https://t.co/itZsMuQj2P#NormalPressureHydrocephalus #NPH pic.twitter.com/sVq877x9aA

— Hydrocephalus Assoc. (@HydroAssoc) May 29, 2025

Support From His Wife, Alexis

Billy Joel’s wife, Alexis Roderick Joel, 39, has also addressed the public with gratitude and optimism.

“Thank you for the outpouring of love and support,” she told Fox News.

“We are so grateful for the wonderful care and swift diagnosis we received. Bill is beloved by many, and to us, he is a father and husband who is at the center of our world. We are hopeful for his recovery. We look forward to seeing you all in the future.”

Alexis had previously shared insight into Joel’s condition back in March, well before the official diagnosis was made public.

“He’s doing well,” she said at the time.

“It’s funny, I was just having this conversation the other day. He’s going to be 76. And I don’t think of him that way. People don’t think of him in that way, but he is. And he’s been doing this job nonstop for 15 years – just this recent run.”

She emphasized the importance of prioritizing health, adding, “Sometimes your health has to take priority, and things have to get postponed. But really, in the grand scheme of things, he’s a healthy person, and he’s well and working on himself, trying to get better and do what he has to do medically. So it’s important, you know, we need him around so he has to do what he has to do.”

A Legend With a Loyal Following

For decades, Billy Joel has been a fixture in the music world—an artist beloved for his iconic catalog of hits, humble persona, and heartfelt performances.

From “Uptown Girl” to “Vienna” to his now-legendary residency at Madison Square Garden, Joel has consistently connected with fans in a way few performers ever do.

To Alexis from Bill, Della and Remy.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY from your loving family! pic.twitter.com/pwqJlALzV9

— Billy Joel (@billyjoel) May 6, 2024

In a time when health concerns are understandably taken seriously, Stern’s reassurance and the updates from Joel’s family serve to ground the situation in fact—and hope.

Billy Joel may be down for now, but with medical treatment, support from loved ones, and the strength of millions of devoted fans behind him, he’s focused on getting back on his feet and back to doing what he loves most.

Please keep Billy Joel in your thoughts and prayers as he navigates this challenging but hopeful chapter.

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