Christie Brinkley reviews her argument with ex-husband Billy Joel, which is spelled as the end of a nine-year marriage.
The model married Joel in 1985, explaining that the singer had overdrinking and limited time for two years in his time River of Dreams Tour pushed their relationship to its limit in 1994.
“I don't think it's a secret that his drinking has gone very bad,” Brinkley said in the second part of Joel's HBO documentary. Billy Joel: That's it. “And he really doesn't remember what he did while drinking, so he really doesn't know how he hurts people.”
Ron Galella Co., Ltd./RON GALELLA Series By Getty
Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley in 1991
Brinkley recalls that the situation got so bad that she often “pretends that I was sleeping when I came in” because she “didn’t want to see him in this situation.”
“And one night we had an argument and I said, 'I can't really take this anymore, I'm just going to take Alexa back to New York and leave,'” she said. “He said, 'Yes, good, go.'”
register Weekly entertainmentFree Daily Newsletter For breaking news, exclusive first look, reviews, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars and more.
Their divorce teaching Joel said, “Love is not specific.”
“You feel like that, but something swallowed it up. In the end, everything caught up. It was hard. I was frustrated.”
Brinkley was also hurt at the end of his marriage.
“I tried,” she said. “I hope it works. I know how lucky I have music, but… it doesn't work.”
Early in the documentary, Brinkley starred in Joel (Joel) River of Dreams Tours from 1993 to 1995 had a real impact on their bond.
“Our relationships range from a lot of fun, really, totally enjoying each other, and his work consumed him,” she said. “And if I did go on the road, I wouldn't have seen him because the relaxation period after the show was going through late at night. Like, what am I even doing here?”
Brinkley didn't know her or their daughter Alexa's best course of action.
She admitted, “I can't just be Alexa and I in this big house, it should be full of life, love, music, laughter, etc.” “Things are starting to get worse.”
Joel can also see their marriage suffering.
“I have a relationship with people I care deeply about, but I can't be at home,” he said. “I can't be with my family. It's a very sad moment for me.”
Kevin Mazur/Getty
Billy Joel performs in his final performance at Madison Square Garden in New York City on July 25, 2024
In her 2025 memoir Uptown girl, Brinkley confirmed that she “never wanted to end things with Billy,” but his drinking had caused a huge damage to their marriage.
“Luxury is another woman, and it seems he would rather be with 'her' than with me,” she wrote.
She also recalls an example of Joel allegedly missing pasta for her and his bandmates, and another she claimed he cheated on her with a dining server after a New Year’s Eve concert.
Despite a separate approach, Brinkley and Joel remain friendly to this day. She recently posted support for five-time Grammy winners after he revealed he was diagnosed with a brain condition.
“You are our piano man,” she wrote on Instagram. “And we've always been in the mood to appreciate your melody, and we all hope you feel good! We love you.”
Billy Joel: So Streaming on HBO Max.
Read original articles about Entertainment Weekly