Alexis Roderick Joel, wife of rock icon Billy Joel, has opened up about her struggles with endometriosis. Married to the 75-year-old musician since 2015, Alexis faced numerous challenges as she dealt with worsening symptoms, misdiagnoses, and unsuccessful surgeries, eventually discovering that tissue similar to the uterine lining behaves abnormally outside the uterus.
During her fight against this often-misunderstood condition, Alexis was also raising two young daughters while touring with Billy worldwide. She remarked to Fox News Digital that balancing family life and touring while managing endometriosis was “really rough.” “I was doing it, but I wasn’t doing it very well,” she admitted.
The demands of traveling with children and managing time zone changes added complexity to her situation. However, she felt fortunate to have support during tours, which was crucial for her wellbeing. “You reach your limits, and you have to acknowledge that,” she said.
With their daughters, Della and Remy, ages 9 and 7, Alexis described how challenging it was when neither she nor Billy understood the root of her health issues. “We were all going into this without knowing anything, like most people do,” she explained. “And it was tough because I knew I wasn’t feeling well.” She humorously added that coping with two kids while in pain made her patience wear thin.
Through it all, Billy has been a consistent source of support. She reflected on how he would proactively seek information about endometriosis, showing a commitment to understanding her struggles: “When you see someone suffering, you pick it up. You have to. That’s what we do; we’re family.” Over recent months, Billy has faced health challenges of his own, having postponed several tour dates for recovery after surgery.
In a statement shared in March, it was confirmed that the tour would be delayed for four months for his recovery and physical therapy. Billy is expected to fully recuperate and plans to resume performances in July 2025.
Reflecting on her husband’s health, Alexis said he is doing well despite being 76. She noted the tiring nature of his work schedule, how planning becomes increasingly complicated as he ages, and the necessity to prioritize health: “Sometimes your health has to be prioritized and things have to be postponed,” she pointed out. “But really, he’s a healthy person and doing what’s needed medically.”
Alexis, typically more private, recently shared her journey publicly during Endometriosis Awareness Month. In a post on Billy’s Instagram, she spoke about her battle with pain, misdiagnosis, and medical procedures. Alexis recounted that one surgery resulted in the removal of numerous lesions and other complications, expressing gratitude for the care she received.
She emphasized the importance of the Endometriosis Foundation in raising awareness and providing education for future generations. Recently, Billy and Alexis participated in a press conference to open the Seckin Endometriosis Center for Women’s Health, a collaboration aimed at advancing research in the field.
