An important aspect of Billy Joel’s life is his role as a father to three daughters. His first child, Alexa Ray Joel, was born in 1985 with model Christie Brinkley. Following this, he welcomed two more daughters, Della Rose Joel, in 2015 with his fourth wife, Alexis Roderick, and Remy Anne Joel, who arrived in 2017.
The couple’s journey began in 2009 when they met at a Long Island restaurant. They tied the knot during a festive Fourth of July celebration in 2015 at Joel’s estate. One month after their wedding, they welcomed Della, and a source revealed that he was excited about becoming a father again.
Reflecting on fatherhood, Billy Joel humorously recounts how he’s often mistaken for a grandfather by other parents at his daughters’ school
In an interview with Rolling Stone in 2019, Joel humorously shared how people often mistake him for the grandfather of his youngest daughters. He recounted instances where other parents at school would mistakenly refer to Della as his granddaughter. Despite the surprise of becoming a dad at his age, Joel expressed his joy in fatherhood, saying it keeps him young.
Thanks to Joel’s music career, his daughters have enjoyed unique experiences, such as meeting Taylor Swift, performing at Madison Square Garden, and attending the 2024 Grammys.
During the celebration of his 150th show at Madison Square Garden in July 2024, Della and Remy made a memorable appearance on stage, joining him for his classic hit “My Life.” After Della thanked the audience, Joel joked, “I guess it’s her life now. Thanks, girls!”
Details about Billy Joel’s daughters showcase their unique personalities and talents.
Alexa Ray Joel, 38 years old, is the first child from Joel’s marriage to Christie Brinkley. She was born on December 29, 1985, in Manhattan and was named in honor of Ray Charles, who collaborated with her father on the song “Baby Grand.” Alexa has established herself as a singer-songwriter, following a path influenced by her musical upbringing.
Growing up, Alexa enjoyed a relatively ordinary childhood, unaware of her parents’ celebrity status. In a 2010 interview with New York Magazine, she shared that her parents shielded her from their fame, believing everyone just admired them for being popular. A classically trained pianist, she began creating music and poetry early on, completing songs by the age of 15.
Recalling her formative years, she noted, “I grew up listening to my dad write songs at the piano for hours,” affirming her belief that music is innate to her. In 2021, she released her latest single, “Seven Years,” inspired by her fiancé, Ryan Gleason. Her father praised the track, calling her with enthusiasm after hearing it.
Billy Joel expresses his happiness about becoming a father again later in life, noting how it keeps him youthful and invigorated
Her songwriting process mirrors that of her father, focusing on melody first, with support from both parents throughout her career. Alexa has participated in several of Joel’s music videos, including “The River of Dreams.”
In 2018, she got engaged to Gleason and expressed her excitement about their future wedding plans, envisioning a New York-style celebration complete with a duet with her father.
Maintaining a close bond with her younger siblings, Alexa shared a touching birthday video from Della, highlighting their affectionate relationship. She also promotes her father’s work, encouraging fans to tune into his special performances.
Della Rose Joel, 9, is Joel’s second daughter, born on August 12, 2015. Her arrival was celebrated by Alexa Ray on social media, where she expressed her joy over having a new sister. During a 2018 concert at Madison Square Garden, Joel dedicated “Don’t Ask Me Why” to Della, who later joined him on stage in festive pajamas to perform the song.
On her sixth birthday in 2021, Joel shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing gratitude for Della’s presence in their lives and celebrating the joy she brings to their family.
Remy Anne Joel, born on October 22, 2017, is the youngest of Joel’s children. After her birth, a representative for the family announced that everyone was elated. In 2023, Joel honored Remy’s sixth birthday with a loving Instagram post, praising her individuality and sharing a cherished moment with her alongside a horse.
In October 2024, Remy and Della attended a Taylor Swift concert, where they posed for pictures with the singer and her mother, Andrea Swift. Joel shared the experience on social media, reflecting on the historic nature of the event while celebrating Swift’s success, inspiring his daughters with the possibilities that lie ahead.
