Elizabeth Weber Denies Billy Joel is a ‘Homewrecker’ of Her First Marriage

What is it about Billy Joel’s life that feels like it belongs on a Broadway stage? Oh wait, it kind of already does. His musical catalog is legendary, but Joel’s personal life? It’s like a tabloid writer’s fever dream. His love life has been as poetic (and, at times, as lively) as his chart-topping hits, and his messy relationships have fueled both his artistry and endless media speculation. Strap in – we’re about to explore some nostalgia with Billy Joel.

The “Homewrecker” Drama

You’ve heard the rumors, right? Billy Joel’s first wife, Elizabeth Weber, was often referred to as the “Yoko Ono” of his band, Attila. Why? Because she left her then-husband, Jon Small (who also happened to be Joel’s best friend and bandmate), for Billy. Just yikes.

The result? Attila imploded, Billy Joel spiraled into a deep depression, and two failed suicide attempts later, he found his way out of the darkness (thankfully). Billy called himself a “homewrecker” during the recently released HBO documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes. 

But if you ask Weber, her first marriage was, in her words, “already wrecked.” Yep, she threw that wrench right into the nostalgia machine. The marriage was already in jeopardy.

Weber defended Joel, pointing out that she never saw him as the bad guy. Why? She and Small didn’t have much “romance” left in their relationship anyway. Ouch. Still, Weber stuck by what she called Joel’s “guilt,” explaining how much their affair hurt Small, though they eventually patched things up. Simplified drama this is not – but it does add a whole new layer to “She’s Always a Woman,” doesn’t it?

Breaking Down Billy’s Relationship Timeline

Elizabeth Weber wasn’t just his first wife. She was the muse behind many of Joel’s songs during their nearly ten-year marriage (1973–1982). You’d think after that rollercoaster, Joel might take some time off from Cupid’s spinning arrows. Nope.

Christie Brinkley (1985–1994)

Billy went on to marry the supermodel of the 1980s, Christie Brinkley. Together, they welcomed a daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, whose very name is a lyrical ode to Ray Charles. Billy named one of songs, Downeaster Alexa after her. “Only the Good Die Young” may not have been written about his personal life, but this chapter of Joel’s love story? High points galore.

Katie Lee (2004–2009)

After a decade-long relationship dry spell, Joel tied the knot with Katie Lee, a cookbook author half his age. Just think about the brunch possibilities with that pairing – you’d probably get your pancakes served to poetry.

Alexis Roderick (2015–Present)

Currently, Billy is married to Alexis Roderick, an equestrian and former Morgan Stanley exec. The two share daughters Della Rose and Remy Anne, proving Joel isn’t slowing down in the family department. Considering their private nature, this marriage might just be the one to go the distance. Or maybe they’re just too busy teaching their kids the lyrics to “Piano Man.”

Life Imitates Art (and Hits Hard)

One thing Joel’s documentary nailed is how closely his art mimics his life. He used his music to channel his inner struggles, and for fans, it’s that honesty that keeps his work timeless. The fame, the battles, and his tangled relationships have all been blended into his powerhouse discography.

Joel’s health struggles have unfortunately dimmed his spotlight. Diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, a brain condition affecting coordination and balance, Joel canceled his upcoming tour dates, retreating from the stage where he reigned for decades. At 76, even beloved legends face mortality – but if anyone can find inspiration in the struggles, it’s Billy Joel.

Billy Joel’s Legacy – Flaws and All

Whether you’re pro-Billy or still side-eyeing his crazy antics decades later, there’s no denying his music transcends his drama. He’s the Piano Man who pulled raw emotions onto the world stage and left us all singing along – even when his life echoed an avant-garde opera.

Billy Joel is flawed, sure. But that’s part of his wonderful allure, right? At least now, all of the “We Didn’t Start the Fire” jokes finally make sense.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 988.