Christie Brinkley Blames Billy Joel’s Drinking for Their ‘Painful’ Divorce: ‘I Never Wanted to End Things’
Former supermodel Christie Brinkley is opening up about the real reason behind her heartbreaking divorce from legendary musician Billy Joel, revealing that his struggles with alcohol played a major role in the breakdown of their marriage.
In a candid new interview, Brinkley called their 1994 split “painful” and admitted that walking away from the relationship wasn’t something she ever wanted — but felt she had no choice due to Joel’s heavy drinking.
“I never wanted to end things with Billy,” Brinkley confessed. “But it got to a point where the drinking was affecting everything — our communication, our happiness, and our future as a family.”
Brinkley and Joel were one of the most iconic couples of the 1980s, often appearing in the headlines as a picture-perfect pair. The two married in 1985 and welcomed daughter Alexa Ray Joel that same year. But behind the glamorous façade, Brinkley says there were deep struggles.
“I loved him dearly. But love alone can’t fix addiction,” she added. “I had to think about what was healthiest for our daughter and for myself.”
Despite the pain of their divorce, Brinkley says she and Joel eventually found a way to maintain a respectful relationship — especially for the sake of their daughter. Today, she looks back on their time together with both gratitude and sadness.
“He’s an incredibly talented, kind person. I just wish things had been different,” she said.
Neither Billy Joel nor his representatives have commented on Brinkley’s remarks, but fans are praising her honesty and vulnerability in shedding light on the emotional toll addiction can take on a relationship.
Brinkley has since moved on with her life and career, continuing to thrive as a mother, actress, and advocate. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that even the most beautiful love stories can face hidden battles behind closed doors.