Billy Joel Opens Up About His Health Struggles — and His Unbreakable Spirit

When Billy Joel walked onto the stage that evening, most fans expected another round of timeless hits — maybe Piano Man, Uptown Girl, or Vienna. But what they got instead was something far more personal. Under the soft glow of the stage lights, Joel took a deep breath, leaned into the microphone, and began to speak — not to sing.

His voice, usually full of strength and soul, trembled slightly. “It’s been hard,” he said quietly, his eyes reflecting both emotion and resolve. “But I’m still me.”

The crowd fell silent. It wasn’t the introduction to a song. It was a moment of raw honesty.

Joel went on to reveal that he has been living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a rare neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nerves — those that control movement and sensation in the limbs. The condition, while not life-threatening, gradually weakens muscles and can affect balance and mobility. For an artist who’s spent his life moving across stages and pounding piano keys, the diagnosis was deeply personal.

What shocked fans most wasn’t the diagnosis itself — but how long Billy Joel had been performing through it. Subtle signs had been there all along: a certain stiffness in his movements, a carefulness in how he sat at the piano. Yet, through every concert, Joel kept his focus on the music. He didn’t want sympathy. He wanted connection.

For decades, Billy Joel has been one of the most beloved figures in American music, not just for his unforgettable songs but for the sincerity behind them. His lyrics have always reflected the human experience — love, loss, ambition, and the quiet search for meaning. Now, as he opens up about his health, that same authenticity is resonating more deeply than ever.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, often abbreviated as CMT, is named after the three physicians who first described it in the 19th century. It’s a hereditary disorder that affects approximately one in every 2,500 people in the U.S. Symptoms can range from mild weakness and balance issues to more pronounced mobility challenges. There’s no cure yet, but treatments and physical therapy can help manage the condition.

In sharing his story, Joel joins a growing number of public figures who have chosen to speak openly about chronic illnesses, helping to reduce stigma and raise awareness. For many fans, his candor has turned into an unexpected source of hope.

“He’s still out there doing what he loves,” said one fan after the show. “It reminds us that strength isn’t about hiding pain — it’s about showing up anyway.”

Indeed, Joel’s story is not about limitation. It’s about endurance. It’s about a man who, despite physical challenges, continues to do what he’s always done best — bring people together through music.

Over the past few years, Joel has maintained a steady schedule of performances, including his historic residency at Madison Square Garden. While he has occasionally mentioned dealing with “mobility issues,” he’s never let them define him. Instead, he’s adapted — sometimes performing seated for longer stretches or adjusting his set to conserve energy. To the audience, none of it diminishes the experience. If anything, it enhances it.

There’s a quiet courage in watching an artist confront time and change with grace. At this stage in his life, Billy Joel doesn’t need to prove anything. His legacy — spanning five decades, multiple Grammy Awards, and countless sold-out tours — is already secure. Yet, by sharing his truth, he’s added a new layer to that legacy: one of transparency, vulnerability, and resilience.

Fans have responded with an outpouring of love and gratitude online, many sharing personal stories of family members living with CMT or similar conditions. The conversation has sparked a broader awareness of the disease, encouraging others to learn more, donate to research, and support those affected.

Billy Joel’s announcement reminds the world that even icons face challenges — but it’s how they respond that defines them. His willingness to step forward and share this part of his life is a powerful act of humanity.

In the end, perhaps Joel said it best himself: “I’m still me.”

And for millions of fans around the world, that’s more than enough.