Alexis Roderick Joel Opens Up About Endometriosis Journey and Billy Joel’s Support

Alexis Roderick Joel, the wife of legendary musician Billy Joel, has bravely shared her challenging journey with endometriosis, shedding light on the often-misunderstood condition and highlighting the unwavering support she received from her husband. In a recent interview, Alexis detailed the years of debilitating symptoms, misdiagnoses, and unsuccessful surgeries she endured before finally receiving a proper diagnosis and effective treatment.

Endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, affects millions of women worldwide. Alexis’s experience underscores the difficulties many women face in obtaining accurate diagnoses and appropriate care. Before understanding the root cause of her pain, Alexis navigated the demanding roles of motherhood and accompanying Billy Joel on his global concert tours.

"It was really rough," Alexis admitted, reflecting on the challenges of managing her symptoms while raising two young children and supporting her husband’s career. She emphasized the added complexity of traveling with children, especially across time zones, and the need to balance her own health needs with the demands of family life. Fortunately, the Joel family benefited from substantial support, which Alexis acknowledged as crucial in helping her cope with the physical and emotional toll of endometriosis.

Alexis and Billy Joel share two daughters, Della, 9, and Remy, 7. Billy also has an older daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, 39, from his previous marriage to Christie Brinkley. During Alexis’s health struggles, the uncertainty surrounding her condition added to the burden. Neither she nor Billy initially understood the nature of her symptoms, making it difficult to plan and manage daily life. "We all entered this not knowing anything about it," she explained. The constant pain and unpredictability of her symptoms created a short fuse, especially when dealing with the demands of young children and international travel.

Despite the initial challenges, Billy Joel emerged as a pillar of support for his wife. As Alexis’s condition progressed, he became increasingly involved in researching endometriosis and seeking ways to help alleviate her suffering. "He’ll email me articles like ‘Did you know that this happens with endometriosis?’" Alexis shared, expressing her surprise and gratitude for his proactive approach. Recognizing his wife’s pain, Billy took on additional responsibilities, covering her deficits and ensuring she received the care she needed. "Picking up where I leave off and covering my deficits during that time was huge," Alexis said. "We’re just always researching… It’s what we do, we’re a family."

In recent months, Billy Joel has faced his own health challenges. In March, he announced the postponement of several tour dates due to a medical condition that required surgery and physical therapy. While acknowledging the inconvenience for fans, Billy emphasized the importance of prioritizing his health. "While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first," he stated. The tour is scheduled to resume in July 2025.

Alexis provided an update on her husband’s health, noting that he is recovering well. Despite his age, she emphasized his dedication to his craft and the demanding schedule he has maintained for many years. "He’s going to be 76," Alexis said. "And he’s been doing this job nonstop for 15 years… And it’s a lot." She acknowledged that at his age, it is essential to prioritize health and make adjustments to accommodate medical needs.

Alexis, who typically prefers to stay out of the public eye, decided to share her endometriosis story during Endometriosis Awareness Month in March. In a heartfelt post on Billy Joel’s Instagram page, she introduced Dr. Tamer Seckin, whom she described as her "earth angel." Dr. Seckin, a renowned gynecologist, laparoscopic surgeon, and endometriosis specialist, co-founded the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound) with celebrity chef Padma Lakshmi.

Alexis recounted her long and arduous journey to finding Dr. Seckin and receiving effective treatment. She described years of pain, misdiagnoses, failed surgeries, and dismissive medical professionals who attributed her symptoms to psychological factors. "I ran the gamut from ‘It’s all in your head’ to ‘Just get a hysterectomy,’" she wrote. In desperation, after a particularly agonizing emergency room visit, Alexis began researching specialists, which led her to Dr. Seckin. A single surgery later, 27 lesions were removed, along with her appendix, and her abdominal cavity was cleared of the disease.

Alexis expressed her profound gratitude to Dr. Seckin and emphasized the importance of the work he does through EndoFound. The foundation focuses on raising awareness, educating the public, and supporting research for future generations. Alexis and Billy Joel have been private supporters of EndoFound’s work, and Alexis’s decision to share her story publicly aims to encourage other women to advocate for their health and find their own "earth angels."

On May 1, Billy Joel joined Alexis at a press conference announcing the grand opening of the Seckin Endometriosis Center for Women’s Health at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL). This groundbreaking center, established through a partnership between EndoFound and CSHL, is the first dedicated endometriosis research center within a leading U.S. basic science institution.

Billy Joel shared photos from the event on his Instagram page, highlighting the Joel Foundation’s support for EndoFound’s mission. Endometriosis affects an estimated one in ten women of reproductive age worldwide. While surgery can alleviate pain, symptoms often return, and there is currently no cure for the disease.

During her interview, Alexis elaborated on the research that will be conducted at the Seckin Endometriosis Center for Women’s Health. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is renowned for its world-class research at the molecular level, she explained. By establishing the center, Dr. Seckin aims to advance scientific understanding of endometriosis and develop more effective treatments. His partnership with CSHL was sparked when they began discussing the location of his specimens. It was a perfect match.

Alexis’s willingness to share her personal story and advocate for endometriosis awareness has brought much-needed attention to this often-overlooked condition. Her journey, coupled with Billy Joel’s unwavering support, serves as an inspiration to others facing similar health challenges.