Elizabeth Weber, Billy Joel’s Ex-Wife, Defends Him Against ‘Homewrecker’ Accusations
Elizabeth Weber, the former wife of Billy Joel, is sharing insights about their marriage and the circumstances that led her to leave her first husband, Jon Small, for the renowned musician.
“I never considered Bill to be the homewrecker,” Weber told Us Weekly exclusively on Friday, August 8, mentioning the need to “navigate carefully” as “Jon and I didn’t share a strong romance.”
Weber first crossed paths with Joel while still married to his best friend and bandmate, Small. Their affair is said to have contributed to the band’s disbandment and adversely affected Joel’s mental well-being, which at times included severe depression and two suicide attempts.
The affair is one of the topics addressed in the recent two-part HBO documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes, which debuted in July. In the documentary, Joel reflects on the infidelity, admitting to the feeling of being perceived as a homewrecker.
Billy Joel has captured headlines not only for his successful music career but also his marital history. The singer has had four marriages. He wed his first wife, Elizabeth Weber, in 1973, but they divorced in 1982. After his separation from Weber, the “Vienna” artist married Christie Brinkley […]
“The home was definitely broken,” she stated. “Jon and I didn’t share a profound bond. In some ways, my life truly began again with the birth of my son. Sean brought joy into every room. He was an adorable, spirited child. So, I didn’t view Bill as a homewrecker because there wasn’t much of a home to break.”
In the documentary, Joel expressed that he “was simply in love with a woman, and I got punched in the face, which I deserved.”
Following his second suicide attempt amidst his depression after the band’s split, Small saved Joel’s life by taking him to the hospital.
“He didn’t say much to me,” Small recounted in the documentary. “The only reasonable explanation for why Billy struggled so much was that he loved me deeply, and it pained him to hurt me that way. Ultimately, I forgave him.”
circa 1981 in New York City. Robin Platzer/Images/Getty Images
Joel and Weber later reconnected following the affair fallout and tied the knot in 1973, spending nearly a decade together before divorcing in 1982. Joel subsequently wed Christie Brinkley in 1985, welcoming daughter Alexa Ray Joel before separating in 1994. He then married cookbook author Katie Lee in 2004 but divorced five years later in 2009. In 2015, Joel married Alex Roderick, with whom he shares two children, Della Rose Joel and Remy Anne Joel.
“Bill and I had our own journey,” Weber reflected to Us about their past relationship. “We were centered around Sean. I wasn’t looking for anyone’s validation because, even though I don’t play an instrument anymore, I feel a sense of rock and roll in my life. I chose to live a different kind of life during that time.”
Weber describes her current relationship with Joel as amicable but not particularly close, explaining to Us, “If I ever want to talk to him or share something, I can reach out whenever I like.”
Billy Joel candidly discusses challenging moments from his youth in a new documentary. Billy Joel: And So It Goes, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival in New York City on June 4, features the artist reflecting on one of his lowest points.
“However, he has a wife and children, and he’s currently facing significant challenges,” she added. “So [our relationship is] as close as it needs to be for two individuals who chose to part ways over 40 years ago.”
In May, Joel canceled his remaining 2025 tour dates after announcing a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus, a brain condition characterized by abnormal cerebrospinal fluid buildup that can lead to difficulties with walking, memory, balance, and bladder control.
“I have grandchildren who know him, and he knows them,” Weber noted of their relationship amid his diagnosis. “And his bond with Sean is significant for both of them. So while there’s distance — I’m in California and he’s in Florida — things are good.”
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