Billy Joel’s Once-‘Maligned’ First Wife Breaks Her Silence on Their Marriage 43 Years After Their Divorce (Exclusive)

Billy Joel’s First Wife Elizabeth Weber Speaks Out on Their Marriage

Elizabeth Weber, Billy Joel’s first wife, has broken her silence on their marriage, 43 years after their divorce. The exclusive interview was conducted at the Tribeca Festival premiere of the two-part documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, which took place at the Beacon Theatre on Wednesday, June 4. Weber, who was married to the rock icon from 1973 to 1982, shared her thoughts on revisiting that period of her life, expressing that it was a positive experience for her. Now at the age of 76, she reflected on her time with Joel with fondness, stating, “It was great then, it’s great whenever I think about it, and it’s great now.”

The documentary, directed by Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, provided Weber with a platform to publicly discuss her years with Joel for the first time. She revealed that her granddaughters played a key role in her decision to participate in the project. Despite initial reservations about her privacy, Weber was ultimately swayed by the personal approach of the filmmakers. Executive producer Steve Cohen emphasised the significance of Weber’s involvement, citing her long-standing friendship with him as a crucial factor. Cohen highlighted that Weber had endured unjust criticism in the past and stressed that her perspective was essential to the completeness of the documentary’s narrative.

Billy Joel, who is now 76 years old, was notably absent from the documentary premiere due to the cancellation of his tour dates following a diagnosis of a rare brain condition. The documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, delves into the singer’s rise to international stardom from his beginnings on Long Island, showcasing exclusive footage and candid interviews. Although Joel was not present at the premiere, the event was attended by prominent figures like Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Mariska Hargitay, and Peter Hermann. Weber, who not only shared a personal relationship with Joel but also served as his business manager during their marriage, remained supportive of the project, emphasising the positive aspects of their collaboration.

Married for nearly a decade, from 1973 to 1982, Billy Joel and Elizabeth Weber did not have any children together. Following their divorce, Joel went on to marry three more times, with his current wife being Alexis Rodrick, whom he married in 2015. The documentary sheds light on Joel’s personal and professional journey, offering audiences a glimpse into the life of the iconic musician. Despite the challenges Joel has faced regarding his health, the project stands as a tribute to his enduring legacy in the music industry.

The dedication to storytelling within the documentary and the inclusion of Weber’s perspective serve to humanise the larger-than-life figure of Billy Joel, offering a nuanced portrayal of their shared history. As Weber’s voice joins the chorus of those recounting Joel’s impact on their lives, her participation enriches the narrative, adding depth and authenticity to the exploration of their relationship. Through her candid reflections, Weber provides a personal insight into the complexities of marriage, fame, and the enduring power of music to connect and transcend time.

In a world where celebrity relationships often dominate headlines, the story of Billy Joel and Elizabeth Weber offers a poignant reminder of the personal struggles and triumphs that lie behind the public personas. As audiences engage with the documentary’s intimate portrayal of Joel’s life, they are invited to witness the unfolding of a journey marked by love, loss, and the enduring bonds that shape our lives. Elizabeth Weber’s decision to speak out after years of silence underscores the transformative power of storytelling, uniting past and present in a shared narrative of resilience and rediscovery.