Billy Joel has recently opened up about his long-awaited experience of fatherhood, expressing that it was something he had been eagerly anticipating throughout his life. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the renowned musician shared insights into his journey towards embracing fatherhood and the impact of not having a father figure during his own upbringing.
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Growing up, Billy Joel knew that becoming a father would hold significant importance in his life. With a complicated relationship with his own father, Howard, Joel was determined to break the cycle and create a different narrative for his own children. Having his father leave when he was just 8 years old, Joel felt a deep void that he was determined to fill for his own family. He expressed, “I didn’t have a dad, so it was very important for me to be a dad.”
The musician, now 76, is a proud father to three daughters – Alexa, 39, Della, 9, and Remy, 7. Despite his past experiences, Joel has found immense joy and fulfillment in fatherhood. Reflecting on his daughters, he shared, “I love all of my girls. And poetic justice, I had all girls, of course, but I’m really enjoying this a lot. It’s something I was looking forward to all my life, and here I am.”
Billy Joel’s complex relationship with his father is further explored in the new HBO documentary, “Billy Joel: And So It Goes”, which delves into the singer’s personal journey and the emotional impact of searching for his father later in life. Despite ultimately finding Howard in Vienna, their connection remained strained, leaving Joel with unresolved feelings of longing for paternal acknowledgement.
In the documentary, Joel reflects on the significance of fatherhood and the profound joy he derives from raising his younger daughters. Despite initially feeling apprehensive about his age, Joel embraced the opportunity to be present and dedicated to his children, ensuring they received the love and support he had longed for in his own childhood.
The revealing documentary not only sheds light on Joel’s personal struggles and triumphs but also offers fans a deeper understanding of the man behind the music. As Joel’s friend and lighting designer, Steve Cohen, shared, “I hope fans walk away realizing how human he is, and I hope they come back listening to these songs again with a deeper affection.”
Billy Joel’s journey into fatherhood serves as a testament to resilience and the power of breaking generational cycles. Through his own experiences and reflections, Joel has found solace and purpose in nurturing his daughters and creating a loving family environment that he yearned for but never had growing up.
For more insights into Billy Joel’s personal journey and reflections on fatherhood, the full interview and documentary are available to fans, offering a poignant exploration of the man behind the music. Joel’s story serves as an inspiration for many, highlighting the importance of love, family, and the profound impact of embracing fatherhood.