Billy Joel recently marked a special occasion as he celebrated the 11th birthday of his daughter, Della Rose. The renowned musician, now 77 years old, took to Instagram on 12th August to share a delightful photograph of his daughter, who appeared joyful in a white dress and sandals, seated on a large rock beside the water. Accompanying the image was a heartfelt message from Joel, declaring, “Happy 11th Birthday to our Della Rose!”
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Della Rose is the middle child of Joel, who has three daughters. The singer first welcomed daughter Alexa Ray Joel in 1985 with his former wife, model Christie Brinkley. After a lengthy interval, he became a father again with the arrival of Della Rose, born in 2015 to his current wife, Alexis Roderick. The couple subsequently welcomed their second daughter, Remy Anne Joel, two years later.
Earlier this year, Billy Joel celebrated another milestone in Della Rose’s life: her graduation from elementary school. In a joyful Instagram post, he expressed pride in her achievements, stating, “Congratulations to our elementary school graduate! We now have a middle schooler.” He reminisced about how it felt like only yesterday when she first started school, adding that “amazing things are in store for this girl,” indicating his excitement about her future.
In past interviews, Joel has shared his affection for fatherhood, particularly later in life. In a 2019 conversation with Rolling Stone, he noted the unique experiences he has had with his children. He humorously recounted how other parents sometimes mistake him for his daughters’ grandfather, acknowledging that he still finds immense joy in parenting despite the age gap. “I didn’t know that I would be a father again at this age, but I’m glad I am,” he remarked, emphasising how fatherhood has kept him feeling youthful.
Reflecting on his later life role as a father, he declared in an interview with PEOPLE that he is thoroughly enjoying the experience of raising his daughters. “I love all of my girls. And poetic justice, I had all girls, of course,” he said, expressing gratitude for the opportunities fatherhood has brought him. Joel admitted that he had initially thought he was “too old” to have more children, yet the experience has turned out to be fulfilling and rewarding.
In fact, the release of the HBO documentary “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” seemed to have marked a turning point for him, allowing him to embrace the joys of parenting fully. He noted that he now has ample time to dedicate to his daughters and that he has committed to being a serious and responsible father. “I wanted to make sure that they got everything they needed from me, so I kind of knuckled down and took fatherhood very, very seriously,” he expressed.
As he celebrates each milestone in his daughters’ lives, it’s clear that Joel values the bond he shares with them. His journey through parenting has not only enriched his life but has also provided him with a new perspective on happiness and fulfilment. Staying engaged with his children’s lives, he is eager to nurture their growth and explore the joys that come with watching them flourish.
Billy Joel’s evolution as a father showcases the multi-faceted nature of his life, blending a remarkable musical career with an equally impactful personal life. His narrative is a testament to the belief that joy and enrichment can come at any stage in life, reminding us all that the journey of fatherhood—regardless of age—is one filled with love, laughter, and learning.