T4K3.news

Billy Joel shares personal story about rehab

Billy Joel discusses the ultimatum from Katie Lee that led him to rehab for alcohol abuse.

July 28, 2025 at 01:00 PM

Billy Joel says wife gave him ultimatum to go to rehab for drinking

Billy Joel shares his experience with rehab after a pivotal moment with his ex-wife Katie Lee.

Billy Joel reflects on rehab ultimatum from ex-wife Katie Lee

Billy Joel recently discussed his struggles with alcohol in the two-part documentary" Billy Joel: And So It Goes." He revealed that in 2005, his then-wife, Katie Lee, gave him a stark choice. After returning from a weekend where his drinking created tensions, she told him, 'Either you do something about your drinking or this isn't gonna work out.' This ultimatum pushed Joel to seek treatment at the Betty Ford Center. While both have since moved on to new relationships, Joel acknowledged that the aftermath of rehab strained their marriage, ultimately leading to their divorce in 2009.

Key Takeaways

✔️

Billy Joel entered rehab in 2005 after an ultimatum from Katie Lee.

✔️

The couple struggled with a significant age gap and diverging life paths.

✔️

Joel admitted he did not initially want to go to rehab.

✔️

Lee felt resentment for pushing Joel to seek help.

✔️

Their marriage ended in 2009 after five years together.

✔️

Both have found love again since their divorce.

"You have to want to do it. I didn't want to do it."

Joel's acknowledgment of personal motivation in recovery.

"I wanted to be doing all of the things together, but our age came into play."

Lee reflects on how their age difference impacted their relationship.

"It just became obvious that it wasn't working."

Lee's candid admission on the state of their marriage post-rehab.

"Three-time loser. The fear of being alone again...so I was drinking again."

Joel expresses the emotional toll of his divorce on his mental health and behavior.

Joel's candid admission brings to light the complexities of relationships impacted by addiction. The vulnerability expressed by both partners highlights how personal struggles can reverberate within a marriage. Their age difference and diverging life paths added to the challenges they faced. This story serves as a reminder that the journey of recovery often requires individual commitment, as Joel himself noted. The emotional weight of regrets and the realities of life can make relationships fragile, especially when coupled with external pressures like public life and personal insecurities.