Billy Joel and his girlfriend of six years, Alexis Roderick, got married in a surprise ceremony Saturday at the rock star’s Long Island home, People is reporting .
Joel’s spokesperson confirmed the wedding to the media.
“[The couple] surprised guests at their annual July 4th party by exchanging vows in front of their family and close friends.”
The 66-year-old Joel and the 33-year-old Roderick, a former Wall Street executive, have been an item since 2009. The couple are expecting their first child later this summer.
Billy Joel’s wedding was a complete surprise to the handful of guests who were at the the Piano Man’s home for what they thought was a small Fourth of July gathering, according to MSN . Among those in attendance were Joel’s good friend, comedian and actor Kevin James, and former New York governor Andrew Cuomo — who also used his cred as a statesman to perform the ceremony.
Joel’s 29-year-old daughter, Alexa Ray, was also at the wedding. Alexa’s mother, Joel’s second wife, Christie Brinkley, remains friendly with the rock star — so friendly, in fact, that she posted a picture of the happy couple on social media.
“Congratulation to the glowing bride and groom. And to my daughter Alexa, who has a wonderful friend in Alexis! Wishing the growing family every happiness!”
Alexis Roderick makes marriage No. 4 for Billy Joel. Joel’s first marriage, to Weber Small, lasted from 1973 until 1982, and took place largely as the singer was rising to fame. Small helped Billy through some of the worst times in his life, according to the Daily Mail , being there for him as he battled depression and a suicide attempt . Joel would later say that the song “Always a Woman” was about her. She was also the inspiration for the waitress character in “The Piano Man,” arguably Joel’s biggest hit of all time.
In the 1980s, Billy entered his supermodel phase, briefly being attached to Elle Macpherson before famously marrying Christie Brinkley in 1985. Their marriage produced Billy’s only child, daughter Alexa Ray, who was born in 1985. The couple divorced in 1994, but they remain friends to this day.
Joel was married briefly — from 2004 to 2009 — to food critic Katie Lee. Alexa, then 18, served as Maid of Honor at the couple’s wedding.
Here’s hoping Billy Joel finds happiness in his fourth marriage.
[Image courtesy of: Getty Images / Jason Merritt ]
