Billy Joel alive and well after Google death hoax

Stuart residents can rest easy knowing that music icon Billy Joel is very much alive. A recent glitch on Google mistakenly declared the 77-year-old singer-songwriter dead, sparking a brief death hoax across the internet.

However, Joel's publicist, Claire Mercuri, has confirmed that the American music legend is in good health. "Billy’s not dead," Mercuri stated. "I was just emailing with him."

This incident comes at a time when Joel has been navigating some personal health challenges. In May 2025, he was forced to cancel concert performances after being diagnosed with a brain disorder. His representatives at the time explained that the condition "has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance." Under doctor's orders, Joel underwent physical therapy and was advised to refrain from performing during his recovery.

In other news related to the artist, a two-part documentary titled "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" recently explored his life and music. The film, directed by Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, delves into the "love, loss, and personal struggles that fuel his songwriting," according to its logline. Director Susan Lacy noted that the documentary offers new perspectives, stating, "For those who think they know Joel’s story, as well as those who are not as familiar, I believe this two-part film is both a revelation and a surprise." The documentary is currently streaming on HBO Max.