Billy Joel's Mother, Rosalind Joel, Dies at 92; Ex-Wife Christie Brinkley Pens Touching Tribute

Matriarch who raised the Piano Man alone after divorcing his father was the inspiration for "Rosalinda's Eyes"

By Natalie Finn Jul 15, 2014 11:14 PMTags
Billy Joel, Rosalind Nyman JoelJuan Garces / Splash News

Billy Joel has always been one to write songs about the women in his life.

Rosalind Nyman Joel, the Piano Man's mother, died Sunday at 92 on New York's Long Island. Having raised her children largely alone after divorcing Joel's father in the 1950s, she was the inspiration for the song "Rosalinda's Eyes," off of his 1978 album 52nd Street.

And Rosalind obviously made an impact on more than the lives of her immediate family.

Christie Brinkley's marriage to Joel may have ended 20 years ago, but she wrote a most touching tribute to her former mother-in-law today in response to her passing.

Courtesy of Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival

"At sad times we look for ways to find the good to lift our spirits, So I have only to imagine what Rosalinda's Eyes have seen to find cause to celebrate a life well lived ! Just in this year alone she saw her son , Billy Joel receive the Kennedy Center Honor , the highest cultural honor possible, from the President of the United States no less, and Rosalind greatly appreciated the Arts!)," the model captioned a pic of Rosalinda when she was a young woman.

"She also saw her son get a regular gig at Madison Square Garden ( where he already holds a record and where Roz is welcomed on a first name basis! And her eyes sparkled with pride and joy as the former Gilbert and Sullivan chorus girl, watched her granddaughter Alexa perform at the famed Cafe Carlyle surrounded by a large group of her friends enjoying themselves.

"I know as a mom myself that when you see your kids happy healthy and enjoying their passions you feel content and happy. Rosalinda's Eyes will live on not only in the song inspired by her, but in Billy, and Alexa... and Nanny Roz herself would find that worth celebrating. @alexarayjoel#cherishedgrandmother #restinpeace."

And as he promised in his song, Joel certainly made it and took his shot before the fire died in Rosalinda's eyes.

"Hardly anyone has seen how good I am/but Rosalinda says she knows," the song goes.

Joel confirmed his mother's death on his Facebook page and asked that, in lieu of sending flowers, donations be made to The Little Shelter animal rescue and adoption center in Huntington, Long Island.