Brinkley Memoir Reveals Billy Joel Marriage Struggles

In her new memoir 'Uptown Girl,' Christie Brinkley shares intimate details of her relationship and divorce from Billy Joel, beginning with their unglamorous first meeting in 1983. She describes quickly falling for Joel's sensitivity and romantic gestures, including his writing songs for her and casting her in the 'Uptown Girl' music video. Brinkley attributes the end of their marriage, which began in 1985 and produced daughter Alexa Ray Joel, to Joel's struggles with alcoholism, saying his drinking became insurmountable. Although the split in 1994 was painful, Brinkley notes she never wanted to leave and recalls the profound loneliness she felt as the relationship faltered. Both have since moved on and maintained a friendly co-parenting relationship. Joel has addressed his sobriety in recent interviews.