Billy Joel Separates from Katie Lee

Rumors about the couple’s troubled five-year marriage began to swirl earlier this year when Katie Lee was spotted, according to the NY Daily News, as “dancing closely” with Israeli fashion designer Yigal Azrouel. 

However, unlike some celebrity separations that can devolve into edgy if not vicious drama, there is some hope here that the separation — and possible divorce — will remain amicable. As noted by Joel’s rep to Access Hollywood, “the decision [to separate] is the result of much thought and consideration. Billy and Katie remain caring friends, with admiration and respect for each other.”

This is Joel’s third marriage. He was formerly married to Business Manager Elizabeth Weber, followed by a much-publicized marriage to supermodel Christie Brinkley with whom he had a daughter, Alexa Ray. This is Katie Lee’s first marriage.