Billy Joel Reveals Two Suicide Attempts After Affair with Friend’s Wife

A Painful Confession in New Documentary

June 6, 2025: In the HBO film Billy Joel: And So It Goes, the 76‑year‑old music legend opens up about a dark chapter from his early 20s involving an affair with Elizabeth Weber—the wife of his friend and bandmate, Jon Small. The guilt and heartbreak from the affair triggered two suicide attempts .

A Deadly Descent

Following the revelation of the affair, Joel spiraled into homelessness and despair, living in laundromats. His first attempt involved overdosing on sleeping pills given by his sister Judy Molinari, which led to a coma. His second attempt came from ingesting lemon‑Pledge cleaner, after which he was rushed to the hospital by Small—despite the betrayal.

Turning Point: Healing and Forgiveness

After the second attempt, Joel voluntarily admitted himself to a psychiatric observation ward. According to the documentary, this became a critical turning point—he began channeling his emotional turmoil into his music and ultimately transformed his pain into creativity.

Family Ties and Continued Legacy

Elizabeth Weber later married Joel in 1973, and they divorced in 1982. The film also features insights from Joel’s family—his sister Judy Molinari and his stepson Sean Weber‑Small—who reflect on the emotional toll of those years.

Health Update & Documentary Details

Premiering at Tribeca, Billy Joel: And So It Goes will stream on HBO this summer. The film also reveals Joel’s recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, which has led to the cancellation of upcoming tour dates, and it highlights his resilience and ongoing work.

From Depths of Despair to Musical Redemption

Billy Joel’s courageous account offers a deep look into the emotional struggles behind the scenes, and underscores the healing power of music, forgiveness, and self-reflection.