Billy Joel Opens Up About Past Struggles and Suicide Attempts

Billy Joel has bravely shared his struggles with mental health and personal turmoil during his early twenties in a recent documentary titled *Billy Joel: And So It Goes*, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival in New York City on June 4, 2025. The documentary offers an intimate look into the life of the iconic musician, revealing some of the darkest moments he faced.

In the film, Joel, now 76, recounts a tumultuous period that began with an affair with Elizabeth Weber, the wife of his best friend and bandmate, Jon Small. This complicated love triangle not only strained their friendship but also led to significant emotional distress for Joel. He candidly admits, “I felt very, very guilty about it. They had a child. I felt like a homewrecker.”

The affair ultimately resulted in the dissolution of Joel and Small’s band, fracturing their friendship and leaving Joel feeling lost. “I had no place to live. I was sleeping in laundromats and I was depressed to the point of almost being psychotic,” he shared. The weight of his guilt and despair led him to contemplate suicide, stating, “I was just in a lot of pain and thought, why hang out? Tomorrow is going to be just like today, and today sucks.”

Joel’s sister, Judy Molinari, provided insight into the severity of his struggles, recalling a harrowing time when he attempted suicide for the first time. “He was in a coma for days,” she revealed, expressing the fear of potentially losing him. During his second attempt, it was Small who rushed Joel to the hospital, highlighting the complexity of their relationship and Small’s eventual forgiveness.

Despite the turmoil, Joel found a way to channel his emotions into his music. After checking himself into an observation ward, he realized he could use his experiences to fuel his creativity. “I got out of the observation ward and thought to myself, you can utilize all those emotions to channel that stuff into music,” he explained.

The documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness, especially in the high-pressure world of fame. Joel’s journey reflects not only his personal battles but also his resilience and ability to turn pain into art.

For fans of Billy Joel, this documentary offers a deeper understanding of the man behind the music, showcasing his vulnerability and strength. It also emphasizes the significance of seeking help and support during difficult times. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, resources are available. You can call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for assistance.

Billy Joel’s story is one of survival, creativity, and ultimately, redemption. As he continues to inspire millions through his music, his willingness to share his past struggles serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.

Candice Miller Deactivates Instagram After Brief Return PostTragedy

Candice Miller has once again stepped away from social media, deactivating her Instagram account just days after re-emerging online. This decision comes as a poignant response following the tragic death of her husband, Brandon Miller, last summer. As of June 5, 2025, Us Weekly confirmed that her Instagram profile is no longer active, a significant shift that follows her first post since the tragedy.

On June 3, Candice shared a heartfelt message with her followers, reflecting on resilience and inner strength. “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer,” she wrote, expressing a sense of hope amidst her grief. Accompanying her words was a serene photo of sunlight breaking through cloudy skies, symbolizing her journey through a difficult period.

The influencer, known for her Mama & Tata blog, has faced immense challenges since the loss of her husband, who died by suicide in July 2024 at the age of 43. Brandon, a prominent luxury real estate mogul, was found unconscious in their Hamptons home and later pronounced dead at a hospital. At the time of his passing, Candice and their two daughters were vacationing in Italy. A family spokesperson described Candice as devastated, highlighting the profound impact of Brandon’s death on their daughters.

Following Brandon’s death, Candice faced additional struggles, including a lawsuit regarding unpaid rent on their Manhattan condo. Her lawyers argued that she should not be held liable since her name was not on the lease. Furthermore, in December 2024, she revealed that Brandon had left behind $33.6 million in debt, leaving her with only $8,000 in her bank account. This financial burden compounded the emotional toll of her husband’s passing.

Despite these hardships, reports indicate that Candice has been attempting to rebuild her life. Sources close to her have noted that she has been spotted attending events and social gatherings in Miami Beach, where she has recently relocated. Friends describe her as gradually finding her footing, engaging in activities like workout classes and dinners as she navigates this new chapter.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Candice was selling personal belongings to help alleviate some of the debt left by her husband. She also benefitted from $15 million in life insurance policies and sold their joint residence, which provided some financial relief.

While Candice’s social media presence has been minimal since Brandon’s death, her brief return to Instagram offered a glimpse into her ongoing journey of healing. However, her decision to deactivate her account again underscores the complexities of grief and the challenges of sharing personal experiences in the public eye.

As her fans and followers continue to support her, Candice Miller’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable loss. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

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