Superstar model Christie and singer-songwriter Billy Joel met in 1983 on St Barts Island. Though Joel was five years her senior, they quickly fell in love. Joel’s hit “Uptown Girl” is believed to be dedicated to Christie.
In 1985, they wed on a Hudson River yacht with guests like Paul Simon. They remained together until 1994, sharing a daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, named after Billy’s idol, Ray Charles. Despite their divorce, they remain close. Christie told Wendy Williams, “You can’t find him or me saying a bad word about the other.”
However, Christie’s marriage to Peter Cook ended tumultuously. News broke of Cook’s affair with a teenager, Diana Bianchi, whom he’d met in a toy store in 2004. He paid her $300,000 for silence. Christie discovered the affair from Bianchi’s stepfather. By 2008, they divorced. Cook blamed Christie in a Barbara Walters interview, but the settlement granted Christie custody and properties.
Cook paid $2.1 million. Christie commented on the painful trial and cherishes family moments at her unexpected long-term home. At 68, Christie remains active, emphasizing healthy living.
