Billy Joel marries in surprise US wedding

FILE – In this Dec. 7, 2013 file photo, Kennedy Center Honoree Billy Joel,right, and Alexis Roderick arrive at the Kennedy Center Honors gala dinner in Washington. Joel married girlfriend Alexis Roderick in a surprise ceremony at the couple’s annual July 4 party. The singer’s spokeswoman Claire Mercuri says New York Gov. Andre Cuomo presided over Saturday’s nuptials at Joel’s Long Island estate.AP

NEW YORK — US pop legend Billy Joel married longtime girlfriend Alexis Roderick in a surprise wedding Saturday, popping their nuptials on unsuspecting guests at a July 4 holiday party, the singer’s publicist said.

The wedding, which took place on Joel’s Long Island estate, was officiated by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Joel and Roderick “surprised guests at their annual July 4th party by exchanging vows in front of their family and close friends,” said a statement sent to AFP by Joel’s publicist Claire Mercuri.

Among the guests were actor Kevin James and Joel’s daughter Alexa Ray Joel — whom he had with his second wife, former supermodel Christie Brinkley.

Joel, 66, and Roderick, who is in her early 30s according to US media, are expecting their first child in the next few months, his publicist said.

“Congratulations to the glowing bride and groom. And to my daughter Alexa, who has a wonderful friend in Alexis,” Brinkley posted on Instagram.

Roderick is Joel’s fourth wife. The couple has been together since 2009, US media reported.

Joel has sold more than 150 million records and has been nominated for a Grammy 23 times, according to his website.

Some of the famous New Yorker’s most popular hits include “Uptown Girl,” “Just The Way You Are” and “The Longest Time.”

On Wednesday, Joel beat Elton John’s record as the artist to have given the most performances at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden with his 65th concert at the venue.

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