Christie Brinkley, who was married to Billy Joel from 1985 to 1994, wrote a touching tribute to her late former mother-in-law, Rosalind Nyman Joel, on Tuesday.
Rosalind, the woman who inspired the song “Rosalinda’s Eyes” from Joel’s 1978 album “52nd Street,” died on Sunday. She was 92.
“At sad times we look for ways to find the good to lift our spirits, so I have only to imagine what Rosalinda’s Eyes have seen to find cause to celebrate a life well lived!” wrote Brinkley.
“Just in this year alone she saw her son, Billy Joel receive the Kennedy Center Honor, the highest cultural honor possible, from the President of the United States no less, and Rosalind greatly appreciated the Arts! She also saw her son get a regular gig at Madison Square Garden (where he already holds a record) and where Roz is welcomed on a first name basis! And her eyes sparkled with pride and joy as the former Gilbert and Sullivan chorus girl, watched her granddaughter Alexa perform at the famed Cafe Carlyle surrounded by a large group of her friends enjoying themselves.”
“I know as a mom myself that when you see your kids happy healthy and enjoying their passions you feel content and happy. Rosalinda’s Eyes will live on not only in the song inspired by her, but in Billy, and Alexa… and Nanny Roz herself would find that worth celebrating. @alexarayjoel #cherishedgrandmother #restinpeace.”
Joel shared the news of his mother’s death via his official website. On it he praised her for supporting “various charitable endeavors.”
Rosalind is survived by her two children, Billy and daughter Judy Molinari; her sister Bertha Miller; and her two granddaughters, Alexa Ray Joel and Rebecca Molinari Gehrkin.