Kevin Mazur/Getty Billy Joel is "not ready to retire" following the news of his normal pressure hydrocephalus diagnosis Sources tell PEOPLE that he is "happiest while performing" and that he hopes to return to the stage The singer revealed on Friday, May 23, that he would be canceling all of his upcoming concerts as he was advised to refrain from performing while recovering Billy Joelis "not ready to retire" following health setbacks. Sources tell PEOPLE that Joel, 76, is not ready to step away from performing amid thenews of his normal pressure hydrocephalus diagnosis. "He is happiest while performing," a music industry source tells PEOPLE. "Music is, has been and will always be his life. He's not ready to retire." A source close to Joel says, "He is not retiring and hopes to be able to resume performing as his recovery progresses." On Friday, May 23, the five-time Grammy winner announced thathe would be canceling all of his tour datesafter being diagnosed withnormal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). This condition involves an excess of cerebrospinal fluid that accumulates in the brain ventricles, affecting hearing, vision, and balance. Timothy Norris/FilmMagic The PEOPLE Appis now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Under the care of doctors and while undergoing physical therapy,the "Piano Man" singerwas "advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period," per a statementshared on his Instagram. Joel is "thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health. He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage." "I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding," the musician said in a statement. Months before Joel's cancellation announcement,he had fallen during a show at Mohegan Sunin Connecticut in February. He appeared to stumble backwards and fall after tossing and spinning a microphone stand. Joel recovered from the fall onstage and the show went on as usual. The following month, he announced that he would bepostponing all of his shows through Junedue to a "medical condition. The musician needed to "undergo physical therapy under the supervision of his doctors" following a recent surgery. "While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first,"Joel said at the time. "I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans. Thank you for your understanding." Myrna M. Suarez/Getty Since announcing that he was canceling his shows through 2026 — whichincluded stops in New York, Liverpool, New Orleans, Washington, D.C. and other cities — his loved ones have rallied around him. His wife Alexisthanked fans for their "outpouring of love and support.""Bill is beloved by so many, and to us, he is a father and husband who is at the center of our world," she wrote beneath a picture of them withtheir daughters Della and Remyon May 26. "We are hopeful for his recovery. We look forward to seeing you all in the future." Joel's daughter Alexa Rayalso posted a painting of her and the "Big Shot" singer. "We love you and we got you, Pop!"she wrote in parton May 24. Read the original article onPeople
