Billy Joel Told Howard Stern ‘I’m Not Dying’ amid Brain Condition Diagnosis

Howard Stern shared a health update for Billy Joel fans today, nearly two weeks after the music icon revealed a recent diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).

Stern said on his Sirius XM show The Howard Stern Show on Tuesday, June 3, that he had dinner with Joel a couple of weeks prior and the “Piano Man” singer is “doing fine.”

“He does have issues, but he said, ‘Yeah, you can tell people, I’m not dying,’ ” Stern added. “He wants people to know that. He’s got to deal with some medical stuff, but he was delightful.”

Stern went on to tell his co-host Robin Quivers that he had a “great conversation” with Joel, and he even “brought out a guitar” as they celebrated Joel’s birthday. The “Piano Man” artist turned 76 on May 9.

The radio host later joked that Joel “threw up” after Stern played “Happy Birthday” to the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. “He didn’t seem real impressed,” Stern, 71, said.

On May 23, Joel canceled the rest of his scheduled concert dates after he was diagnosed with NPH, a brain condition that involves an excess of cerebrospinal fluid that accumulates in the brain ventricles, affecting hearing, vision and balance. He was “advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period” amid the care of doctors and while undergoing physical therapy,” the statement on Joe’s Instagram profile read.

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,” the statement continued.”

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In a statement to PEOPLE, Joel said, “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding.”

A music industry source later told PEOPLE that Joel is “not ready to retire.” A source close to Joel added, “He is not retiring and hopes to be able to resume performing as his recovery progresses.”

Three days after sharing his diagnosis, Joel’s wife, Alexis Roderick Joel, thanked fans for their support. 

“Bill is beloved by so many, and to us, he is a father and husband who is at the center of our world,” Alexis, 43, wrote in a statement published on Joel’s Instagram page. “We are hopeful for his recovery… We look forward to seeing you all in the future.”

Joel and Alexis have two daughters, Della, 9, and Remy, 7. He also shares daughter Alexa Ray Joel, 39, with his ex-wife, Christie Brinkley.