Billy Joel Not Dead, Confirms Publicist After Google Hoax
Google later removed the false death notice after Billy Joel’s publicist said she had just emailed with him.
- On Thursday, Google search results incorrectly displayed an information box stating Billy Joel died Sept. 17, 2026. His publicist, Claire Mercuri, quickly confirmed the 77-year-old "Piano Man" is alive.
- A Google spokesperson said by email Thursday evening that the error "was not a manual change by Google." The company noted that when users vandalize public information sources, it can affect Search results.
- The confusion followed Joel's recent health disclosures on SiriusXM last week, when he revealed undergoing brain surgery to install a shunt for normal pressure hydrocephalus . The 77-year-old canceled stadium shows in 2025 and 2026 following his diagnosis.
- Similar premature death reports have affected other celebrities, including Michael, Jackie Chan, and Eminem. Michael recently used humor on Threads to address a CNN tribute video released in error.
- Previously, the Hicksville-raised singer sought to reassure fans on The Billy Joel Channel, stating on Sept. 9: "I just want people to know, don't worry about me." His message underscores his commitment to recovery.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Don't listen to Google: Billy Joel is not dead
Fear not: Billy Joel definitely isn’t dead, despite what you may have seen on Google. The singer’s publicist has confirmed that Joel is still alive following a glitch on the search engine on September 17th, which claimed that Joel had passed away that very day. Fans in the Joel camp were quick to panic at the sight of the news on an otherwise reputable platform; his publicist, Claire Mercuri, was quick to clarify that the information was wrong. …
77-Year-Old Billy Joel’s Publicist Addresses False Death Report
Billy Joel fans got an alarming surprise when Google search results briefly appeared to report that the Piano Man had died. The false information spread quickly online, prompting worried posts from people trying to determine whether the music legend was really gone. According to Parade, thankfully, Joel is alive. His publicist, Claire Mercuri, quickly confirmed […] The post 77-Year-Old Billy Joel’s Publicist Addresses False Death Report appeared…
Billy Joel was briefly declared dead by Google. His spokesperson had to step in and confirm that the singer-songwriter is indeed alive.
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