Christie Brinkley, Alexa Ray Joel React To News Of Billy Joel, Katie Lee Split

Christie Brinkley has spoken out about the news that her ex, Billy Joel, and his wife of five years, Katie Lee, have separated.

"My heart goes out to them," Brinkley told Access Hollywood at the 6th Annual Wayuu Taya Foundation Fundraising Gala in New York City on Wednesday evening. "It's sad news, but Billy is a great dad and a great friend, so of course, I wish him the best."

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As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, a rep for the entertainer confirmed Joel, 60, and Lee, 27, have split.

"After nearly five years of marriage, Billy and Katie have decided to separate," a rep for the artist said in a statement to Access on Wednesday. "The decision is the result of much thought and consideration. Billy and Katie remain caring friends, with admiration and respect for each other."

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Joel's daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, 24, an entertainer, revealed before heading into the Wayuu Taya Gala that she has, in fact, been aware of the couple's split for some time.

"This is old news for me," she told Access. "I heard this a while ago. I was the first to know. OK, I'm his daughter, but you know what? I'm completely supportive of my father and very protective of him… I'm behind him 100%. So I'm just there for him right now."

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