Billy Joel

Elton John wants Billy Joel to make like Charlie Sheen. Sort of.

In the latest issue of Rolling Stone, John talks at length about his fellow music icon, who has battled alcohol dependency for years.

"Billy's a conundrum," Elton says. "We've had so many cancelled tours because of illnesses and various other things, alcoholism."

But hasn't Joel sought help for substance abuse issues in the past? Yes, John says, but not the right kind of help:

"He's going to hate me for this, but every time he goes to rehab they've been light. When I went to rehab, I had to clean the floors. He goes to rehab where they have TVs. I love you, Billy, and this is tough love. You have your demons and you're not going to get rid of them at rehab light. You've got to be serious. People adore you, they love you and respect you. You should be able to do something better than what you're doing now."

Joel doesn't seem too fazed by Elton's remarks. He responds:

Just a month after Billy Joel announced his split from his 27-year-old third wife Katie Lee Joel, he's already started tickling the ivories of a new woman.

That was a piano reference. Is this thing on?

Billy is currently dating former Young and the Restless star Alex Donnelley, according to the New York Post, having met her at his concert in Washington, D.C.

Since then, she has visited Billy's house in Sag Harbor where they ride around on his motorcycles and boats. A source said, "The two hit it off immediately."

Hey, at 49, Alex Donnelley is in the ballpark of Billy's age (60) and probably shares some of his interests. He might actually be onto something here ...

Singer Billy Joel and his wife, Katie Lee Joel, are splitting up, the couple confirmed to the New York Daily News on Wednesday.

"After nearly five years of marriage, Billy and Katie have decided to separate," reps for the pair said in a joint statement.

"This decision is the result of much thought and consideration. Billy and Katie remain caring friends, with admiration and respect for each other."

Rumors have swirled for months that the marriage was on the rocks.

Various reports have linked Lee, a 27-year-old chef and author, with Yigal Azrouel, a dashing 36-year-old Israeli-born fashion designer.

Sources reported seeing them dancing in Miami in January and have claimed that at times Azrouel referred to Lee as "my girlfriend."

Reps insist that Azrouel was just a friend and that Billy, 60, was happy to skip the parties, fashion shows and fundraisers his younger wife enjoyed.

"Their decision to separate was absolutely unrelated to Yigal," Joel's spokeswoman, Claire Mercuri said.

"It was really the age difference that caught up with them," said a friend of the couple. "They grew apart. She is very career-oriented."

"She loves going out. She loves the city. When Billy isn't touring, he'd rather be on Long Island with his motorcycles and boats."

Still, the friend added, "I can't imagine the stories about Yigal helped."

He and Lee married in October of 2004. His nine-year marriage to model Christie Brinkley, the mother of their daughter Alexa, ended in 1994.

Billy Joel has done alright for himself. Multiple car accidents and drinking problems aside, this is a well-known, acclaimed, rich singer.

One that has been married to Christie Brinkley.

Meanwhile, Joel has also fathered a young, hopeful singer: Alexa Ray Joel. There's just one problem:

Some people mix up this 20-year daughter with her 25-year old step mother. Indeed, Katie Lee Joel - host of Top Chef - tied the knot with Billy a couple years ago and won't exactly get confused with Anna Nicole Smith, either.

It would be awfully embarassing if Billy ever got his two girls mixed up. But do you know which young hottie is which?