Christie Brinkley On Writing Her New Memoir, ‘Uptown Girl’: ‘If Not Now, When?’

Christie Brinkley is one of the most successful supermodels of all time, having appeared on over 500 magazine covers, including an unprecedented three consecutive covers of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues. She had a 25-year contract with Cover Girl, the longest running cosmetics contract for a model to date. And that’s not even mentioning her personal life, including her marriage to ex-husband Billy Joel, whose song Brinkley’s new memoir, Uptown Girl, pays homage to in its title.

All of this—and Brinkley still wondered if anyone would care. (Spoiler alert: we do.) “You get really, really nervous,” she tells me on the phone a week before Uptown Girl hits shelves on April 29. “I was thinking, ‘Wow, that was very presumptuous of me to thank anybody would want to read my autobiography. What was I thinking?’”

Christie Brinkley's journey is one such tale—a symphony of glamour, heartache, resilience, and reinvention.

The Muse Behind the Music

In the early 1980s, Christie Brinkley was more than just a supermodel; she was the embodiment of the American dream. Her radiant smile graced over 500 magazine covers, and her presence was synonymous with beauty and elegance. But it was her role as the muse for Billy Joel's hit song "Uptown Girl" that immortalized her in pop culture.​

Their love story began in 1983, culminating in a lavish wedding aboard a yacht in New York Harbor in 1985. The union of the "Piano Man" and the "Uptown Girl" seemed like a fairy tale. Together, they had a daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, and for a time, their lives were a harmonious duet.​

Behind the Glamour: A Turbulent Melody

However, as Brinkley reveals in her memoir Uptown Girl, the reality behind the scenes was far from idyllic. Joel's struggles with alcohol cast a long shadow over their marriage. Brinkley recounts moments of profound loneliness, particularly when Joel would disappear for days during his drinking binges. One incident that stands out is when Joel, in a state of delusion, accused his band members of eating his pasta—pasta he had consumed himself. These episodes eroded the foundation of their relationship, leading Brinkley to the painful decision to leave. ​

"I'll love him forever," Brinkley admits, "but I couldn't live with him." Despite therapy and efforts to salvage their marriage, the "booze was the other woman," ultimately leading to their divorce in 1994.​

'Uptown Girl' the Memoir

Now, at 71, Brinkley has penned her memoir, Uptown Girl, offering an unfiltered look into her life. The book delves into her childhood, her meteoric rise in the modeling world, and the personal trials she faced—including a near-fatal helicopter crash and subsequent tumultuous relationships.

Brinkley also shares anecdotes that showcase her multifaceted personality. For instance, she auditioned for the lead role in the 1984 film Splash, a part that ultimately went to Daryl Hannah. Years later, Brinkley purchased a mermaid-themed chandelier, only to learn that Hannah had also desired the same piece. Brinkley's playful response? "I've been a mermaid my whole life." ​

Embracing the Future with Grace

Despite the challenges, Brinkley's outlook remains optimistic. She continues to believe in love and the magic of life's moments. Her memoir is not just a recounting of past events but a testament to resilience and the enduring human spirit. ​

As she reflects on her journey, Brinkley emphasizes the importance of seizing the moment: "If not now, when?" ​

The Legacy of an 'Uptown Girl'

Christie Brinkley's story is a compelling narrative of love, loss, and personal growth. Her memoir offers readers an intimate glimpse into the life of a woman who, despite facing numerous challenges, continues to shine with grace and authenticity.​

In sharing her truth, Brinkley not only reclaims her narrative but also inspires others to embrace their own stories with courage and resilience.​

For those interested in exploring the depths of Brinkley's experiences, Uptown Girl is set to release on April 29, 2025, through Harper Influence. ​