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Billy Joel splits from his third wife
Updated 16:49pm on 18 Jun 2009Singer-songwriter Billy Joel is separating from his third wife, the couple have confirmed.
The pair said in a statement that they remained "caring friends with admiration and respect for each other" despite the breakdown of their relationship.
Joel wed Katie Lee in 2004 at a ceremony at his mansion on New York's Long Island.
At the time, the singer was 55 years old and his bride was 23.
Joel's first marriage, to his business manager Elizabeth Weber Small, broke down in 1982 after nine years.
He went on to marry Christie Brinkley, the model who starred in the video for Joel's Uptown Girl.
But the hit single was actually written for former girlfriend supermodel Elle Macpherson, the singer said later.
Following the trend of writing songs for partners, Joel recorded All My Life as an anniversary gift to his latest wife two years ago.
Lee is a TV presenter in the US, famed for fronting the reality programme Top Chef.
In a joint statement, the couple announced their intention to split after nearly five years of marriage.
"This decision is the result of much thought and consideration," they added.
It is not known if the couple are actively seeking a divorce.
