Billy Joel and Wife Split, Katie Lee Joel Linked to Designer Yigal Azrouel

Billy Joel and his young wife, Katie Lee, are reportedly splitting up. Katie Lee is 32 years younger than Billy and the third wife of the music icon.

"After nearly five years of marriage, Billy and Katie have decided to separate. This decision is the result of much thought and consideration. Billy and Katie remain caring friends, with admiration and respect for each other," a rep for the couple tells NYDailyNews.
 

Rumors have swirled for months that Joel's third marriage was on the rocks. Some reports have linked Katie to an Israeli-born fashion designer named Yigal Azrouel. Katie, 27, has been spotted with Yigal Azrouel, 36, at various events.

They were reportedly seen dirty dancing in Miami in January. He has even referred to her as his "girlfriend," the source claimed.
 

However, reps for the Joels insisted that Azrouel was just a friend. "Their decision to separate was absolutely unrelated to Yigal," the rep said.
 

Billy was 55 years old when he married Katie Lee, then 23 in October of 2004. His previous marriage with model Christie Brinkley ended in 1994. His nine-year marriage to Elizabeth Weber ended in 1982.