Billy Joel weds girlfriend during July 4 party at NY estate

NEW YORK (AP) -- Billy Joel married girlfriend Alexis Roderick in a surprise ceremony at the couple's annual July 4 party.

The singer's spokeswoman Claire Mercuri says New York Gov. Andre Cuomo presided over Saturday's nuptials at Joel's Long Island estate. She says the small group of family and friends at the party didn't know the couple planned to exchange vows. Among those in attendance were Alexa Ray Joel, his daughter with model Christie Brinkley, and actor Kevin James.

People magazine first reported the wedding.

Sixty-six-year-old Joel and Rodrick, 34, have been dating since 2009 and are expecting their first child.

Joel is currently on tour. On Wednesday, he set a record for most performances by a single artist at Madison Square Garden with his 65th show, besting Elton John.

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