Christie Brinkley, the model and ex-wife of Billy Joel, had warm words for the legendary musician — who announced Wednesday that he’s splitting from his third wife Katie Lee.

"My heart goes out to them," Brinkley told "Access Hollywood" at a gala in New York City on Wednesday evening. "It’s sad news, but Billy is a great dad and a great friend, so of course, I wish him the best."

While rocky relationship rumors between Joel and Lee have surfaced in past months — including the 27-year-old Lee caught with Israeli fashion designer Yigal Azrouel at a Miami hotel — a rep for the "Piano Man" says the split was amicable.

"After nearly five years of marriage, Billy and Katie have decided to separate," a rep for the artist said in a statement. "The decision is the result of much thought and consideration. Billy and Katie remain caring friends, with admiration and respect for each other."

Joel, 60, wed Lee in a lavish Long Island ceremony in 2004, when the brunette was just 23 years old. 

Joel, who needs no introduction, is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legend with more than two dozen top-ten hits in his long career. Lee has found fame, too. She hosted the first season of Bravo’s "Top Chef" reality cooking series. She has appeared on several other shows and has been featured in several publications as a chef, food critic and author.