(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Billy Joels ex-wife says he is doing well after double hip surgery.

The American musician was admitted to hospital last week in order to mend a congenital hip problem, and has had both bones operated on at the same time.

His ex-wife Christie Brinkley, with whom Billy has a 25-year-old daughter Alexa Ray, said that the classical composer is recovering from the major surgery well and without difficulty.

"He's really doing well. He's really coming through with flying colours," Christie told RadarOnline.com. "He's making it look easy!"

Billy, who wrote the hit song Piano Man in 1973, was married to Christie for nine years and the pair still keep in contact.

The supermodel said that the Grammy-award winning songwriter decided to have both hips operated on at the same time in case he changed his mind and got nervous after having the serious surgery once.

"He did them both at the same time, Christie said. "Billy said 'If I do it one at a time I know I'll never go in for the other." (C) Cover Media