Christie Brinkley’s Kids: Meet Children Alexa, Jack and Sailor

In the early years of her career, much of Christie Brinkley‘s life was consumed by her status as one of the world’s hottest supermodels. These days, however, the beloved star has a passion for being the best mom to her three kids: Alexa Ray Joel, Jack Brinkley Cook and Sailor Brinkley-Cook.

After being married to French artist Jean-François Allaux from 1973 to 1981 — they didn’t have any children during their relationship — the actress tied the knot with legendary singer Billy Joel in 1985. The former couple welcomed their first and only daughter, Alexa Ray, that same year. However, the duo called it quits less than a decade following their nuptials.

Not long after Christie and Billie’s divorce was finalized, the Dancing With the Stars alum said “I do” to real estate developer Richard Taubman in 1994. Though it was a quick romance, the duo welcomed their son, Jack, in 1995 before going their separate ways shortly after.

A fourth marriage came in 1996, when Christie and architect Peter Cook tied the knot. They welcomed their daughter, Sailor Lee, in 1998. Sadly, the National Lampoon’s Vacation alum’s fourth marriage also came to an end in 2008.

christie-brinkley-kids-meet-the-iconic-models-3-children — Courtesy of Christie Brinkley/Instagram

Although she’s living the single life nowadays, Christie couldn’t be more thrilled to have her three kids by her side. In fact, the Vegas Vacation actress has always taken pride in being a mother to her children. Christie’s youngest daughter, Sailor, even dished some words of wisdom she received from her famous mom.

“She’s mostly just told me to smile — that’s like her No. 1 advice, especially for confidence — to, you know, ‘smile and you’ll feel it,’” the up-and-coming model exclusively gushed to Closer in July 2019. “I honestly believe that too.”

Sailor noted she didn’t always take her mom’s advice to heart, though. “When I was younger, I’d be like, ‘No, that’s so stupid! Smiling doesn’t make you happy,’” she explained. “But if you just put a smile on your face and put your best foot forward, it’s easier. It’s easier to get through all of the bad stuff.”

To learn more about Christie’s blended brood, keep scrolling to meet Alexa, Jack and Sailor!

Alexa Ray Joel

The eldest of Christie’s kids, Alexa — who was born on December 29, 1985 — took the same route as her hitmaker father. Not only has the young woman released an EP titled “Sketches” in 2006, but she has even performed in numerous music festivals, as well as with Billy. Though it had been nearly a decade since Alexa released her last single in 2013, she ended her hiatus when she premiered a new song, “Seven Years,” in April 2021. She debuted a music video for a tune the month later.

The “Notice Me” singer’s personal life is just as successful as her career. In December 2017, Alexa got engaged to longtime boyfriend Ryan Gleason, whom the song “Seven Years” is dedicated to. Although the couple was gearing up to tie the knot, Christie revealed her daughter’s plans have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Everything’s on hold right now,” the proud mama told Extra in March 2020. Though there haven’t been any updates on their future nuptials, we can’t wait to see Alexa walk down the aisle when plans resume!

Jack Paris Brinkley-Cook

Christie became a mom of two after giving birth to Jack on June 2, 1995. Unlike his big sister, Jack strayed from the spotlight as a child. Although he still made rare appearances with his famous mom here and there, he mainly focused on school while he got older.

After studying marketing at Emerson College for one year, however, Jack transferred to the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute to study acting. Aside from education, Jack is also a businessman as he and his pal launched ROVE — an app that focuses on transporting passengers between lower Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Hamptons.

While once chatting with People, Christie explained why Jack is rarely photographed with their family. “He doesn’t like to take pictures,” she shared. “[My Instagram followers will say], ‘Wow! Your son’s gorgeous! Why don’t you feature him?’ It’s like, ‘I try! I try, but he shies away.’”

Sailor Lee Brinkley-Cook

Born on July 2, 1998, Sailor is a model like her mom. In fact, she has quite the following on her Instagram and has been photographed in publications like Vogue and Sports illustrated.

Most notably, Sailor appeared on the 28th season of Dancing With the Stars after Christie — who was originally cast in the dancing competition — broke her arm during rehearsals. At the time, the PR team for DWTS announced Sailor would be taking her mom’s place throughout the rest of the season.

Although she didn’t take home the Mirror Ball trophy, Sailor excelled during her time on the CBS reality show. After being sent home during the sixth week, Sailor opened up about the “heartbreaking” end of her journey.

“I was so not ready for this experience to finish so soon, but wow am I grateful for every minute of it,” she wrote on Instagram. “I loved every sweaty moment in the rehearsal studio pushing myself past so many inhibitions and insecurities, and laughing my way through it all with my buddies @michdibs and @valentin.”

She may have numerous modeling gigs and TV appearances under her belt, but Sailor once told Closer how anxious she was walking the runway at the Spring 2018 Sherri Hill NYFW Show.

“I was so nervous. I hope I didn’t walk too fast,” she confessed after the show. “That’s my only concern, and I hope I looked OK — but I felt like a princess and it’s such an honor. I’m so happy.”