Lionel Richie’s fatherhood journey saw him raise three amazing children. But, becoming a granddad caught him unawares, and he had to adjust his parenting style.
Lionel Richie, aside from being a musician of international fame, is also a father to three children. He was 9 years old when he adopted Nicole, his first child.
The “American Idol”Judge was married to Brenda Harvey at the time. Richie described his first child as a blessing, considering the timing of her birth.
Lionel Richie performs at Etess Arena Hard Rock Atlantic City on June 24, 20,22 in Atlantic City.Source: Getty Images | Source: Getty Images
Sadly, Nicole’s adoptive parents divorced in 1993. Richie welcomed his son Miles with Diane Alexander, whom he married in 1996, a year after their son”s birth. Sofia, their daughter, was also born to Richie and Diane Alexander, six years after their separation.
The singer was close to his three children, despite his divorce from their mothers. ForgingEach person has their own life path.
Nicole Camille Richie, his eldest daughter, is now 40 and has somewhat followed her parent’s showbiz footsteps. Nicole is a reality TV star, and has appeared on shows like “The Simple Life” “Candidly Nicole” under her belts.
Lionel Richie, an American singer, songwriter and musician, poses with Diane Alexander, his girlfriend, circa July 1993 in Los Angeles.Source: Getty Images | Source: Getty Images
She also owns her fashion line, House of Harlow. She launched it in 2008. In 2008, she tried out production and wrote a book. Joel Madden, her husband, is also her spouse.
Miles Brockman Richie, the singer’s first son, grew up to become a model, with famous stars like Kylie Jenner making up his friend circle. Miles made his runway debut in 2018 at Philipp Plein’s show during the New York Fashion Week.
Lionel Richie’s youngest daughter Sofia Richie is also a model and influencer, with famous brands like Michael Kors and Adidas gracing her resume.
Nicole Richie (TV personality), singer Lionel Richie and Sofia Richie, Miles Brockman Richie and Diane Alexander attended the Lionel Richie and Friends concert presented by ACM at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 2, 2012. | Source: Getty Images
Her successful modeling career has seen Sofia walk the runway at New York Fashion Week, collaborating with her sister’s clothing collection, and grace the covers of iconic magazines. A star-studded relationship history includes Scott Disick, Justin Bieber and Elliot Grainge.
Richie with his children is undoubtedly a proud dad Making headwayThey have been successful in their respective fields. He often jokes about his children being his greatest accomplishments. “two girls and a boy.”
Another example: The star thought about the changes he had experienced since becoming father, and admitted that he now has kids. “turned him into his parents,” referring to how much he’s evolved. In an Instagram post, the father of three speaks out about his children. :
“I’ve been blessed to accomplish a lot in my life. But three of the best accomplishments are right here. Love you all. #HappyFathersDay to all the dads out here!”
He also included a photo of himself with his three children, wearing matching tracksuits. He loved being a father but he hated the thought of becoming a grandfather.Source: Getty Images
RICHIE’S FEARS OF BECOMING A GRANDDAD
Lionel Richie performs during the 2022 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage festival at Fair Grounds Race Course on April 29, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. | Source: Getty Images
Lionel Richie is open about his fears of becoming a grandfather. These fears were confirmed in 2007, when Nicole, his oldest daughter was first rumored pregnant. The singer said that he wasn’t ready to be a grandpa at the moment because he was afraid of losing his career. He once Share:
“I don’t know if I’m going to be a grandpa. I don’t know if I’m ready to be called a grandpa.”
The icon’s reservations stemmed from fears that welcoming a grandchild would ruin his career, which he believed largely depended on fans’ perception of him as a heartthrob. He didn’t want to be in a situation that would diminish his sex appeal.
After learning of his daughter’s pregnancy, Richie became convinced that his music career was over for real after more than 30 years in the industry. Richie was adamant that he would never be able to continue his music career after more than 30 years in the industry. Reflected:
“I went through a panic – that’s the end of my career.”
Nicole Richie (left) and Harlow Madden (right) were seen February 9, 2014 in Los Angeles.Source: Getty Images | Source: Getty Images
Nicole had her first child with Joel Madden less than one year later. Richie was happy for his daughter and the family accepted the news in good faith. He was not disappointed. admitted it’d take some time to get accustomed to the grandfather role.
He was able to overcome his fear and eventually won the battle AcceptingThe responsibility that came along with his grandfather’s position. Richie welcomed one more grandchild through his daughter. Richie now enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and finds it fun.
RICHIE’S LIFE AS A GRANDFATHER
Lionel Riche is not only loving his new role but he has also become familiar with the word. “grandfather.” Nowadays, he can’t have enough of gushing about his grandkids, including Nicole’s son Harlow and daughter Sparrow.
Notably, the music legend ToyedTo avoid feeling too old, he was open to being called G-Pa temporarily. However, despite getting his daughter’s go-ahead, he thought better of it after seeing the kids Refer enthusiasticallyHe is “pop pop”As they grew older.
Since then, he has settled on the latter. In turn, he They can be reached at “mice people”He admits to loving his grandchildren so deeply that it melts when he sees them. “walk through the door.”
Interestingly, being a doting grandad who adored his kids, Richie was willing to go through miles for them, even breaking some of his daughter’s rules.
The innocent children have ratted him out sometimes because of his tendency to indulge the small ones. He once was able to. RecalledHow his daughter used to probe the children to see if he was giving them treats. He tried convincing Harlow that he would accept candy but the boy declined politely and went to Nicole, his mother, to tell him.
Richie still loves to be a granddad and spends a lot of time with the children. Richie once said that his favorite part of being a grandad was playing with the children and returning them home to their parents. He revealed:
“It’s probably the wildest thing I’ve ever experienced in my life because I get to play with the kids. I know what’s going to happen and then when it does happen, I give them back to Nicole and Joel. What a great thing!”
Having experienced the joys of grandparenthood firsthand, Richie finds himself resonating better with his parents’ experiences. Richie understands their joy when he had his first child many decades ago.