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Lionel Richie is known worldwide for his musical success, but to his three children, he’s simply dad. 'The American Idol' judge has been married twice, first to Brenda Harvey and then to Diane Alexander. He has three children: Nicole Richie, Miles Brockman Richie, and Sofia Richie.
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During Lionel Richie's foot and handprint ceremony on Hollywood Boulevard, all three of his children were present by his side.
Reflecting on the moment to 'Entertainment Tonight' in March 2018, the musician humorously remarked, "They’ve done so much to try to kill me. But to have them here? All I’ve heard all day was, ‘Dad, we’re so proud of you! Dad, we’re so proud of you!’ You know, that means everything to a parent."
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Lionel Richie was married to Brenda Harvey, his college sweetheart, from 1975 to 1993. The couple adopted daughter Nicole when she was 9 years old, after becoming her guardians in 1983.
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The House of Harlow 1960 designer is Lionel’s eldest child. The musician and his then-wife Harvey adopted Nicole when she was 9 years old, after becoming her guardians at age 2. Nicole’s biological parents, musician Peter Escovedo and assistant Karen Moss, were friends of Lionel.
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Lionel Richie then married designer Diane Alexander in December 1995. The couple welcomed their son Miles in May 1994 and their daughter Sofia in August 1998. They divorced in 2004.
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Miles is the “We Are the World” singer’s only son, born in May 1994 to Lionel and his now ex-wife Alexander. The California native has followed in his father's footsteps as a musician and has also made a name for himself as a model.
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Sofia Richie, the youngest of Lionel Richie's children with Diane Alexander, was born in August 1998. Initially interested in music, she transitioned to modeling and secured her first job with Teen Vogue at the age of 14. Sofia, whose godfather was Michael Jackson, had an on-off relationship with Scott Disick from 2017 to 2020. In 2021, Sofia began dating Elliot Grainge, and the couple got married in the French Riviera in April 2023. Following their wedding, Sofia converted to Judaism for her partner.
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Joel Madden, the lead vocalist for 'Good Charlotte' and 'The Madden Brothers' alongside twin Benji Madden, married Nicole Richie in December 2010. The couple has two children together, daughter Harlow and son Sparrow, who are Lionel Richie's first two grandchildren.
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Harlow Madden, born in January 2008, is Lionel Richie's eldest grandchild and the firstborn child of Nicole and Joel Madden. Sparrow Madden, born in September 2009, is Lionel Richie's second grandchild and the only son of Nicole and Joel Madden.
Meet Lionel Richie's gorgeous family! Get to know his children—Nicole, Sofia, and Miles—and see some special family moments.
Discover the love and joy that make Lionel's family truly special. From red carpet events to everyday life, see how they share their bond and celebrate their time together.