Lionel Richie’s relationships have always been a topic of interest in the entertainment world due to their intriguing nature.
The award-winning singer has been in 3 notable relationships, and in this article, we’ll take a proper look at every one of them.
Relationship/Marriage Timelines
Brenda Harvey (1975-1993)
Lionel Richie and Brenda Harvey’s nearly 20-year relationship was a rollercoaster ride from college sweethearts to a tumultuous public divorce.
They first met at Tuskegee University in the early 70s as students, where they both fell in love. Through The Commodores’ early days, Brenda was there to support Lionel in his newfound stardom as any great girlfriend would.
She even went on tour with the band in those early years. They took the next big step in 1975, and as Lionel stood on the precipice of fame, he and Brenda married.
Through the years, Brenda remained constant as Lionel rocketed to stardom with hits like “Easy” and “Three Times a Lady.” The couple expanded their family in 1983 by adopting a daughter, Nicole. However, cracks in their relationship had already begun to surface as Lionel’s music career shot up.
Heavily persistent rumors of unfaithfulness rounded in tabloids about Lionel culminated in a scandal that shook the nation back in 1988 when Brenda was arrested for confronting his mistress.
Despite efforts at reconciling, the two would divorce in 1993 after 18 years of agonizing matrimony. The proceedings were acrimonious, and Brenda accused Lionel of emotional abuse and neglect. After that, Lionel remarried in 1995 to Diane Alexander, and two children were born while Brenda was committed to work and continued life.
She kept cordial relations with Lionel’s children from his next marriage, Miles and Sofia Richie, even after their divorce. She expressed public love and support for all three Richie children, holding the extended family united even after the couple fell apart.
Though at times tumultuous, the storminess of Lionel and Brenda’s path proves that love must be handled with care. They have both been appreciative for years together for this hard gift of a daughter, Nicole, proving that forgiveness and understanding can survive even turbulence.
Diane Alexander (1995-2004)
After dating for several years, Lionel Richie and Diane Alexander married in December 1995. They met in 1986 when Diane was working as a dancer on Lionel’s music video for Dancing on the Ceiling.
They had two children together, a son named Miles and a daughter named Sofia, who are both models and celebrities. However, their marriage did not last long, and they divorced in 2004 after a bitter legal battle that cost Lionel $20 million, which was awarded to her.
The main reason given for this divorce was irreconcilable differences.
Lionel and Diane have remained cordial for the sake of their children, but they have moved on with their lives.
Their divorce was one of the most expensive in Hollywood history, as Lionel had to pay Diane $300,000 per month in alimony and child support, as well as half of his assets.
Lisa Parigi (2014 – Present)
Lionel Richie and Lisa Parigi have been in a loving relationship since 2014. Lisa Parigi is a Swiss-Chinese model and entrepreneur 30 years younger than Lionel Richie.
She is the founder and CEO of the lifestyle brand The Estate Collection and the skincare line Glow Up Beauty. She also speaks four languages fluently: English, French, German, and Swiss-German.
The couple met at a dinner party through mutual friends and have been inseparable ever since. They often attend events together and share their affection on social media. Lisa Parigi supports Lionel Richie’s career and helps him deal with his crazy world, as he said in an interview with PEOPLE.
Although they are not officially married, they have big plans for their future. Lionel Richie said he is a hopeless romantic, and there is light at the end of the tunnel for him and Lisa Parigi. They are one of the sweetest couples in the music industry.
Some of the events they have attended together include
- The 2022 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater in California
- The Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on the 3rd of May, 2023
- The 9th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in April 2023
- Elton John AIDS Foundation 26th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party at The City of West Hollywood Park on March 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California
- SAG-AFTRA Foundation Patron of the Artists Awards 2017
Who is Lionel Richie married to?
As of the time of writing this, Lionel Richie is still not married, but he has been in a very romantic and adorable relationship with his girlfriend, Lisa Parigi, since 2014.
Who is Lionel Richie dating?
Lionel is currently dating Lisa Parigi, a Swiss-Chinese model and entrepreneur.
How did Lionel Richie meet Lisa Parigi?
Lionel Richie and Lisa Parigi met at a dinner party through mutual friends when she was still living in Switzerland. They hit it off and have been together since 2014