Lionel Richie Talks About Adopted Daughter Nicole: 'She Was A Godsend'

Lionel Richie is a music legend whose soulful voice and lyrics won the hearts of fans several decades ago. His classic hits like "Hello" and "All Night Long" are still enjoyed the world over, further confirming his prime status as an icon.

At 72, Riche is going strong, deciding not to call time on his storied career. The singer had plans to begin a European tour this year but recently canceled the long-term event due to the pandemic. With more free time on his hands, Riche recently chatted with People for their cover story and issue - in recognition of Black History Month.

The Grammy award winner discussed his adopted daughter, Nicole Richie, saying she was a "Godsend." Read below for more details about the interview.

Before Richie garnered fame as an international superstar, he married his high school sweetheart Brenda Harvey. Years later, the couple legally adopted Nicole, a daughter of Riche's band member, after being her guardian for most of her childhood.

In the interview, Richie described the effects of adopting Nicole at the time. He further revealed his reason for going all out to welcome her into his family.

"Nicole was actually a godsend. She was a little girl who needed a shot," he says of his daughter, whose biological parents were friends of Richie's who were struggling financially. "She was used to people coming and going. She looked at me and I'd say, 'I'm not going anywhere.'"

Eventually, trouble struck Richie and Harvey in their marriage. Their long-term union hit the rocks years after Harvey caught Richie cheating on her with dancer and fashion designer Diane Alexander.

Richie and Harvey had spent nearly 18 years together before they divorced on August 9, 1993. The separation took its toll on the singer, who took time to adjust to life without his high school lover and ex-partner.

However, during it all, Riche found solace in his daughter Nicole. He revealed that she supported him and grounded him through the difficult time he faced after the divorce.

The pair bonded seamlessly despite Nicole not being his biological child. Nicole also shares a good relationship with Harvey, with Richie confirming this during the interview.

A few years after his first divorce, the "Can't Slow Down" singer married Alexander, his alleged extramarital partner, in a private ceremony.

Richie and Alexander spent nine years together but ultimately divorced due to irreconcilable differences.

Before their split, Richie and Alexander welcomed two children, Miles and Sofia. Sadly, Richie's marriage to Harvey yielded no offspring apart from their adopted child, Nicole. Riche's three kids are stars today, earning a place in the entertainment industry.

Nicole achieved fame as an actress, starring in "The Simple Life," "Candidly Nicole," and "Great News." She is also the founder of the lifestyle brand House of Harlow and has authored two novels.

Miles and Sofia have made a name for themselves in the fashion industry. The pair has modeled for several fashion magazines and walked the runaways for renowned clothing brands.

Of the trio, Nicole is the only one who has left the dating scenes. The 40-year-old married Joel Madden of the rock group Good Charlotte on December 11, 2010. Nicole and Madden have two kids, Harlow, 14, and Sparrow, 12, and live in Los Angeles, California.

Now a grandpa, Richie relishes the experience and regularly spends with his grandchildren. He recalled some moments with his parents and how they apply to his current relationship with Nicole and her kids.

"I'll say something, and she goes, 'Dad, we don't use those kinds of words around the kids.' And I go, 'Excuse me?'" he joked. "She turned into a fantastic young lady."