Lionel Richie Shares Insight Into Daughter Sofia Richie's Motherhood Journey

The love Lionel Richie has for his family is endless.

Indeed, the "Hello" singer—dad to Nicole Richie, 42, Miles Richie, 30, and Sofia Richie, 25—is over the moon about the latest addition to their squad: Sofia's daughter Eloise, born in May.

"My baby just had a baby," Lionel told E! News at the Grammy Museum's screening of The Greatest Night in Pop Aug. 5, adding that he's "having a ball" with his 2-month-old granddaughter. (For more from Lionel's interview, watch E! News tonight, Aug. 6 at 11 p.m.)

And now that the tables have turned, Lionel can't help but tease Sofia during her first few months of parenthood.

"I get to say, 'Oh, you're sleeping timetable is off, hm?'" the American Idol judge joked. "As a parent, you have to go for it."

And although he won't be telling Sofia, "I told you so," he might give her an, "I'm glad to see you're sweatin' it."

Jokes aside, it's safe to say Lionel is loving this era with his family. As he noted, "It's great."

Sofia gave birth to her and husband Elliot Grainge's first child May 20, which she later described on Instagram as the "best day" of her life.

Months prior, the model was soaking in as much information as she could about pregnancy and motherhood.

"I've learned more in the past six months than I have in my entire life," she told Vogue in an interview published in January. "And also just like what the female body is capable of."

"Every week brings new things," she added, "whether it's hormonal shifts or expansion—there's just so much our bodies go through, and it's so interesting to experience it all."

And she has a great partner by her side.

"Being married is the best," Sofia, who tied the knot with Elliot in April 2023, previously told Vogue. "I'm obsessed with Elliot. When we're together, it's just calm and quiet."

The 10K Projects founder has Lionel's stamp of approval as well.

"I've known Elliot, her now-husband, since he was 9 years old if you can believe that," Lionel told E! News after the duo's wedding. "So, I vetted the kid. I know who he is. I know his people. They're happy, and they're in love."

"And if you wish for anything for your kid, you want someone to love your kid as much as I love my kid," he added, "And he loves my kid. So, I'm very happy."

Keep reading to revisit Sofia and Elliot's relationship journey.

—Reporting by Nikki Novak.

Sofia Richie sparked dating rumors with music executive Elliot Grainge in the spring of 2021, nearly a year after her breakup from Scott Disick.

Though the pair's history went way back—as Elliot's dad, Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge, is a longtime friend of Sofia's father Lionel Richie—romance speculation started swirling when they were seen out on a date. 

The model confirmed her relationship with Elliot in April 2021, posting this PDA photo on Instagram.

Shortly Sofia went public with the romance, a source told E! News that Lionel gave his seal of approval.

"He thinks they are a perfect match and it was very natural progression for Sofia and Elliot to get together," the insider said in April 2021. "They are all family friends and Sofia and Elliot [started] hanging out more recently this year."

Elliot popped the question in early 2022 during a Hawaiian vacation with friends and family.

"Sofia truly had no idea," another source told E! News at the time. "She thought they were just going on a fun vacation. Sofia's reaction was epic, she was so surprised and taken back."

In May 2022, the couple celebrated their engagement with their inner circle—including Sofia's sister Nicole Richie and brother-in-law Joel Madden—at a backyard bash.

Sofia and Elliot tied the knot on April 22, 2023 at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in the South of France.

The newlyweds jetted off for their tropical honeymoon shortly after the lavish nuptials.

Sofia announced her pregnancy in January 2024, telling Vogue, "I've learned more in the past six months than I have in my entire life. And also just like what the female body is capable of."

The influencer continued, "Every week brings new things, whether it's hormonal shifts or expansion—there's just so much our bodies go through, and it's so interesting to experience it all."

Days after sharing news of her pregnancy, Sofia posted a TikTok video of her and Elliot's reaction to learning that they were having a daughter.

"Oh my god," Sofia screamed after she was showered with pink confetti during an intimate backyard reveal with Elliot. "I'm so excited!"

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