Lionel Richie speaks out about daughter Nicole

Singer Lionel Richie, 58, has spoken to Us Weekly for the first time since his daughter, Nicole Richie, 25, has announced her pregnancy and been sentenced to jail. Of Nicole’s pregnancy, Lionel said,

Her pregnancy has given her a new perspective on life in general.

Of his daughter’s jail sentence, Lionel remarked,

My daughter has made some mistakes in her life and has accepted responsibility for her actions. She has not blamed others for her problems and is growing up very quickly, albeit in the heat of the media spotlight. My father taught me to stand straight and take whatever punishment or hardships were the result of my actions and I am proud that I was able to hand that philosophy down to my daughter. In spite of what has happened, I continue to love her and cherish our relationship.

Nicole and boyfriend, singer Joel Madden, 28, are expecting their first child this winter.

Source: Us

Comments

I liked what Lionel had to say. What a great support system Nicole has. LOL now I can’t wait for her baby to be born.

- Natalie S. on August 3rd, 2007

I’m so happy for Nicole.. I hope that this it the start of a hole new beginning for her. No drugs, drinking og beginning to eat healthier. can’t wait to see the baby and hear about it from her..

- chbian on August 3rd, 2007

I didn’t even know she was adopted. Is she of mixed race also? How old was she when the Ritchie’s adopted her? Does Lionel Ritchie have any biological children?

- Lish on August 3rd, 2007

Lish,

Nicole is of mixed race. 1/2 Caucasian, 1/4 Black, and 1/4 Mexican. Both of her adopted parents (Lionel and Brenda) are both Black. You may know he biological aunt Shelia E. (the singer).

She has lived with her mother and father since she was 3 but they didn’t adopt her until she was 9.

Lionel has 2 biological children. His oldest is a boy (not sure of his name) and his youngest is a girl named Sophia or Sophie.

- C on August 3rd, 2007

yes she is 1/4 black, 1/4 mexican biologically and i think i read that she was 8 when adopted….or 11 lol

- ria on August 3rd, 2007

Her father is Afro latino, the brother of Celia E. and her mother is African-American. I think. She was adopted by Linoel Richie and his wife Brenda because they(linoel and then wife) knew them through touring and they’re both musicians.

- babycakes on August 3rd, 2007

Lionel seems like a good dad, and from what Nicole said on GMA she seems to adore him. Can’t wait to see the baby nicole has.

- gabriella on August 3rd, 2007