At 72, Lionel Richie shared his insights on parenthood during a 2022 interview. The iconic singer is a father to Nicole, Miles, and Sofia Richie, who are all stars in their own right.
“My kids turned me into my parents,” he remarked. This reflects the cycle of life. Lionel is amazed by his children’s paths, which remind him of his youth.
Nicole Richie, Lionel Richie, Sofia Richie and Miles Richie attend Lionel Richie and Friends in Concert at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 2, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
Nicole, especially, holds a special place in his heart. Adopted at nine, she was a “godsend,” according to Lionel. Her arrival marked a new beginning in his life
Nicole’s story is one of triumph and transformation. Adopted by Lionel and his first wife, Brenda Harvey, Nicole’s early life was marked by instability until she found a permanent home with the Richies.
Nicole Richie, Lionel Richie, Sofia Richie and Miles Richie pose at his Hand and Footprints ceremony at the TCL Theater on March 7,2018 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite the turmoil that followed, including Lionel’s divorce and subsequent marriages, Nicole emerged as a stabilizing force in her father’s life. “She was a little girl who needed a shot,” Lionel explained, emphasizing the profound impact Nicole had on him and the unwavering bond they have come to share.
Lionel Richie and Nicole Richie at the “The Truth About Diamonds” book signing at the Virigin Mega Store in Times Square on November 10, 2005 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Nicole Richie and Sofia Richie at the Lionel Richie and Friends in Concert at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 2, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
Now 40, Nicole Richie has charted her own course as a mother, fashion mogul, and actress. Her marriage to Joel Madden, frontman of “Good Charlotte,” has been a journey of mutual growth and deep connection.
“It was a life-changing cathartic event,” Madden, the twin brother of Benjamin Madden, said of the couple’s first meeting in an April 2013 interview. He emphasized Nicole’s influence on his life.
Together, they have welcomed two children, Harlow in January 2008 and Sparrow in September 2009. After starting a family, Joel asked Nicole to marry him. They eventually wed in December 2010 and have been married for 13 years.
Nicole Richie and Joel Madden seen with their kids Sparrow and Harlow at Taronga Zoo on May 16, 2012 in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
Harlow Madden and Joel Madden pictured on May 4, 2009 in Miami Beach, Florida. | Source: Getty Images
The same year Nicole and Joel walked down the aisle, she appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” During the interview, the talk show host asked her about the kids and she shared that Harlow, 16, is a spitting image of her.
Nicole Richie, Harlow Madden and Joel Madden at The 3rd Annual Kidstock Music and Arts Festival at Greystone Mansion on May 31, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Harlow Madden and Joel Madden at the “We Are The World 25 Years for Haiti” recording session at Jim Henson Studios on February 1, 2010 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Image
“But she has Joel’s personality. She’s very careful and very delicate. And she thinks everything through before she does it,” said the loving mother of two.
As for the duo’s son, Sparrow, 14, he looks like his dad but has his mother’s personality. “He’s just wild and crazy. He always has bruises on him, you can’t take your eyes off of him,” Nicole shared.
Nicole Richie and Sparrow Madden at the Yo Gabba Gabba! at Nokia L.A. LIVE on November 27, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Nicole Richie, Sparrow Madden, Harlow Madden and Joel Madden attend Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! There’s A Party In My City at Nokia L.A. Live on November 27, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The Los Angeles native is a working mother. She opened up about the struggles of working as a mother in 2020, emphasizing support for working women. “Saying that it is difficult sometimes is very comforting for other women to hear — just knowing that it is a juggle,” said the blonde beauty.
Sparrow Madden and Harlow Madden seen upon arrival at Sydney International Airport on June 24, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
“It’s just about doing what you can, finding the balance in your own life,” she advised, acknowledging the constant juggle of family and career. Nicole emphasized the different dynamics in other households and explained it is all about prioritizing.
A year later in 2021, she talked about things that her son and daughter are interested in during an interview. Nicole spoke candidly about whether she would support her kids if they were to pursue the same path she chose in show business.
After becoming famous for being a reality TV star, the doting parent admitted she is reserved about them following in her footsteps. Nicole first rose to prominence after appearing on “The Simple Life,” with her best friend, Paris Hilton.
Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton at the Spider Club on September 17, 2004 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
She explained what she liked the most about being on the TV show, and why she liked doing it. “It really took us out of our everyday lives and put us in somebody else’s world. So I was always able to maintain a level of privacy and able to have my own life,” said Nicole.
The TV star stated it would be a different experience to participate in reality shows today, depending on what it is. “But if my kids said to me, ‘I want to try this new thing that hasn’t been done before.’ You just say… Well, obviously now they’re preteen, so I’m going to say no,” she expressed.
However, Nicole said she would be okay with it if the kids turn 18 and forge their own paths. As long as it works out in their best interest and feels right to them then she would support them. Seeing that she and Joel are both in showbiz, Nicole was asked whether she envisions her children following in their footsteps.
Nicole Richie and Joel Madden at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar party at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 10, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
“I see them developing into themselves,” she said. She made an example of her daughter who also loves fashion but maintains her own style. Nicole that has nothing to do with her being a fashion designer.
In addition to parenting, and working in the fashion industry, Nicole also juggles an acting career. She has an upcoming new comedy film titled, “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead.” The movie stars June Squibb, Jermaine Fowler, Iantha Richardson, Ms. Pat, Simone Joy Jones, and Miles Fowler.
Nicole portrays the role of executive Rose Lindsey in the movie. It is a remake of the 1991 film of the same name and the Hollywood star is taking over the part initially played by actress, Joanna Cassidy.
Lionel Richie and Nicole Richie at the premiere of “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead,” 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Nicole attended the film’s premiere recently and her family tagged along to support her. It was a rare appearance for Harlow and Sparrow, who posed alongside their parents, and grandparents including Lionel’s girlfriend Lisa Parigi.
As the siblings struck poses side-by-side at the event held at The Grove, the striking resemblances of their parents became apparent. Harlow, who has long straight blonde hair, seems to have inherited her mom’s smile and eyes. Meanwhile, her younger brother, Sparrow, showed a likeness to their rocker dad.
(L-R) Lionel Richie, Lisa Parigi, Harlow Madden, Sparrow Madden, Nicole Richie, Brenda Harvey-Richie, and Joel Madden at the Los Angeles premiere of “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead,” | Source: Getty Images
The Richie-Madden children, Harlow and Sparrow, have grown up under the watchful eyes of their famous parents, who have strived to protect their privacy while nurturing their individuality. Fans and followers have expressed their amazement at the children’s growth and their uncanny resemblance to Nicole and Joel.
“It’s crazy to think she’s got kids this old, look at them they grown beautiful family she has,” a fan commented on Facebook, echoing the sentiments of many. Another observed, “Ummmm….No! She just had them like a year ago! WHAT?!?!?” Meanwhile, someone asked, “HOW ARE THEY SO BIG ALREADY?”
While some expressed awe at how grown-up Harlow and Sparrow have become, others pointed out that they are their famous parents’ lookalikes.“Aww I feel so old lol I remember when they were born. Each parent clicked copy, paste,“ one Facebook user commented. One other individual remarked, “I have always thought Nicole was so cute and tiny. Her daughter looks just like her.”
“My lord, they are a copy and paste of Dad and Mom!!! They are adorable,” stated another. One user praised Nicole and Joel for how far they have come in raising a family together, writing, “Omg they are adorable! I’m so happy they’ve been able to make it this long happily and the kids are carbon copies of the parents.”
Someone else complimented the actress and television personality for her youthful look as a parent. “She looks like their sister. BEAUTIFUL kids!” penned the Facebook user.
Harlow’s public appearance comes after she made a rare cameo on her mother’s social media upload in 2023 on Mother’s Day. The picture featured the teenager’s aunt Sofia Richie, who is expecting her first child with Elliot Grainge, and her mom. That same year, Nicole posted both Harlow and Sparrow in yet another rare online post celebrating Father’s Day.
It was a throwback photo of her husband Joel walking with the couple’s kids when they were little. Another shot showed the father of two cuddling with the duo’s youngest child.
As Nicole Richie continues to evolve in her roles as a mother, designer, and actress, her journey shows the strength of the family bonds and the transformative power of love. Her story, intertwined with that of her legendary father Lionel Richie, and her own burgeoning family, showcases the enduring legacy of kinship, creativity, and resilience.
