Soul icon Lionel Richie, 73, and his girlfriend of nine years, Lisa Parigi, 33, have generated a whole lot of side-eye gossip in their time together thus far. Although their whopping 41-year age gap is hardly a rarity in the celebrity world, partners a mere 20 years younger are perhaps more normalized, and therefore less shocking.
Parigi may be younger than Richie's daughter Nicole, but that hasn't stopped the family from bonding.
Judgement and criticism aside, the reality is that Richie is happily in love with the mixed Swiss, Chinese, and Caribbean model and designer since 2014 – and they appear just as smitten today as they did when they first crossed each other’s paths.
How Lionel Richie Met Lisa Parigi
Lionel and Lisa’s love story began when Lisa Parigi was invited to a dinner party while on a trip to Los Angeles from Switzerland. While she was attending this party, Parigi and the American Idol judge were introduced to one another by mutual friends. Suffice it to say, the sparks between them were immediate, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Although they lived on opposite ends of the world when they met, Richie and Parigi’s connection was 100% undeniable, and could simply not be ignored. Over the course of countless long conversations, they both found themselves magnetically drawn to one other’s unique perspectives, as well as shared passions. In short, they both knew they’d stumbled upon something rare and precious.
“We had great conversations, we spoke all night long about everything,” Parigi said. “It’s been beautiful so far.”
Richie's Past Relationships
Twice-divorced, Richie’s love life has seen a lot of ups and downs over the years. Although it hasn’t been the smoothest ride, however, it looks like it might just have been worth the journey.
In 1975, Richie married Brenda Harvey, his college sweetheart. They were together for close to 18 years, during which time they adopted then 9-year-old Nicole Richie in 1990. His relationship with Harvey, however, eventually came to a rocky end, and the pair went their separate ways.
In 1996, Richie married his second wife, Diane Alexander. They had a son, Miles, and a daughter, Sofia, before filing for a divorce in 2004.
After going through the pain of two divorces, the singer opened up about his feelings on marriage, saying, “I don’t think I’ll get married again. I’m a little spooked on that.”
Why Lionel Richie and Lisa Parigi Just Work
Despite criticism and speculation galore about their relationship, Richie and Parigi have managed to keep their romance mostly private - perhaps even more importantly, they refrain from addressing haters and naysayers. This speak volumes about the strength of their commitment and their desire to focus on their love rather than on what others think of them.
As Richie has shared, “At this time in my life, when you can be so jaded about things, Lisa kind of makes everything feel a bit safe.”
“I’m a man who’s been through the ups and the downs, the ins and the outs of love,” he continued, before gushing about Lisa: “she’s extremely beautiful, but most importantly she’s smart and helps me deal with my crazy world.”
The fact that their relationship extends to loving bonds between Lisa and his children as well, is a sure sign that those closest to the couple understand and accept their union. The family can often be seen spending quality time together, and Parigi has even posted pictures on social media showcasing her close relationship with Richie’s daughter, Sofia.
When Richie was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, he extended his gratitude to those closest to him:
”I’m on the stage tonight. But the most important thing is I want to thank all of my friends, my family, Miles, Sofie, Nicole. The grandkids. Lisa, my heart.”
Lionel Richie’s love for Lisa Parigi is palpable and difficult to deny, no matter how skeptical one may feel about their age gap.
Sometimes, Age Really Is Just A Number
Ultimately, Lionel and Lisa’s love story is a testament to the fact that sometimes, in cases of authentic, heartfelt connection, age truly is just a number. In other words, while age can be measured and quantified, and proven, love is a whole lot harder to pin down, define, or explain. The heart wants what it wants, after all.
Although it’s undeniably true that significant age gaps cannot be dismissed or simply ignored - since they do create a discrepancy in lived experience and perspective - where there's a will (or, two wills, to be precise), there's a way to move past it. Sometimes, divergences of experience can even be a strength, as both partners can teach one another, sharing different types of knowledge.
While it can be difficult to tune out the judgement, criticism, and speculation of others, a happy and satisfying romantic relationship is rewarding in and of itself, and can go a long way toward fortifying you against what others happen to think. Remember: they’re basing their views on stereotypes. If you have the confidence to do you, and to do your love justice,there’s not a whole lot that can go wrong.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.