Lionel Richie, the renowned Grammy-winning singer, expressed his overwhelming joy at the recent addition to his family during the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony held in Los Angeles on 18 April 2026. Speaking to PEOPLE, Richie, aged 76, shared his sentiments about his daughter, Sofia Richie Grainge, who has recently embraced motherhood for the second time following the birth of her son, Henry, in March.
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Richie, who has three children—Nicole, Sofia, and Miles, and is also a grandfather to four, expressed both amazement and happiness at witnessing Sofia’s transition into a mother of two. Describing childbirth as “a wonderful thing,” he noted the emotional complexity of seeing “the baby having a baby,” as Sofia is just 27 years old. “But the beautiful part about it is that she’s doing great and loving motherhood,” he said.
At the event, which took place at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, Richie took a moment to reflect on the family dynamics. He expressed his delight not only at Sofia’s new role but also for her husband, Elliot Grainge, stating, “I’m so happy for them.” Sofia initially introduced baby Henry to the world with an endearing Instagram post on 25 March, which featured a photograph of her two children—Henry nestled against his older sister, Eloise, who is 23 months old.
Enjoying his role as a grandfather, Richie shared his fondness for spending time with his newborn grandson. “I get to go play, and then I give you back. That’s the one I love the most,” he quipped, adding a humorous twist to the joys of grandparenthood.
Richie’s experiences as a grandfather extend beyond just Henry and Eloise. He is also the proud grandparent of two children, Kate, 18, and Sparrow, 16, from his eldest daughter Nicole, who shares them with her husband Joel Madden. Speaking with USA Today, Richie elaborated on the happiness he derives from witnessing the family’s growth. “The beautiful part about it is that the family keeps growing and my pride keeps popping out of my chest,” he remarked.
The singer, who has earned a reputation as both a musical icon and a family man, humorously referred to himself as “Pop Pop” during his interview, highlighting how his role has evolved over the years. “Isn’t that funny? I came here thinking I am Mr. Richie. Now I’m Papa Richie on American Idol,” he joked, showcasing his ability to blend humour with heartfelt emotion.
The Breakthrough Prize Ceremony, which celebrates significant scientific achievements, brought together a dazzling array of stars alongside Richie, including Ben Affleck, Christina Aguilera, and Jessica Chastain among others. With so much love surrounding him, it is clear that Richie cherishes the new milestones in his family life just as much as his illustrious career. This moment in his life represents not just the joy of becoming a grandfather again but also a testament to the lasting bonds that family creates, enriching the lives of those it touches.
As Lionel Richie continues to celebrate being a father and grandfather, his heartfelt comments reflect not only a successful life in music but also the profound joy that family brings – ever-growing and thriving, much like his illustrious career that continues to shine.