Lionel Richie has spent the better part of five decades teaching the rest of us how to fall in love. Between "Three Times a Lady" and "Endless Love," he basically wrote the soundtrack for every wedding since 1975. But here’s the kicker: the man who sings about "forever" isn’t actually wearing a wedding ring right now.
If you’re looking for a quick answer, no, Lionel Richie is not married as of early 2026. He is, however, in one of the most stable and long-term relationships in Hollywood. Since 2014, he’s been with Swiss-born entrepreneur and former model Lisa Parigi. They’ve been together for over a decade, which is practically a century in "celebrity years."
👉 See also: Jason Sudeikis and Keeley Hazell: What Really Happened Between the Ted Lasso Stars
Why Lionel Richie Is "Spooked" by Marriage
You've probably heard the old saying "once bitten, twice shy." For Lionel, it’s more like "twice bitten, permanently cautious." He has been through the high-stakes divorce ringer twice, and it wasn't exactly a quiet affair either time.
His first marriage to high school sweetheart Brenda Harvey lasted from 1975 to 1993. It ended in a fairly legendary scandal involving a confrontation at an apartment in Beverly Hills that resulted in Brenda’s arrest. Then came his second marriage to Diane Alexander in 1995, which wrapped up in 2004. That divorce was famously expensive, with reports at the time suggesting a massive monthly alimony request.
👉 See also: Chris Christie Lose Weight: What Most People Get Wrong About His Journey
Honestly, can you blame the guy for being a bit hesitant? In a 2016 interview with the Mirror, he straight-up said, "I’m a little spooked on that." He’s compared marriage to a "roll of the dice" that he isn’t necessarily eager to play again.
Who is Lisa Parigi?
Lisa Parigi isn't just "Lionel Richie's girlfriend." She’s a powerhouse in her own right. Born and raised in Switzerland, she speaks four languages—German, Swiss German, French, and English. She didn't start out in the glitz of LA; she actually worked in tech for Fortune 500 companies in Europe before pivoting to the lifestyle space.
Today, she runs The Estate Collection, a brand focused on candles and fragrance oils, and a skincare line called Glow Up Beauty.
📖 Related: Has Ryan Seacrest Ever Been Married? The Truth About TV's Most Eligible Bachelor
The 40-Year Age Gap
People always bring up the age difference. Lionel was born in 1949, and Lisa is in her late 30s. That’s roughly a 40-year gap. While the internet occasionally loses its mind over the math, the couple remains famously unbothered. Lisa has been quoted saying that she doesn't need a ring to validate her relationship and that Lionel "doesn't owe her anything."
What Lionel’s Kids Think
One of the biggest indicators of a healthy long-term relationship is how the kids feel. By all accounts, Lisa is tight with the whole Richie clan. She’s frequently seen on Instagram hanging out with Nicole Richie, Sofia Richie Grainge, and Miles Richie.
In fact, she was right there for Sofia's high-profile wedding to Elliot Grainge in the South of France back in 2023. She’s often described as a stabilizing force in Lionel's "crazy world," helping him navigate the demands of being an American Idol judge and a global touring icon.
Will They Ever Tie the Knot?
Lionel hasn't completely closed the door, but he isn't exactly rushing to a chapel in Vegas. He’s mentioned that there are "always big plans" and that he’s a "hopeless romantic" at heart. But for now, they seem perfectly content with their current setup. They live together in Los Angeles and are "parents" to an adorable, very famous Pomeranian named Sylvester who has his own Instagram following.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you’re following Lionel Richie’s journey, here’s how to stay in the loop:
- Check the Red Carpets: Lionel and Lisa usually make their big appearances at events like the Grammys or the King's Trust Global Gala. If a surprise wedding ever happens, that's where you'll see the ring first.
- Follow Lisa’s Ventures: If you want a glimpse into their home life (and their dog), Lisa’s social media is much more active regarding their day-to-day than Lionel’s professional accounts.
- Listen to "Truly": Lionel released a memoir titled Truly in late 2025. If you want the deep, raw details on his past marriages and why he views love the way he does now, that book is the definitive source.
Basically, Lionel Richie is living his best life without a legal contract. He’s found a partner who values the connection over the paperwork, which, in the world of R&B legends, might be the most "Easy" Sunday morning setup of all.