Before Sofia’s parents got together, Lionel was married to his college sweetheart, Brenda Harvey, from 1975 to 1993. During their relationship, the pair adopted Sofia’s sister, Nicole, when she was 9 years old.
Following his divorce from Harvey, Lionel tied the knot with Diane Alexander on Dec. 21, 1995, and went on to welcome two children with her. Their son, Miles Richie, was born on May 27, 1994, while Sofia arrived on Aug. 24, 1998. Lionel and Alexander were married for nine years before they divorced in 2004. Since then, the “American Idol” star has moved on with his girlfriend Lisa Parigi.
In a September 2018 interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, Sofia revealed she once tried following in her father’s footsteps by studying music as a kid. “My dad had me in singing lessons from a really young age and I’ve played piano with my dad growing up, so I have that part of me,” she said.
While Sofia loves music, she decided not to make it her career because she would always be in her father’s shadow. “I feel like that is a lot of responsibility to take it on. I’d have to do it 100 percent and I’m not ready to do that,” she explained. “I have to try and find my own way.”
Although Sofia didn’t end up becoming a singer like her dad, she did make a name for herself as a model and fashion designer. Over the years, Sofia has collaborated with major brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, and Adidas, and has been on the cover of various magazines around the world. She’s also launched a swimwear collection with Frankies Bikinis, as well as her very own clothing line in partnership with Nicole’s lifestyle brand, House of Harlow 1960.
In July 2017, Lionel gushed over Sofia’s success in the fashion world, telling USA Today, “She’s enjoying it. And the good news is, she’s ambitious about her work. And she wants to be in it. And she’s working very hard. I’m proud of her and all my kids.”
Sofia married music executive Elliot Grainge on April 22, 2023. The model shared various photos from her big day on Instagram, which revealed that both her parents were right by her side throughout the ceremony. Lionel also walked Sofia down the aisle.
In an April interview with Vogue, Sofia told the publication she got “emotional” while taking in the moment with her dad. “I was watching one by one each bridesmaid and groomsman walk down the aisle, and we were inching closer to the front, and I couldn’t believe it was happening,” she recalled.
“My father has always been the most comforting figure in my life, and he’s kept me grounded,” she continued, adding that he eased her nerves by talking to her before beginning their walk. “He said, ‘You’re the love of my life, and I’m so happy for you.’ It was very emotional, and I feel so lucky that I have my parents. I’m very grateful.”
