Why Brenda Harvey-Richie Kicked Lionel Richie

Brenda Harvey-Richie, born on September 2, 1952, is a music composer and entrepreneur, best known as Lionel Richie’s first wife.

She married Lionel in 1975, and they adopted Nicole Richie. They divorced in 1993 after Lionel had an affair with Diane Alexander.

After the divorce, Brenda decided to stay single and focus on her business.

Her estimated net worth is $2 million, including a $20 million settlement from Lionel.

Brenda Harvey Richie Quick Facts

Wiki and Bio
Full NameBrenda Harvey-Richie
Nick NameBrenda
ProfessionMusic Composer, Businesswoman
Famous asLionel Richie’s Ex-Wife
Age72 years old
Date of BirthSeptember 2, 1952
Birthplace/HometownBrewton, Alabama, USA
NationalityAmerican
SexualityStraight
GenderFemale
EthnicityMixed (African American)
ReligionChristianity
Sun Sign (Zodiac Sign)Virgo
Height (in feet)5 feet 4 inches
Height (in centimeters)163 cm
Weight (in pounds)114 lbs
Weight (in kilograms)52 kg
Body Measurements (in inches)Update soon
Body Measurements (in centimeters)Update soon
Shoe Size in US7
Tattoo DetailsNone
Eye ColorDark Brown
Hair ColorBrown
ParentsMarshal Harvey (Father), Lucille Harvey (Mother)
SiblingsStephen Harvey (Brother)
Relationship StatusDivorced
Dating HistoryLionel Richie
PartnerNone
ChildrenNicole Richie (Adopted Daughter)
Highest QualificationBachelor’s Degree in Social Work
SchoolSouthern Normal School
Alma MaterTuskegee University
Hobbies & FavoritesUpdate soon
Favorite CelebritiesUpdate soon
Dream HolidayUpdate soon
Favorite ColorUpdate soon
InterestsUpdate soon
Net Worth$2 million
Salary & EarningsUpdate soon
Instagram@brendahrichie
FacebookUpdate soon

Brenda Harvey-Richie & Why Is She Famous?

Brenda Harvey is a businesswoman who became well-known over time.

She first gained fame because of her relationship with Lionel Richie, an American singer, songwriter, music producer, and TV personality.

Many people still know her as Lionel Richie’s first wife.

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Background and Early Life of Brenda Harvey-Richie

Brenda Harvey was born on September 2, 1952, in Brewton, Alabama, USA.

She is 72 years old, and her zodiac sign is Virgo.

Brenda is the daughter of Marshal Harvey and Lucille Harvey. Her father was a US Marine who served in World War II.

Her mother was an English and social studies teacher in their hometown.

Brenda had a brother named Stephen Harvey. She is of African American ethnicity and is an American citizen.

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 Education and Early Career

Brenda went to Southern Normal School in her hometown. In 1974, she graduated from Tuskegee University with a bachelor’s degree in social work.

Brenda is a music composer and a business owner. She started her career by writing music for songs like “Glastonbury,” “Penny Loafer,” and others.

Since 1993, she has been the CEO of BRP Publishing, a music publishing company.

Her company owns the rights to many of Lionel Richie’s hit songs, including “Hello,” “All Night Long,” and “Dancing on the Ceiling.”

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Relationship and Marriage to Lionel Richie

Brenda met Lionel Richie while they were both attending Tuskegee University.

Their relationship began in college, around the time Lionel’s career with The Commodores was starting.

After they graduated in 1974, they continued their relationship.

Brenda Harvey-Richie with ex-husband Lionel Richie
Brenda Harvey-Richie with ex-husband Lionel Richie. (Pinterest)

On October 18, 1975, a year after graduation, Brenda and Lionel got married in a private ceremony attended by close family and friends.

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Did Brenda Harvey-Richie and Lionel have kids?

Although Brenda and Lionel had a long relationship, they did not have any biological children together.

However, in 1983, they informally adopted Nicole Camille Escovedo, the two-year-old daughter of one of Lionel’s bandmates.

They started taking care of Nicole when she was three years old. Her biological parents, Peter Escovedo and Karen Moss, were having financial difficulties, and their marriage was also falling apart.

Nicole Richie
Nicole Richie. (Nicole/Instagram)

Even though Nicole was adopted, Brenda and Lionel treated her as their own daughter in every way.

Lionel often talked about how, despite their disagreements, they always agreed on matters concerning Nicole.

He once said, “Nicole was actually a godsend. She was a little girl who needed a chance. She was used to people coming and going. She looked at me, and I’d say, ‘I’m not going anywhere.'”

Nicole Camille Richie, now an American TV personality, fashion designer, socialite, and actress, has been married to Joel Madden since 2010.

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Why Brenda and Lionel Divorced?

After nearly 20 years of marriage, the couple went through an unpleasant breakup.

While still married to Brenda, Lionel had an affair with a dancer named Diane Alexander, whom he met at the 1984 Olympics.

Lionel Richie with ex-wife Diane Alexander
Lionel Richie with ex-wife Diane Alexander. (Pinterest)

Brenda became suspicious of Lionel’s cheating two years into his relationship with Diane.

She later hired a private investigator to find out the truth about his affairs.

Brenda had doubts but didn’t have solid proof.

In 1988, Brenda unexpectedly showed up at Lionel’s Beverly Hills home at 2 in the morning and found him with Diane.

Richie told the police that Brenda kicked him in the stomach, overturned furniture, broke glasses, and caused a lot of destruction.

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Brenda Harvey-Richie Drop-Kicking Lionel Richie

When Lionel said that Brenda kicked him, he was telling the truth.

An eyewitness confirmed that Brenda physically confronted Lionel and Diane after catching them together.

When the police arrived, the situation had gotten so bad that they had to restrain Brenda on the floor while she yelled at Diane.

The authorities charged Brenda with hurting her spouse, resisting arrest, trespassing, vandalism, battery, and disturbing the peace.

Brenda was released from jail the next day on a $5,000 bond.

That same year, in 1988, Lionel filed for divorce after the bad incident between him, Brenda, and his mistress. The divorce was finalized five years later, in 1993.

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Brenda Harvey-Richie Life After Divorce

Brenda Harvey never remarried after her divorce from Lionel Richie.

She also did not get into a long-term relationship afterward.

However, her bad feelings toward Lionel seem to have faded, as the former couple sometimes spends time together.

For example, Lionel sends flowers to Brenda on Mother’s Day and even shares meals with Nicole.

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Lionel Richie Life After Divorce

Lionel Richie eventually married his mistress, Diane Alexander, in 1995.

The couple had two children, a son, Miles Brockman, and a daughter, Sofia Richie.

Miles was born on May 27, 1994, and Sofia on August 24, 1998.

Sofia Richie is an American social media personality, model, and fashion designer.

Likewise, Miles Brockman is also involved in the fashion industry.

Unfortunately, Lionel and Diane divorced in 2004.

Today, Lionel is dating Lisa Parigi, a Swiss model who is 40 years younger than Lionel Richie.

Lisa Parigi with Lionel Richie
Lisa Parigi with Lionel Richie. (Lisa/Instagram)

The couple is happily dating and often appears in public together.

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Lionel’s Music Career and Success

Lionel first became successful with his band, the Commodores, an R&B group formed in the 1960s. Atlantic Records, which managed other artists like the Jackson 5, signed the Commodores.

Under Atlantic Records, the Commodores released hits like “Easy” and “Three Times a Lady.”

After finding success with the band, Lionel began his solo career in 1982 with a self-titled album. This album included hits like “Truly,” “My Love,” and “You Are,” which made him a well-known artist.

During the 1980s, Lionel co-wrote the song “We Are the World” with Michael Jackson.

This collaboration became one of the most successful in history as “We Are the World” became the fastest-selling single in U.S. pop history, earning over $60 million to date.

In 1986, Lionel won an Oscar for his classic song “Say You, Say Me.”

As of 2018, Lionel has appeared as a judge on American Idol, alongside artists like Katy Perry and Luke Bryan.

In 2022, Lionel was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Los Angeles.

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Lionel Richie Net Worth

Over the years, Lionel has sold hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of music worldwide. Because of this, Richie has built up a huge net worth of $200 million.

However, music sales alone didn’t make him rich.

Lionel made several investments and signed big brand deals, which greatly increased his wealth.

He has real estate investments worth millions, which keep increasing in value.

Similarly, Lionel invested in tech companies like Tidal, a hi-fi music streaming service that sold for nearly $300 million in 2021 to Square, a financial company founded by Jack Dorsey.

Lionel also owns major restaurants, wineries, and other food and beverage-related businesses that provide him with a steady income.

Finally, Richie signed multi-million dollar brand endorsement deals with major companies like McDonald’s and Pepsi.

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Philanthropy Work

Over the years, Richie has focused on giving back to society and helping the community.

As a result, he actively participates in various charity work and giving activities.

Lionel has provided scholarships to students in need, especially those pursuing music or drama.

He also uses his wealth, fame, and influence to support various charity organizations like St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the American Red Cross.

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Brenda Harvey-Richie Net Worth

Brenda has an estimated net worth of around $2 million.

Additionally, she received a $20 million settlement from Lionel after initially asking for $300,000 per year.

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