Meet Lionel Richie's Longtime Girlfriend Whom He Called 'Extremely Beautiful' – Photos

Lionel Richie, the man behind some of the most romantic songs of all time, has experienced his share of heartbreak. But the "All Night Long" singer found a fresh start with Lisa Parigi, a Swiss-born model and businesswoman.

Lionel Richie, a global music icon and current "American Idol" judge, has captivated audiences worldwide for nearly five decades. Known for his soulful hits like "Hello" and "All Night Long," Richie has built a legacy of timeless music.

However, despite his success in crafting some of the most romantic songs ever written, the legendary singer has admitted that his own journey in love has been anything but smooth.

"I'm a man who's been through the ups and the downs, the ins and the outs of love," Richie reflected. His first marriage to high school sweetheart Brenda Harvey seemed like a fairy tale, but the relationship eventually unraveled.

During their union, they adopted daughter Nicole Richie, who became a part of their family as a toddler. However, their relationship ended in a highly publicized divorce in 1993.

Richie found love again two years later with Diane Alexander, and together they welcomed two children, Miles and Sofia. Unfortunately, this chapter also came to an end, and the pair separated in 2004.

Reflecting on his experiences, Richie described love as an unpredictable journey, saying, "Love is not an exact science; it's something you have to go through. People don't walk in love, people fall, which means you're out of control. There's no logic. How you survive is your story."

Despite these challenges, Richie remained optimistic, describing himself as a "hopeless romantic." That romantic spirit found new life with Lisa Parigi, a model and entrepreneur of Swiss, Chinese, and Caribbean descent.

Parigi shared the story of how she met Richie, providing a glimpse into the serendipity that brought them together. Originally from Switzerland, she was working for a tech company when she decided to take a break from her corporate life to travel.

Her goal was simple — to explore new experiences and see the world. This adventurous spirit led her to Los Angeles, a city she described as a stark contrast to her homeland. In Switzerland, she explained, the weather is often gloomy, with rain or snow dominating much of the year.

Los Angeles, on the other hand, offered a refreshing change. The clear blue skies and constant sunshine left a lasting impression, making her visit feel like a dream. She called it "a fantastic trip," filled with the kind of vibrancy and energy she was looking for.

Fate stepped in when she received a last-minute invitation to a dinner she hadn't planned to attend. Accepting it on a whim, she arrived at the gathering not knowing what to expect. To her surprise, Richie was also there.

The two were introduced, and what followed was a night of effortless connection. "It was very organic and random," she recounted. Their conversation flowed naturally, lasting through the night as they discussed a variety of topics.

Looking back, Parigi called their meeting a product of the universe's mysterious ways. What began as a chance encounter has since blossomed into a beautiful and enduring relationship. "What can I say?" she reflected. "It's been beautiful so far."

The "Hello" singer has also spoken glowingly about his longtime girlfriend, praising her beauty, intelligence, and the calm she brings to his often chaotic world. "She's extremely beautiful, but most importantly she's smart and helps me deal with my crazy world," Richie said.

He also credited her for making life feel safe at a time when he could have become jaded. Parigi, a multilingual entrepreneur fluent in four languages, transitioned from a career in the corporate world to become an internationally recognized model, investor, and social media influencer.

Her ventures include her lifestyle brand, The Estate Collection, and the vegan skincare line Glow Up Beauty. She has also dived into the world of blockchain and art NFTs, proving herself a force in both creative and business spheres.

In addition to their shared love and admiration, the couple has made memories together at significant milestones. Parigi joined Richie and his family at the 2017 Kennedy Center Honors, a moment that Richie described as one of the greatest achievements of his life.

And while the iconic singer has kept fans guessing about the possibility of marriage, he hasn't ruled it out. "There's always big plans," he said coyly. "Do I have an exact time on this? Oh, hell no. I don't. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. I'm sure."

Parigi has also shown her support for Richie's music, frequently attending his shows. She described hearing him perform as a magical experience, even after seeing him countless times.

"Each time feels like I'm hearing it for the first time. It captivates me and feels special," she said, naming "Stuck On You" as one of her favorite songs.

The couple's enduring love is evident on social media. Parigi's first-ever Instagram post in 2014 featured a sweet throwback photo of herself and Richie, captioned, "My #first #post on IG 😊 #tbt #hello #mysunshine."

A decade later, their bond remains strong, as evidenced by Richie's April 2024 Instagram post of the two together, which drew an outpouring of love and admiration from fans. "Lovely couple," one person commented. Another shared, "She's a lucky girl. He's a real nice guy!" while a third asked, "Girlfriend???"

Lionel Richie's journey through love has had its ups and downs, but his partnership with Parigi has brought him joy and stability. Together, they continue to inspire fans worldwide with their story of romance and shared happiness.