Lionel Richie and Lisa Parigi’s long-standing relationship is one of the most endearing.
After mutual acquaintances introduced him to his now-girlfriend, who is 40 years his younger, at a dinner party, the two have been together ever since.
Richie previously married his high school sweetheart Brenda Harvey-Richie from 1975 until 1993, with whom he adopted daughter Nicole, and Diane Alexander from 1995 to 2004, with whom he has children Sofia and Miles.
Richie spoke with PEOPLE in April 2019 about his relationship with Parigi and the things he’s learnt about love over the years. “I’m a man who’s been through the ups and downs, the ins and outs of love,” he explained, adding that he remains a “hopeless romantic.” “She’s extremely beautiful,” he said of Parigi, “but most importantly, she’s smart and helps me deal with my crazy world.”
The two have attended several events together over the years, including numerous music awards ceremonies and the 2023 Breakthrough Prize presentation. Parigi shared images from the prominent science and mathematics event on Instagram on April 19, 2023, depicting her and Richie holding hands on the red carpet.
So, who is Lionel Richie’s girlfriend? Here is everything to know about Lisa Parigi.
Parigi was born in Switzerland and reared there. During an interview with Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, she discussed her background, saying that the temperature in her native country wasn’t her favorite and that she loves sunny Los Angeles, where she now lives with Richie. “We have four seasons, and most of the time it just rains or snows, which is a little depressing,” Parigi remarked.She is also of Caribbean, Swiss, and Chinese origin and is conversant in four languages.
Parigi is the creator and CEO of The Estate Collection, a lifestyle company, and Glow Up Beauty, a skincare line. According to its Instagram profile, her lifestyle company sells candles and aroma oils that are “influenced by travel + lust for life,” while her skincare brand offers vegan, sulfate-, paraben-, and cruelty-free products.
Parigi’s candle line is inspired by a luxurious place, such as Beverly Hills, the Swiss Alps, or St. Tropez.
Parigi worked in corporate IT before starting her own enterprises. She formerly worked at a number of enterprises in Geneva and Zurich, according to Harper’s Bazaar Arabia.
Parigi told Harper’s Bazaar Arabia the lovely story of how she and Richie met for the first time.
She was still in Switzerland at the time and was asked to a dinner party while visiting Los Angeles. Richie happened to be there for dinner, and the two were introduced by mutual acquaintances. When asked about their first meeting, Parigi stated that it seemed organic and genuine straight away. “We had great conversations, we talked all night about everything,” Parigi remarked. “It’s been beautiful so far.”
Parigi is her boyfriend’s biggest fan, and when asked what her favorite Richie song is, she said “Stuck On You.”
The businesswoman told Harper’s Bazaar Arabia about her recollections of the song, saying, “Although I go to literally almost every show, each time, it feels like I’m hearing it for the first time, so it captivates me, and it feels special.”
Parigi and Richie are the joyful parents of Sylvester, a dog. The dog has his own Instagram account, as well as frequent appearances on Parigi’s account. Sylvester is a key part of the couple’s lives, with the pet’s Instagram bio stating him to be “the boss of the house.”
Parigi is by Richie’s side at all times, large and little. “At this time in my life when you can be so jaded about things,” Richie told PEOPLE in 2019, “[my girlfriend] Lisa kind of makes everything feel a bit safe.”
Parigi accompanied Richie and his children to Washington, D.C., in 2017 to receive his Kennedy Center Honor. After a few years, the couple met Pope Francis in the Vatican in December 2019. Parigi documented the meeting on Instagram. In part, she captioned the image, “So grateful I could share this magical moment with my love @lionelrichie.”
According to her Instagram, Parigi has become close to Richie’s children, notably his daughter Sofia. On Sofia’s birthday in August 2022, Parigi posted a photo with Richie and Sofia with the comment, “@sofiarichie.” You brighten up every room you enter, and your laugh is contagious. Always remembering you… “Happy Birthday, Queen. I adore you, Sof.”
Parigi subsequently attended Sofia’s bridal shower during her wedding to Elliot Grainge. “To a lifetime of love, showering the bride-to-be with happiness and blessings @sofiarichie,” Parigi captioned images from the shower. Sofia married Grainge in the south of France on April 22, 2023.
Parigi has also published pictures of herself with the whole Richie family, including Nicole and Miles.
Parigi and Richie attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace before of King Charles and Queen Camilla’s coronation on May 6, 2023. As she met the King and Queen, Parigi looked gorgeous in a blue flowery gown with a white tiara.
Parigi also went to the Coronation Concert, where Richie played, and grabbed a photo with him, Sofia, and Grainge.
