Lionel Richie has left fans concerned after the singer was reportedly hospitalised on August 29, following his performance at The Muny in Forest Park. According to reports, Richie was suffering from dehydration and underwent medical tests after the show. The health scare came after witnesses reportedly noticed the singer struggling during his final performance, All Night Long. Richie is said to have asked his team to bring him a chair so he could sit down during the song.
As fans remain concerned about the legendary singer, attention has also turned to the woman who has been by his side for years – his longtime girlfriend, Lisa Parigi.
Richie has been married twice before, but he has been in a relationship with Parigi for several years. Unlike many celebrity relationships, the couple has largely kept their romance away from the constant glare of the spotlight, although Parigi has occasionally opened up about their relationship and shared glimpses of their life together.
So, who is Lisa Parigi? What does she do? How did she meet Lionel Richie? And what is her relationship with his children, particularly his daughter Sofia Richie?
Who Is Lisa Parigi, Lionel Richie’s Girlfriend?
Lisa Parigi was born and raised in Switzerland. She later moved to Los Angeles, where she has built a life with Richie. Speaking about the difference between living in Switzerland and Los Angeles, Parigi has said she prefers the California city because of its sunny weather. She explained that while Switzerland has four seasons, the weather can often mean rain or snow, which she found “a little depressing.”
Parigi has also built a career of her own and is an entrepreneur. She is reportedly the founder and CEO of lifestyle brand The Estate Collection, which offers candles and fragrance oils inspired by travel and experiences.
She is also associated with Glow Up Beauty, a skincare venture focused on vegan, sulfate-free, paraben-free and cruelty-free products. Before launching her own businesses, Parigi worked in the corporate technology sector and held positions with companies based in Geneva and Zurich.
How Did Lionel Richie And Lisa Parigi Meet?
Parigi was still living in Switzerland when she travelled to Los Angeles and attended a dinner party. Richie happened to be at the same gathering, and mutual friends introduced them. What followed, according to Parigi, was an immediate connection.
As she described, “We had great conversations, we spoke all night about everything. It’s been beautiful so far.”
Rather than calling their relationship a whirlwind romance, Parigi has previously spoken about how naturally their connection developed. And music has remained an important part of their relationship.
Parigi has often attended Richie’s concerts and has spoken about what it is like watching her partner perform for audiences around the world.
When asked about her favourite Richie song, she named Stuck On You. She said, “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.”
What Is Lisa Parigi’s Relationship With Sofia Richie Like?
Parigi has also developed a relationship with Richie’s children, including his daughter Sofia Richie. One particularly warm glimpse came in August 2022, when Parigi shared a birthday tribute for Sofia on Instagram alongside a photograph featuring herself, Lionel and Sofia.
She wrote, “@sofiarichie You light up every room you walk into & your laugh is contagious. Celebrating you always, Birthday Queen. Love u so much Sof.”
The message offered a glimpse into the affection between the two. Parigi was also present for Sofia’s celebrations ahead of her wedding to Elliot Grainge. She attended Sofia’s bridal shower and shared photographs from the occasion.
Alongside the pictures, Parigi wrote, “To a lifetime of love. Showering the bride-to-be with happiness & blessings @sofiarichie.”
How Long Have Lionel Richie And Lisa Parigi Been Together?
Richie and Parigi have been together for years, maintaining a relatively private relationship despite Richie’s enormous public profile. Parigi has occasionally spoken about their life together, while Richie has also acknowledged the importance of having someone who makes life feel more grounded.
Their relationship has survived years in the public eye without becoming a constant source of headlines. Instead, Parigi has generally appeared alongside Richie at events, concerts and important family occasions.
What Happened To Lionel Richie?
Following his August 29 performance at The Muny in Forest Park, reports said the singer was hospitalised after experiencing dehydration. Witnesses at the concert reportedly noticed that Richie appeared to be struggling during All Night Long and requested a chair.
Richie, 77, has continued to perform decades after establishing himself as one of music’s biggest stars, with a career spanning the Commodores, his hugely successful solo career and numerous international tours. The hospitalisation has understandably prompted concern among fans.
But amid the questions about Richie’s health, his personal life has also come back into focus. And Lisa Parigi has been part of that life for years.
From a chance meeting at a Los Angeles dinner party to building businesses of her own, attending Richie’s concerts and becoming close to his family, Parigi has established an identity beyond simply being known as Lionel Richie’s girlfriend.
