Lionel Richie Celebrates New Grandchild

Lionel Richie has shared his delight after his daughter, Sofia Richie Grainge, and her husband Elliot Grainge welcomed their second child, a son named Henry. The 76-year-old singer expressed his overwhelming pride in a recent interview with USA Today, shared on TikTok on Tuesday, March 31.

“My Pride Keeps Popping Out of My Chest”

“The beautiful part about it is that the family keeps growing and my pride keeps popping out of my chest. But it’s wonderful. Everyone is happy and that’s the part I love the most. Just watching everyone blossom,” Richie stated. He playfully noted his evolving role as a grandfather, saying, “Pop Pop is out there again.”

From Mr. Richie to Papa Richie

Richie continued, reflecting on his experience as a judge on American Idol: “I came here thinking I am Mr. Richie, Mr. Richie. Now I’m Papa Richie on American Idol.” This new arrival follows the birth of Sofia and Elliot’s first child, daughter Eloise, who was born in May 2024.

Family Excitement and Sofia’s Previous Delivery

An insider previously told Us Weekly that Lionel was “absolutely thrilled” when Sofia and Elliot announced their first pregnancy. The source described it as a “bittersweet moment” realizing his youngest daughter was becoming a mother. Sofia and Elliot tied the knot in 2023.

Postpartum Health Challenges

Months after Eloise’s birth, Sofia Richie Grainge discussed the challenges she faced during and after her daughter’s delivery. She recalled an “emotionally draining” delivery and her subsequent diagnosis with postpartum preeclampsia during an October 2024 appearance on the “She MD” podcast.

“I felt very ill… my blood pressure was 165 over 103,” she shared, explaining she required 24 hours of hospitalization and blood pressure medication for nearly three months. Despite the difficulties, Richie Grainge emphasized her desire to be fully present in her daughter’s life, stating, “I wouldn’t have had a kid if I wasn’t ready to take that on.”