Four-time Grammy Award winner and “American Idol” judge Lionel Richie is still processing a big family shift. He said he is “still trying to get used” to daughter Sofia Richie Grainge being a mom of two, calling it “the baby having a baby,” in an interview with People.
The comment came just weeks after Sofia Richie Grainge, 27, a model and fashion entrepreneur known for her brand partnerships and high-profile campaigns, welcomed her second child with husband Elliot Grainge.
Richie spoke at the 2026 Breakthrough Prize ceremony in Santa Monica, where he shared a quick but clear update on family life, People reported. He said he feels proud watching Sofia step into motherhood, even if the change still feels new to him.
“I’m still trying to get used to it,” he said, according to the outlet. He also joked about his new role as a grandfather, adding that he now goes by “Papa Richie.”
Sofia Richie Expands Her Family With Second Baby
Sofia announced the arrival of her baby boy, Henry Cecil Grainge, in an Instagram post on March 25, confirming he was born March 18.
The post included a photo showing Henry placed beside their 23-month-old daughter, Eloise, offering the first look at the siblings together. The image quickly circulated across outlets covering celebrity family updates.
Sofia Richie first became a mom in May 2024, when she and Grainge welcomed their daughter, Eloise Samantha Grainge, according to Vogue. That moment marked a clear shift in her public image. Since then, she has leaned into family life while balancing fashion work and brand launches.
Her second pregnancy became public in October 2025, when she revealed the news through an Instagram post tied to her fashion brand, Vogue reported. The rollout felt more relaxed compared to her first pregnancy. There was less buildup and fewer staged announcements. She shared updates on her own timeline.
Richie has followed that shift from the sidelines, but he has spoken about it more than once. Earlier this year, he said he felt proud watching Sofia build her family, adding that his “pride keeps popping out,” according to US Today. The new People interview builds on that same idea, but with a more emotional tone.
Lionel Richie Shares Reaction to New Grandchild
GettyLionel did not try to polish his reaction. He kept it real and a little funny. Calling it “the baby having a baby” shows how he still sees Sofia as his youngest daughter first. That line is what made the quote travel across outlets.
He also spoke about the grandparent role in simple terms. He told People that he enjoys spending time with the kids but does not carry the full responsibility. It is a familiar line for many grandparents, but it landed because of who said it and when he said it.
Lionel Richie is also a grandfather to his eldest daughter Nicole Richie’s two children, Kate, 18, and Sparrow, 16, whom she shares with husband Joel Madden. That makes Sofia Richie Grainge’s newborn son his fourth grandchild, adding to a family dynamic that has already been in the public eye for years.
Richie spoke about that milestone during an interview with USA Today on March 31, where he described how the growing family has affected him in real time. “The beautiful part about it is that the family keeps growing and my pride keeps popping out of my chest,” he said.
“But it’s wonderful. Everyone is happy, and that’s the part I love the most. Just watching everyone blossom.” He added, “Pop Pop is out there again. Isn’t that funny? I came here thinking I am Mr. Richie. Now I’m Papa Richie on American Idol.”
