Lionel Richie's Memoir Lays Bare Shocking Marital Scandal

In his new memoir "Truly," released in 2025, Grammy-winning singer and American Idol judge Lionel Richie offers a candid and personal account of his life. The 76-year-old artist opens up about the challenges and triumphs he has faced, including a shocking marital scandal that unfolded in 1988.

Richie, who was at the height of his fame in the late 1970s as the lead singer of the R&B group The Commodores, had been married to his college sweetheart Brenda Harvey since 1975. However, their marital bliss would not last, as Richie had begun a relationship with another woman, Diane Alexander.

In June 1988, the situation came to a head when Brenda Harvey unexpectedly showed up at the home where Richie was staying with Alexander. The confrontation that ensued was, in Richie's words, "the scandal of my century." The incident, which involved a "massive confrontation" and "the most awful screaming match of life," ultimately led to the end of Richie's marriage to Brenda.

After a protracted divorce, Richie went on to marry Diane Alexander in 1995, with whom he had two children. However, that union also ended in divorce in 2004. Richie is currently dating Lisa Parigi.

By sharing the ups and downs of his personal life in "Truly," Richie hopes to help others on their own journeys. As he reflects, "If I can tell you how I got through it, it might remind you of some of the things you're going through and might help you and guide you through your lives."