Details About Nicole Richie’s Little-Known Adoption Story

Nicole Richie was born to Peter Michael Escovedo and Karen Moss, Lionel’s bandmate and his partner. Lionel first met Nicole at a Prince concert when she was merely 2 years old, the father-daughter duo revealed in an interview for HuffPost.

Upon meeting Nicole, Lionel shared that he realized the toddler was living in an unstable home, prompting him to jump in and help. Nicole’s parents faced financial challenges after she was born and were unable to provide for her. Initially intending to be Nicole’s legal guardian until her family situation improved, things turned out differently.

Lionel opened up to People about officially adopting Nicole when she was 9 years old, describing her as a blessing to him and his first wife, Brenda Harvey. “She was a little girl who needed a shot,” he explained. Despite their separation in 1988 and subsequent divorce in 1993, Lionel and Harvey remained united in their commitment to Nicole. Reflecting on the experience, Lionel told Nicole, “[You] changed my life a great deal in terms of softening my heart.” The renowned “Lady” singer emphasized that Nicole, who was accustomed to people leaving, found stability with his family, stating, “[She’d look] at me, and I’d say, ‘I’m not going anywhere.’”