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What’s Lionel Richie Like as a Father-in-Law? Joel Madden Shares Rare Insights
Though it took a while to get used to having music legend and “American Idol” judge Lionel Richie as his father-in-law, Good Charlotte lead singer Joel Madden couldn’t be more grateful for the relationship he has forged over the last two decades with the superstar dad of his wife, Nicole Richie.
During an interview on actor Rob Lowe‘s “Literally” podcast on March 28, 2025, Joel — who was joined in-studio by his brother and bandmate Benji Madden — gushed about his Richie’s humility, empathy, and talent.
“Never in history will there be another Lionel Richie,” Joel told Lowe as he reflected on his impressive legacy, adding, “and he’s an amazing father-in-law.”
Joel Madden Says ‘Night Owl’ Lionel Richie Calls Him for Late Night Chats
In October 2024, Joel shared on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” that it took about two years to get comfortable with Richie, a music legend he’d long admired.
“It was a big deal to meet him and try to impress him,” Joel admitted, noting that nearly 20 years later, Richie and his ex-wife, Brenda Harvey-Richie, are “the greatest father-in-law and mother-in-law — they’re dream in-laws.”
While chatting with Lowe in March, Joel shared more about his love for the four-time Grammy winner, explaining, “He’s like, wise but humble. You feel greatness when you sit with him, but he’s also humble so you can sit with him!”
Joel continued, “If you’re at a big dinner, you know, Lionel is the greatest to be with because he’s going to tell a story, he’s going to make everyone in the room comfortable, he’s going to make sure everybody feels seen. And then also, you’ll have, like, a really sweet moment just between you … and him. You know, he’s the O.G.”
“I’m extremely fortunate to have such a close relationship with him and we talk, usually late at night because he’s a night owl,” Joel shared. “We’ll talk sometimes at 11 p.m., 12 a.m. We always call each other out of the blue. He’ll see I called him at, like, 1 p.m and he’ll call me (back) at 11.”
Joel, who shares two kids with Nicole — 17-year-old daughter Harlow Winter Kate Madden and 15-year-old son Sparrow James Midnight Madden — said his late-night conversations with their “Pop Pop” range from serious to casual.
“We have very deep, meaningful (talks) and light catch-up conversations — you know, ‘What’s up with the kids, what’s up with Nicole?’” Joel said. “He’s truly been, like, my guy for my entire relationship with Nicole. He loves her very dearly, he’s always concerned.”
Lionel Richie Has Also Been a Father Figure to Joel Madden’s Brother, Benji Madden
GettyDuring the interview on Lowe’s podcast, Joel’s brother Benji, who shares two young children with his wife Cameron Diaz, revealed that Richie has also been a father figure for him. The Maddens had a complicated relationship with their biological dad, who left the family when they were young and died in 2019.
“When me and Cam were getting married and since then, when the kids were born, he always pulls (me) aside and says ‘I’m proud of you, if you ever need anything,’” Benji shared.
He continued, “We had a family dinner and all of us were together, and … you know, both of me and Cameron’s fathers have passed away so the kids don’t have a grandfather here. And he pulled me aside and he was like, ‘Hey I just want you to know, I know neither one of your dads is around. The kids always got me.’ That’s Lionel.”
The Maddens and Lowe, a longtime friend of Richie’s, also discussed how well the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famer handles his status and fandom everywhere he goes.
“Among the things I love about Lionel Richie,” Lowe reflected, “is he knows, accepts, loves, and is grateful for the fact that he is in the business of being Lionel Richie.”
Joel agreed, “Yeah, he respects the legacy he has, which is one of one, that could never be created again by anyone.”
Lowe added, “To just to be able to have him in my life in the little way that I do … has been such a gift.”
