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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 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 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.”_