"My Baby Girl": Lionel Richie's Touching Memory of Escorting Sofia Down the Aisle
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Lionel Richie proudly looked back at the moment he walked his "baby girl" Sofia Richie down the aisle during her wedding to Elliot Grainge on April 22. The 73-year-old singer shared with Entertainment Tonight on April 24 that giving away one of the loves of his life was both a humbling and emotional experience. "But really, I'll tell you a story, I've known Elliot since he was 9," Lionel said about Sofia's new husband. "So interestingly enough, I didn't have to vet the kid. I know who he is!" The American Idol judge and Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge have been longtime friends.
The wedding took place at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France, after a weekend of festivities with family and friends in the South of France. Sofia has shared intimate moments of the special day on TikTok, including a clip of Lionel walking her down the aisle while calling her "my kid." Lionel also revealed to ET that he cried through the entire ceremony and even sang some of his classic tunes like "Hello" and "Stuck On You" for the reception.
Sofia, who is also the Nudestix Beauty Director, spoke to Vogue about the wedding and her three custom Chanel dresses for the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and afterparty. "I was extremely intimidated coming into these fittings just because Chanel is such a big house," Sofia admitted. "But they were so open to hearing my thoughts and suggestions, and they were so lovely to work with, and I adore everyone that I got to know along the process. It's something I'll never forget."