Brenda Harvey-Richie may be better known as the former wife of Hello Hitmaker and legendary musician Lionel Richie, but she’s also quite accomplished on her own. However, it was the former couple’s romance, dating back to college days, that catapulted her into the limelight.
Although their paths have since parted, Richie’s success story would not be complete without mentioning his first wife, who had been with him before and was at the height of his fame. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the businesswoman and former celebrity spouse.
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Who is Brenda Harvey-Richie?
Born in Alabama, Brenda Harvey-Richie was welcomed to the world on September 2, 1952. Little or nothing is known about her family background and early life. But is it no secret that Brenda is one of the two children of Marshall and Lucille Harvey Brenda and her brother Stephen grew up in their hometown of Brewton, Alabama. She received her basic education at Southern Normal School before earning a degree in social work at Tuskegee University.
Her Net Worth
Brenda Harvey-Richie is no stranger to the entertainment industry. In addition to her romantic relationship with legendary singer Lionel Richie, the former celebrity wife is a savvy businesswoman who is recognized for her work as President and CEO of Brenda Richie Publishing, a music publishing company she founded in 1993. Among other accomplishments, the company is the patent brain behind some of Lionel Richie’s favorite songs such as Say You, Say Me, All Night Long, Hello, and many others. Prior to Brenda Richie publishing and in the early days of her romance with the Hello hitter, Harvey was known for her work as a music production assistant.
Brenda Harvey-Richie’s earnings and wealth have not been disclosed, but it is believed that the businesswoman and former prominent wife has amassed a decent fortune over the years and can afford a comfortable lifestyle.
Facts About Lionel Richie’s Ex-Wife
- Brenda Harvey’s Relationship With Lionel Richie
The love story of Brenda Harvey-Richie and Lionel Richie can be traced back to their college days at Tuskegee University. Interestingly, the award-winning singer grew up on the university campus and later studied there on a tennis scholarship. While studying and singing with the music group Commodores, Lionel and Brenda got to know each other. It wasn’t long before the couple formed a romantic bond, and after courting for several years, they exchanged their marriage vows in October 1975. After 18 long years as husband and wife, Richie and Harvey officially separated in August 1993.
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It remains uncertain whether Brenda Harvey-Richie has found love again after her divorce from Lionel Richie, now that she is holding back. On the other hand, her ex-husband quickly moved on to Diane Alexander, who the singer allegedly met in 1984. Two years later Richie and Diane started to get together, and two years after the singer’s divorce, in December 1995 to be exact, they finally exchanged their marriage vows. The couple produced a son, Miles Brockman, but after eight years together, Richie and Diane ended their relationship in 2003.
- She Has An Adopted Daughter
Although Brenda Harvey-Richie and Lionel Richie have not produced biological children in their almost two decades of marriage, Brenda is a doting mother of her adopted daughter Nicole Richie (née Nicole Camille Escovedo). Brenda’s adopted daughter is the biological daughter of Karen Moss and Peter Michael Escovedo, a singer who is best known as a member of Lionel Richie’s band.
Due to some financial constraints, Escovedo had trouble making ends meet and could not offer her daughter the life of her dreams. Finally, the couple gave up the nine-year-old Nicole as an adopted daughter to the Richies, a decision that has since paid off. Brenda and Lionel continue to be loving parents of Nicole Richie, the goddaughter of the late legendary pop star Michael Jackson and celebrity Nancy Davis. Nicole is also known as a designer and former close friend of the celebrities Paris Hilton. She is known for her great taste in fashion and has paid tribute to her mother at various times for teaching her the basics.
- Shocking 1988 Arrest
Although it was no secret that Brenda Harvey-Richie and Lionel Richie had been separated years before the final divorce in 1993, problems for the former couple were brewing in June 1988 when Brenda learned of Lionel’s romance with Diane Alexander.
The discovery made Brenda Harvey-Richie so angry that she did not hesitate to physically attack both her ex-husband and Diane while the lovebirds were at Diane’s house in Beverly Hills. Harvey’s action consequently led to her arrest for various domestic crimes. Brenda was released on bail later the following day.
