Richie suffered prolonged throat problems and had surgery four times in four years before being told by conventional doctors that he could lose his singing career. He then turned to a holistic doctor who said the problem was simply acid reflux caused by foods Richie was eating before going to bed.

Long before Lionel Richie said “Hello” to his adoring fans, the Grammy-winner earned the role of a lifetime: Adoptive father. The Commodores singer has two biological children with his second wife. He also has an adopted child that came into his life during his first marriage.

One was his Grandma's wedding ring; they other is a signet ring his father received as an 18th present and wore every day til he died.