Lionel Richie Reflects on Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton's Unchanging Friendship Since 'The Simple Life'

Lionel Richie Jokes Nicole Richie Paris Hilton New Show Scares Him

Lionel Richie, Nicole Richie, and Paris Hilton. Getty Images (2); WireImage

Lionel Richie is getting ready to watch Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton team up again for a new reality show.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight published on Monday, May 20, Lionel, 74, joked, "They haven't changed. Let me tell you something, those two scare me just standing next to each other. And I don't know if the world knows this, they started this mess, and I was the first guinea pig daddy to go along with this."

Nicole, who is 42, and Hilton, who is 43, recently announced that they will be coming together for a new series on Peacock. This reunion is happening 20 years after their famous reality show, The Simple Life, first premiered. The show aired for five seasons from 2003 to 2007, showcasing the pair as they stepped away from their luxurious lifestyles to take on ordinary, everyday jobs.

On May 13, Nicole and Hilton shared a post on Instagram with the caption, "New Era. Same Besties. ‍️ Coming soon to Peacock." This hints at their upcoming project that fans can look forward to.

Lionel reflected on the original show during an interview with ET. He recalled how his initial reaction to some of the stunts on the show was confusion. The cast would do things like driving down the freeway backwards, and he would question their actions. Their response was always, "It's reality television, Dad!"

With a hint of humor, Lionel added that now that the two are back together, the world better brace itself. He jokingly mentioned that he is grateful to be older now, relying on his medication to help him navigate through this next phase of their lives.

All worries aside, Lionel noted that he’s “very happy for both of them” as they prepare to reunite on the small screen.

Lionel Richie Jokes Nicole Richie Paris Hilton New Show Scares Him 3

Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton are teaming up for a new show on Peacock. While specific details about the show are currently a secret, Nicole made it clear that it will not be a reboot of their previous show, The Simple Life. During an appearance on Good Morning America on May 15, Nicole mentioned that it has been 20 years since they last worked together and they wanted to celebrate that. She teased that they have collaborated on something unique and thrilling, and she is eagerly looking forward to its release.

Nicole Richie got married to singer Joel Madden in 2010 after appearing on The Simple Life. They have two children together, Harlow, who is 16, and Sparrow, who is 14. Recently, the teenagers made a special red carpet appearance with their mom at the premiere of her movie Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead in Los Angeles.

On the other hand, Paris Hilton got married to Carter Reum in 2021. Their marriage and the birth of their son, Phoenix, in 2023, were featured on Hilton's two-season reality series, Paris in Love, on Peacock. The couple also welcomed their daughter, London, in November 2023.

Paris in Love showcased a heartwarming moment when Hilton and Nicole reunited on Hilton's wedding day. In a confessional clip shared on TikTok in January 2022, Hilton expressed her joy, saying, "I'm so happy to have Nicole here with me on my big day. We've been friends since we were 2 years old. I love her so much and it just means so much to me that she's here."

Editor's P/S:

Lionel Richie's candid interview reveals his amusement and apprehension as Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton prepare for their new reality show. Despite his initial skepticism about their antics on "The Simple Life," he now embraces their return, albeit with a hint of trepidation. Richie's reflection on the pair's enduring friendship, showcased in the heartwarming reunion at Hilton's wedding, highlights the deep bond that continues to unite these two icons.

As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming show, Nicole Richie has emphasized that it will not be a mere reboot of "The Simple Life." Instead, it promises a fresh and exciting concept that celebrates their longstanding friendship. With both women now mothers and navigating different life stages, it remains to be seen how their experiences will shape the show's narrative. Nonetheless, the prospect of these two formidable personalities reuniting on screen is sure to captivate audiences and generate much excitement.