Lionel Richie Talks Daughter Nicole and Paris Hilton’s New Series

Lionel Richie certainly won’t be having a “simple life” with Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie’s new reality TV series. 

In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Richie shared his thoughts on their new project. He jokingly admitted that the iconic besties are “older, but they haven’t changed.” He continued, “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.”

Earlier this month, Nicole and Hilton created a joint Instagram post teasing their return to reality TV, over 15 years since The Simple Life last aired. In their teaser for the upcoming series, a TV experiences static, followed by the familiar catchphrase: “sanasa, sanasa.” 

The Simple Life ran for five seasons on E! and Fox from 2003 to 2007. The series captured the two socialites hilariously abandoning their glamorous lifestyles for a down-to-earth life; instead of indulging in their cell phones and credit cards, the girls would work low-paying jobs, doing farm work and serving fast food.

Elaborating on his experience with The Simple Life, Richie reflected, “When they first started doing things like driving down the freeway backward and I kept saying, ‘What are you guys doing?’ [They’d say], ‘It’s reality television, Dad!’ And now these two are back together. Oh my god, world, hang on to your seat. Thank god I’m older and my medication will get me through this next phase of our lives.” 

All jokes aside, however, the musician wished nothing but luck for the duo and he is “very happy for both of them.” 

While not much is known about the upcoming series, it will not be a reboot of The Simple Life. This project will have its own name and premise, but more details have not been publicly shared yet.

During a recent appearance on Good Morning America, Nicole Richie shared, “It’s been 20 years since Paris and I worked together. We wanted to celebrate that. I can’t tell you too much right now, but we’ve worked together to create something very special and exciting.” The mystery production will be coming soon to Peacock. 

Watch Lionel Richie’s exclusive interview with Entertainment Tonight below.