Nicole Richie Is Sheila E's Niece

[Lionel Richie](https://contactmusic.6lgx.com/lionel-richie)'s adopted daughter NICOLE still has music in her blood - her paternal aunt is [Prince](https://contactmusic.6lgx.com/prince) protege SHEILA E.

Former [Commodores](https://contactmusic.6lgx.com/commodores) frontman Lionel and his then-wife BRENDA adopted 22-year-old Nicole after meeting her as a toddler through her birth dad PETER MICHAEL ESCOVEDO III, who worked as a touring percussionist for the singer.

Escovedo, who was then a struggling musician, and Nicole's unnamed backstage assistant mother decided to let their child live with the Richies, confident they'd provide a better life for her.

And despite their past, Escovedo remains proud of his daughter, who stars in hit reality show [The Simple Life](https://contactmusic.6lgx.com/the-simple-life).

He says, "I'm very proud of her and what she has accomplished. But our relationship is something very personal.

"It's not that I won't talk about it. It's just that I have to do it at whatever time Nicole wants to talk about it.

"My situation with my daughter is good. I don't consider it a skeleton in my closet."

Sheila E adds, "I love my niece Nicole."

16/01/2004 09:53