Music legend Lionel Richie is once again in the spotlight, but this time it’s not for a chart-topping hit. The Grammy-winning artist has released a new memoir, Truly, in which he takes readers behind the glamour of his career and into the struggles that shaped him.
In the book, Richie candidly revisits a turbulent moment from 1988, when his then-separated wife Brenda Harvey discovered him with future partner Diane Alexander.
The explosive confrontation made headlines at the time, and Richie now calls it “the scandal of my century.” He admits the fallout was both personal and public, forcing him to reexamine the life he was leading.
The memoir also delves into a darker period when Richie experienced what he describes as a nervous breakdown. According to the singer, it was an encounter with a fan who reminded him of the power of his music that helped him begin to rebuild. “It shifted my perspective,” he reflects, noting that he began to see purpose even in the pain.
Currently, Richie has set aside his concert tours for a different kind of stage. Instead of stadiums and arenas, he is appearing in theaters across the country on a book tour, offering Q&A sessions that bring him closer to fans in a more intimate setting.
Themes of grief, humility, and self-awareness run throughout Truly. Richie explains that learning to say “no” whether to relentless touring schedules or to industry pressures was critical to preserving both his health and his artistry. “Sometimes, the most powerful word in your vocabulary is the simplest one,” he told The Wall Street Journal.
Richie’s openness has also carried into his media appearances. On The Kelly Clarkson Show, he bonded with the host over their shared experiences of loss.
In a lighter moment, Richie theatrically placed his hands on Clarkson and pretended to “exorcise grief,” drawing laughter from the audience while highlighting how humor can coexist with healing.
From Motown beginnings to global superstardom, Lionel Richie has long been known for heartfelt ballads and infectious anthems. With Truly, he offers fans something different: an unfiltered look at the man behind the music, one who is still learning, reflecting, and, above all, choosing to tell his story in his own words.