Her adoption story is little known, as the family did not initially share much detail about it publicly.
Lionel later marriedfashion designer Diane Alexander, and together they welcomed Miles and Sofia Richie before divorcing in 2003.
The family remained close, and Nicole warmly welcomed Lionel’s biological children as her own siblings.
Harvey also often expresses her deep love for Nicole on her own account.
“I thank God every day that I have you in my life.
You are everything to me, Nicole,” she captioned a throwbacksnapof the two of them.
Nicole’s parents faced financial challenges after she was born and were unable to provide for her.
Initially intending to be Nicole’s legal guardian until her family situation improved, things turned out differently.
“She was a little girl who needed a shot,” he explained.
However, Nicole has nothing but positive sentiments about her adoptive father.
In an interview with Larry King onCNN, she expressed her discomfort with Lionel’s self-critical statements.
