Sexy grandpa is the image that singer Lionel Richie, 59, is after.  Upon hearing the news that daughter Nicole Richie was pregnant, Lionel feared the worst and thought his sex symbol status was over.

Before we go on, we just want to say, really….sex symbol?  Lionel talked with Daily Record and told them of his grandparenting fears.

“I went through a panic – that’s the end of my career.  But I’m having more fun now with the responsibility of being a grandpa – that is, playing with the baby and handing her back.”

Daughter Nicole graces the April cover of Glamour UK.   The 27 year old has a 14 month old daughter Harlow with rocker Joel Madden and the couple recently announced that they are expecting a second child.

Recent photo of Nicole, Joel and Harlow below.

Photos:  WENN

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Filed under: Celebrities, Celebrity Babies, Joel Madden, Nicole Richie