Lionel Richie Stays Out of Nicole and Paris Hilton's Rift  6/13/06

R&B legend Lionel Richie has no idea why his daughter Nicole and former best pal Paris Hilton are no longer friends - but is certain they will resolve their differences in the future.

The Hello hit maker, whose daughter has known Hilton since they were toddlers, told a Boston, Massachusetts radio station that he is still close to Hilton's parents Kathy and Rick and is certain the youngsters will sort themselves out.

He says, "They have been having arguments since they were three.

"My mother gave me some good advice: 'As parents, if we can just stay out of our kids' arguments, nine times out of 10 it will take care of itself.'"

The Simple Life stars mysteriously fell out in January 2005, with hotel heiress Hilton saying, "Nicole knows what she did."

Richie adds, "We may never know what it is and you know what? Certain things we just don't want to know."