Lionel Richie's wife files for separation

Singer Lionel Richie’s second wife has filed for a separation after nearly seven years of marriage.

Richie and Diane Alexander, a former dancer and clothing designer, were married in New York in 1996 after a long and sometimes tumultuous relationship.

The couple has a nine-year-old son and five-year-old daughter.

Diane Richie cited irreconcilable differences in filing separation papers in Los Angeles Superior Court. Richie’s representatives did not comment.

Richie, 54, is an original member of The Commodores with solo hits that include Truly, Hello and All Night Long.

The couple’s relationship began when Richie was still married to his first wife, Brenda.

In 1988, Brenda Richie was arrested for investigation of spousal abuse, trespassing and vandalism when she allegedly accosted her husband and Alexander after discovering them together in a Beverly Hills apartment.

She was not prosecuted, and the couple remained together before divorcing in 1991.