Lionel Richie Recalls Michael Jackson’s Alleged Poor Hygiene And Surprising Nickname

Lionel Richie’s new memoir Truly — named after his 1982 debut solo single — is packed with personal stories from his decades in music. One excerpt in particular that has amped up the anticipation for the book, is one that speaks of his longtime, late friend Michael Jackson.

The 76-year-old Grammy winner and American Idol judge recently told PEOPLE that while much of the writing process for his memoir tested his memory, he said he’d never forget Michael Jackson’s approach to hygiene.

Richie shared that Quincy Jones allegedly gave Jackson the nickname “Smelly,” a moniker he claimed the singer took in stride. “Michael would laugh too, realizing that he was oblivious to the fact that he hadn’t changed or washed his clothes for a couple of days or so,” Richie recalled.

He explained that Jackson’s global fame and nonstop schedule often made even simple routines difficult. “He was on tour performing in the elaborate costumes made for him by his stylists, or he was in his pajama bottoms and slippers in the studio, or he was in his going-out attire,” he said. “Or he was at home in something loose and comfortable so he could practice his dance moves and play with his menagerie of pets.”

When it came to their private hangouts, Richie remembered that Jackson would show up casual and unbothered by his appearance. “Whenever Michael came to visit me, he was wearing whatever — jeans and a t-shirt. And the jeans were either falling off him or too short to even be jeans and, well, smelly,” he claimed in recollection.

In one instance, the “We Are The World” contributor recalled asking Jackson about his clothes, to which he alleged the singer responded that he avoided sending clothes out to be cleaned because “everybody kept something for a souvenir.” He said the latter would lead him to wear the same items until they were “unwearable.”

Revealing that he once stepped in to help the “Rock My World” singer, Riche recalled offering him a shower, fresh underwear, and a pair of jeans after Jackson showed up at his house looking unkept.

He claimed Jackson accepted with gratitude, but when Richie returned home later, he noticed the evidence left behind. “There on the carpet was the pair of Michael Jackson’s underwear and his old ratty jeans. Just lying there like roadkill,” he recalled. “What do I do but laugh? MJ was here.”

Truly by Lionel Richie is out now.