For almost two decades, Nicole Richie It is Joel Madden I have been building a fairytale romance in Hollywood.
Earlier this month, the happy couple hit the red carpet at the premiere of Nicole’s film, Don’t tell mom that the nanny is dead, at The Grove in Los Angeles, and their teenage children were joined in a rare public appearance – daughter Harlow, 16, and son Sparrow, 14.
It was a sweet family moment for the happy couple – like Nicole’s father, Lionel Richieand his mother, Brenda Harvey-Richie, were also present.
To celebrate the happy couple’s lasting romance, ET is looking back at where things started and all the major milestones in their lives.
2006 – First Meeting
According to Nicole, her first meeting with Joel was brief but memorable. O Good news actress reflected on the meeting, which took place during a party at a friend’s house.
“He was there hanging out with my girlfriend’s sister and we met very, very briefly… He was very shy,” recalled Nicole – who was 25 at the time – when speaking to 60 Minutes Australia in 2013. “He was just kind. to keep to himself, I couldn’t read about him for the world.”
According to Joel, then 27, the encounter inspired him to try and woo Nicole – repeatedly asking for a chance at a first date.
“I always think, ‘Just give me a chance, just give me a date.’ If I can get in the door, that’s how it’s always been with girls,” Joel told 60 Minutes Australia. “I was never the obvious (choice).”
December 2006 – Love begins
Evidently, persistence paid off for Joel, because the couple soon became romantically involved after they were spotted spending time together at the bar of the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood in late 2006.
The date was publicized by gossip blogs and tabloids at the time, and the pair were seen the following night on a double date with Joel’s twin brother Benji Madden and Benji’s then-girlfriend Sophie Monk at the Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills.
August 2007 – Baby News
In an interview with Diane Sawyer in August 2007, Nicole revealed that she and Joel were expecting their first child together, sharing, “I’m almost four months old.”
In the same interview, Joel declared his love for Richie, explaining, “There’s no way you won’t fall in love with her when you meet her.”
In November, Joel addressed the pregnancy when speaking with People, expressing, “Having a baby is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me and us… (we’re) so happy.”
January 2008 – Bundle of Joy
Nicole gave birth to her daughter – Harlow Winter Kate Madden – on January 11, 2008.
The new parents shared photos of their daughter with People, and Nicole told the outlet at the time, “It’s almost like I don’t even remember what life was like before her. .”
February 2009 – Expanding the Family
Shortly after Harlow’s first birthday, Joel visited the Good Charlotte website to share a since-deleted post announcing that he and Nicole were expecting their second child.
“I’m so happy to tell everyone that Harlow is going to be a big sister!” Joel wrote at the time. “God has truly blessed my family. I hope you are all feeling as good as I am right now.”
The following June, he shared with People that he and Nicole chose not to find out the baby’s sex until birth – which they also did the first time around.
“We don’t know what the sex is,” Joel admitted. “We’ve been waiting for the first one and it’s been such an incredible experience that we can’t wait to see what the next one will be. It’s exciting to wait.”
Joel also said the second pregnancy experience was “a lot easier,” sharing, “You’ve been through it before and it’s not as intense and dramatic. We’re a little more relaxed. It’s actually kind of nice.”
September 2009 – Baby #2
The couple’s family grew when they welcomed their son, Sparrow James Midnight Madden, on September 9, 2009.
Nicole and Joel announced the news on their personal website, sharing with fans: “He weighs 7 pounds, 14 ounces. Nicole, Joel, Harlow and Sparrow are all doing well.
In October 2009, Nicole told People, “I couldn’t be happier. The only thing you want is for your kids to be healthy and happy, and they are. I’m right where I belong.”
February 2010 – She said yes
In an interview with David Letterman on The Late Show, Nicole revealed that she and Joel had become engaged, the first time the news had been revealed publicly.
Later, Joel took to Twitter to address the announcement, sharing, “We’ve been engaged for a while, so you guys are a little behind on this. But still, thanks for the hustle.”
Joel also thanked his friends and family for not talking about his engagement and for allowing them privacy, writing, “Ps this is why I love my family and friends. None of them are sources. All the good, quiet people who let us enjoy this Thank you all.”
December 2010 – Tying the knot
After welcoming two children and getting engaged, the two tied the knot in a beautiful winter-themed wedding held at her famous father’s Beverly Hills estate.
The event was attended by around 130 friends and family – including Gwen Stefani, Gavin Rossdale, Khloe Kardashian, Samantha Ronson – and included a trained elephant for the festivities. Furthermore, her daughter served as a lovely flower girl.
July 2014 – Playing Matchmaker
As Nicole’s relationship with Joel continued to develop and strengthen, Joel’s twin brother Benji began a romance with Cameron Diaz in May 2014 – and Nicole happily took credit for the romantic connection in July 2014 during a appearance in Watch what happens live!
“I will take responsibility for everything!” Nicole stated. “I am a dedicated sister-in-law. I’m happy for those who are happy and I want everyone to be surrounded by love.”
September 2019 – Secret to Success
Speaking with Us weeklyJust months before her 9th anniversary with Joel, Nicole reflected on the key to their successful romance and explained that it largely had to do with the fact that they both enjoyed each other’s company and that they “love to laugh and have fun.” if.”
“It’s nice to take life’s journey together,” Nicole shared. “Doing it with someone else who has the same goals as you is a really fun way to live.”
December 2020 – An important milestone
The pair celebrated their 10th anniversary on December 11, 2020, and Joel commemorated the occasion with an adorable black and white photo of him and his lady love, which he posted on Instagram.
“10 years married with kids 😍❤️Thank you baby, you make life sweet,” Joel wrote.
November 2023 – Showered with praise
Joel marveled at how wonderful his wife is while sitting down (and getting a tattoo) with Drew Barrymore on her daytime talk show on Nov. 15.
“The more you get to know her, the more you love her… she’s just classy,” Joel said, before praising Nicole’s parents for “raising someone with a lot of integrity and a lot of class.”
He also praised his children, telling Drew, “We’ve been lucky with our kids. They’re easy. I always tell my kids, ‘You guys make being a dad so easy.'”
“They’re just good kids, they’re really great,” he added. “They’re like their mother.”
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