For almost two decades Nicole Richie And Joel Madden have built a fairytale Hollywood romance.
Earlier this month, The happy couple walked onto the red carpet at the premiere of Nicole’s film, Don’t tell mom the babysitter is dead, at The Grove in Los Angeles and were joined in a rare public appearance by their teenage children – daughter Harlow, 16, and son Sparrow, 14.
It was a sweet family moment for the happy couple – as Nicole’s father, Lionel Richieand her mother, Brenda Harvey-Richie, were also in attendance.
To celebrate the happy couple’s enduring romance, ET is taking a look back at the beginnings and all the major milestones in their lives.
2006 – First encounter
According to Nicole, her first meeting with Joel was short but unforgettable. The Good news The actress reflected on the meeting, which took place during a party at a friend’s house.
“He was there hanging out with my friend’s sister, and we met very briefly… He was very shy,” Nicole, then 25, recalled in an interview with her 60 minutes Australia in 2013. “He kind of kept to himself. For the life of me I couldn’t read it.”
According to Joel, then 27, the meeting inspired him to try to woo Nicole – by repeatedly asking for a chance on the first date.
“I always say, ‘Just give me a chance. Just give me a date.’ “When I get my foot in the door, it’s always been like that with girls,” Joel said 60 minutes Australia. “I was never the obvious one [choice].”
December 2006 – Love begins
Apparently, Joel’s persistence paid off as they soon became romantically linked after they were spotted spending time together in the bar of the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood in late 2006.
The date was picked up by gossip blogs and tabloids at the time and the two were spotted the following evening 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 August 2007 interview with Diane Sawyer, Nicole revealed that she and Joel were expecting their first child together, saying, “I’m almost four months old.”
In the same interview, Joel declared his love for Richie, stating, “There’s no way you can’t fall in love with her when you get to know her.”
In November, Joel addressed the pregnancy while speaking to PeopleShe expressed, “Having a baby is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me and to us…” [We are] very happy.”
January 2008 – Bundle of Joy
Nicole gave birth to her baby girl – Harlow Winter Kate Madden on January 11, 2008.
The new parents shared photos of their little girl Peopleand Nicole told the outlet at the time, “It’s almost like I can’t even remember what life was like before her.” It gives life a whole new meaning and purpose.”
February 2009 – Expansion of the family
Shortly after Harlow’s first birthday, Joel I went to the Good Charlotte website to share a now-deleted post announcing that he and Nicole are expecting their second child.
“I’m so excited to announce to everyone that Harlow is going to be a big sister!” Joel wrote at the time. “God has truly blessed my family. Hope.” [you’re] I’m all doing as well as I’m doing right now.
The following June he announced People that he and Nicole had decided not to find out the gender of their baby until birth – which they did the first time.
“We don’t know what gender it is,” Joel admitted. “We’ve been waiting for the first film and it was such a great experience that we can’t wait to see the next one. It’s exciting to wait.”
Joel also said the second pregnancy felt “much easier.” As he put it: “You’ve already been through it and it’s not as intense and dramatic anymore. We’re a little more relaxed. It’s actually quite nice.”
September 2009 – Baby #2
The couple’s family grew as they welcomed their son Sparrow James Midnight Madden on September 9, 2009.
Nicole and Joel announced the news on their personal website, telling fans: “He weighs 7 pounds. 14 ounces. Nicole, Joel, Harlow and Sparrow are all doing well. Thank you for all your good wishes.”
In October 2009, Nicole told People“I couldn’t be happier. The only thing you want is for your children to be healthy and happy, and they are. I’m exactly where I belong.”
February 2010 – She said yes
In an interview with David Letterman on The Late ShowNicole announced that she and Joel had gotten engaged, marking the first time the news had been made public.
Later, Joel went to Twitter to address the announcement and say, “We’ve been engaged for a while, so you’re all a little late.” But thanks for the hoopla anyway.”
Joel also thanked his friends and family for not discussing their engagement and allowing them their privacy, writing, “Ps. That’s why I love my family and my friends. None of them are sources. All good, secretive people who let us enjoy it.” ! Thanks to all.”
December 2010 – Tying the knot
After welcoming two children and getting engaged, the two tied the knot in a winter wedding at the Beverly Hills estate of Lionel Richie, Nicole’s famous father.
The event was attended by around 130 friends and family members – including Gwen Stefani, Gavin Rossdale, Khloé Kardashian and Samantha Ronson – and a trained elephant joined in the festivities. Additionally, her daughter acted as an adorable flower girl.
July 2014 – Play 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 resumed the romance in July 2014 during an appearance on the US television series ” See what’s happening live!
“I take responsibility for everything!” Nicole explained. “I am a devoted sister-in-law. I am happy for everyone who is happy and I want everyone to be surrounded by love.”
September 2019 – Secret of success
In conversation with Us weekly Just a few months before her 9th wedding anniversary with Joel, Nicole reflected on the key to their successful romance, explaining that it largely had to do with the fact that they both simply enjoyed each other’s company and that they “liked to laugh and…” have fun. “
“It’s nice to take life’s journey together,” shared Nicole. “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 couple celebrated their 10th anniversary on December 11, 2020 and Joel celebrated the occasion with an adorable black and white snap of himself and his other half on Instagram.
“10 years married, kids 😍❤️Thanks darling, you make life sweet,” Joel wrote.
November 2023 – Showered with praise
Joel marveled at how wonderful his wife is as she sat with Drew Barrymore on her daytime talk show (and got a tattoo) on November 15.
“The more you know her, the more you love her… She’s just noble,” 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 were lucky with our children. They are easy. I always tell my kids, ‘You make being a dad so easy.'”
“They’re just good kids. They are really great,” he added. “They are like their mother.”
April 2024 – Proud spouse
At the premiere of Nicole’s film in Los Angeles Don’t tell mom the babysitter is deadJoel told ET he’s “very proud” of his wife’s new project.
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