Kate Hudson is living proof that the relationship between a step-parent and a step-child can be just as strong – or stronger – than a biological connection. On Wednesday, the actress wished Kurt Russell, who’s been her mum Goldie Hawn’s partner for more than 30 years, a happy 70th birthday by sharing a sweet throwback family photo and a gushing post on Instagram.
Kate’s biological father is actor Bill Hudson, 71, but they are estranged. Kurt and Goldie, 75, have been together for most of her life.
In the sweet photo, Kate can be seen cuddling up to her step-dad. Her siblings Oliver Hudson and Wyatt Russell, Kurt’s son Boston from his marriage to American actress Season Hubley, and Goldie are also pictured in the happy snap.
In the caption, Kate wrote, “I’m gonna gush cause I don’t often about this man but I [figured] since today he turns 70, I’m gonna let it out. Plus he’ll never see this!
“I often wonder how how different our life would have been if he never entered the picture. How different I would be. Let me fill you in. He’s a pick up your boot straps kinda dad. Don’t cry, shake it off, you’re okay, kinda dad. Don’t let ’em push you around, you got this, kinda dad. Don’t listen to the noise, you’re doing great, kinda dad. Shake those hips like no one’s watching, kinda dad. Always get back on the horse, kinda dad. Never miss a show or game, kinda dad. Kids before anything, kinda dad. Work hard play hard, kinda dad. My girl can rule the world, kinda dad.”
She went on to say that he’s an original, one of a kind, powerful, intelligent, talented and loyal family man, adding that his dedication to her mother is as admirable as it gets.
“I love this man so much!” Kate added. “A note for all dads of girls. He gave me the gift of confidence, instilling a knowingness in me that I deserved everything I worked for, and I knew that he’d always have my back in whatever challenges lay ahead. When you have a dad who gives you permission to be confident, you live courageously. And that’s my Insta love letter to my dad, who has lived 70 years today. Happy birthday Pa.”
Goldie also shared a gushing tribute to Instagram, writing, “Happy birthday baby! What a wild ride. No, we never got married, but one thing that continues to grow is our love. You’re a wild one, brilliant, loveable, childlike, perfectly maddening, a father supreme and deeply funny! I can’t imagine my life without you at any age, Kurt Russell. You’re the catch. And you’re all mine.”
The couple first met in 1966 on set of the film The One and Only Genuine, Original Family Band when Kurt was just 16 years old. They reconnected and started dating on the set of Swing Shift in 1983.
Goldie and Kurt have been married in the past (Goldie twice and Kurt once) with both also having children from previous marriages before they found each other. However, bringing together the blended families couldn’t have gone better for the couple, who also share a biological son, actor Wyatt, 34.