Joel Madden Reveals When Daughter With Nicole Richie Changed Her Name

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Joel Madden isn’t throwing his hands up at his Harlow Winter Kate Madden‘s new moniker.

When Nicole Richie wished her oldest daughter a happy 18th birthday on social media, she used the daughter’s middle name. This prompted Joel Madden, the daughter’s father and frontman of Good Charlotte, to explain why she’s been publicly using the name Kate.

He said the story spread quickly because it was sensational. He explained on the March 16th episode of Bunnie Xo’s Dumb Blonde podcast that she’s actually used her middle name since elementary school – it was her own choice.

He recalled first learning of her decision during an open house at her school.

Joel, who shares a 16-year-old son, Sparrow James Midnight Madden, with Nicole, recounted a recent conversation. He said a teacher told him, ‘Kate is doing really well, she’s a very sweet girl.’ Joel and Nicole were confused, asking who Kate was, and were surprised to learn the teacher was referring to their daughter, who had apparently introduced herself as Kate.

We headed home and asked her, ‘Do people at school call you Kate?’ She said she liked being called Kate, and we thought that was perfect.

We headed home and asked her, ‘So, you go by Kate at school?’ She said she liked it, and we thought that was perfect.

So, for more than a decade, their daughter has been going by her middle name.

He explained that everyone who knows her calls her Kate, and she’s been known by that name since childhood – since she was seven years old.

He stressed that it wasn’t a significant issue. She’d simply mentioned using her middle name, and the reaction was casual – a quick, positive comment like ‘That’s nice!’ or ‘That’s cute!’ – and then everyone moved on. There wasn’t any further conversation about it.

And now, her name has even become an unexpected litmus test.

She goes by Kate with people who know her well, but others usually call her Harlow, she explained. It’s actually a clever way for her to figure out who truly knows her, since someone unfamiliar would likely use the name Harlow.

Joel deeply understands the importance of letting his children be themselves. His wife, Nicole, believes he’s a natural when it comes to being a dad – after 15 years of marriage, she thinks he could write the book on fatherhood.

In a 2013 interview with Australia’s 60 Minutes, she described Joel as a deeply shy and private person who truly loves life and has a profound passion for music. She added that he’s incredibly loyal and has strong family values – more so than anyone she’s ever known, and he’ll do anything for those who share his love of music.

Now, for a closer look at Nicole and Joel’s simply adorable moments together, keep reading.

The 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar party was the ideal occasion to dress to the nines.

Sharing fun activities is a great way for couples to strengthen their bond and build a lasting relationship. It’s often said that couples who enjoy time together, stay together.

Nicole showed a little of her shy side while hiding behind her man during a simple date night. 

Joel shared an old photo on Instagram of him and his partner, capturing their style from the early 2000s.

Nicole and Joel basked in the sun during a beach day.

The parents of 2 showed off their “I Voted” stickers after performing their civic duty.

Nicole and Joel took a moment for a photo at a party in 2017.

The Simple Life star and musician smiled at each other at the G’Day Los Angeles Gala in January 2016.

The happy couple smiled for a sweet selfie that Richie snapped when they were 27 and 25.

The couple dressed to the nines in 2013.

Nicole and Joel showed some PDA on a warm day in 2013.

At the 2011 Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards party, the Good Charlotte singer wore a black suit and she chose a white outfit. Her engagement ring was also prominently visible.

Nicole and Joel stopped and posed on the red carpet at the 2010 Oscars.

The two of them snuggled up at a New York Knicks basketball game in 2010.

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2026-03-17 20:17