Nicole Richie Reveals Her Daughter Is Using Her Middle Name, Kate
Nicole Richie is addressing the speculation surrounding her 18-year-old daughter, who has reportedly dropped the name Harlow.
“Yes, she uses her middle name,” Richie, 44, shared with People on Wednesday, January 14. “That’s her identity moving forward.”
When asked about the public reaction to this update, Richie added, “I didn’t check, but it makes sense … she prefers her middle name.”
Fans expressed curiosity after Richie posted a tribute to her daughter’s 18th birthday on Instagram on Monday, January 12, featuring a joint message with her husband, Joel Madden.
“18 years of you ♥️🎂 @katemaddennn,” the post captioned, showcasing a series of childhood photos of the teen.
Madden, 46, commented, “That’s my girl ❤️✨.”
Joel’s twin brother, Benji Madden, also shared his love in the comments, saying, “How to make a grown man cry!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ love you Kate! You’re a bad ass! Never forget it! Happy 18!! 🎉🎉❤️❤️🎉.”
Richie and Joel got married in 2010, two years after the birth of their first child. They are also parents to a 16-year-old son, Sparrow.
Although Richie and her husband are well-acquainted with fame, they strive to maintain a semblance of privacy for their family life.
“One significant difference in how I’m raising my kids compared to how I was raised is that I was often on tour. I don’t want to do the same with my children,” Richie told DuJour Magazine in September 2012. “I prioritize their stability. I want them home. … I was regularly pulled from school for tutors. By the time my father [Lionel Richie] went on stage, I was already asleep.”
Years later, Nicole discussed the idea of her children venturing into reality TV.
“I believe it would be a different experience today,” she told Entertainment Tonight in August 2021. “It depends on the opportunity. If my kids wanted to pursue something innovative when they’re older, I’d support it, as long as it feels true to them. Right now, since they’re preteens, I’d likely say no.”
The family made a rare appearance together at the premiere of Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead in Los Angeles in April 2024. Nicole and Joel posed with their children, along with Lionel, 76, his partner Lisa Parigi, and ex-wife Brenda Harvey-Richie.
Despite keeping her children out of the spotlight, Nicole has openly discussed her relationship with Joel. On the “Call Her Daddy” podcast in December 2024, she admitted she realized he would be her husband “from the moment we met.”
Nicole’s close friend Paris Hilton, who appeared on the same podcast episode, expressed her support for their relationship: “I just thought they were so adorable,” she reminisced. “Joel is incredibly sweet and loyal. He’s so different from the typical L.A. guy.”
