The Complicated Relationship Between Bill Hudson, Goldie Hawn, and Their Children
In the mid-1970s, two rising stars crossed paths in what seemed like a Hollywood fairy tale. Bill Hudson, a member of the musical group The Hudson Brothers, and iconic actress Goldie Hawn, who was riding high in her career, quickly connected and began a whirlwind romance.
The couple married in 1976 and soon welcomed their first child, Oliver Hudson, born later that same year. Their second child, Kate Hudson, was born in 1979. Despite their growing family, the marriage between Bill and Goldie quickly began to unravel. By 1981, their relationship ended in divorce. Bill later claimed that the split was largely due to their differing views on commitment, with Goldie allegedly desiring a more open relationship—a claim Goldie has not publicly confirmed.
Life After Divorce: Kurt Russell Steps In
Goldie’s life moved on, and in 1983, she rekindled a connection with actor Kurt Russell while filming the movie Swing Shift. Their romantic relationship blossomed, and Kurt quickly became a central figure in Goldie’s family life. The couple had a son, Wyatt Russell, born in 1986, and Kurt took on the role of a father figure to both Oliver and Kate Hudson.
Both Kate and Oliver have spoken highly of Kurt over the years, often referring to him as their true father figure. In an interview with Howard Stern, Kate said: “Kurt was there for all the hard and challenging times. He’s been the one who has always shown up.”
Bill Hudson’s Strained Relationship With His Children
As Goldie’s relationship with Kurt Russell strengthened, Bill Hudson felt more distanced from his two older children. He has claimed that Goldie alienated Oliver and Kate from him following the divorce, which created a lasting strain. This tension became public in 2015 when Oliver Hudson posted a controversial Father’s Day message on Instagram, captioning an old photo of him and Bill with the words, “Happy abandonment day.” The post ignited a media frenzy.
Bill responded by expressing his hurt, stating: “Oliver could have called me, but he didn’t. Instead, he chose to publicly shame me, which was deeply painful.” He further expressed that the relationship with his two older children had reached a breaking point, saying in an interview: “Oliver and Kate are dead to me now. I mourn them, even though they are still alive.”
The Hudson Siblings and Their Close Bond With Kurt Russell
Despite the ongoing tension with their biological father, both Kate and Oliver have embraced Kurt Russell as their father figure. They often speak about the love and support Kurt has provided over the years. Kate has shared, “Kurt has been our true father—he stepped in when we needed someone the most.”
While Bill Hudson has continued to express his disappointment over the estranged relationship with Kate and Oliver, the siblings remain focused on their close-knit family bond with Kurt and their mother, Goldie.
Moving Forward
Though Bill Hudson’s relationship with his older children remains strained, he continues to stay connected with his younger children from his second marriage. As for Kate and Oliver, they are deeply grateful for the role Kurt Russell has played in their lives and often share fond memories of growing up with him. Kurt, in turn, has fully embraced his role as a father and now a grandfather to Kate and Oliver’s children.
The story of Bill Hudson, Goldie Hawn, and their children is a complex one, filled with love, heartbreak, and evolving family dynamics. While tensions remain between Bill and his older children, the strong family bonds they’ve built with Kurt Russell have helped them move forward and find happiness in their blended family.
