Joel Madden has clarified that his and Nicole Richie’s daughter, Harlow, has preferred to go by her middle name, Kate, for years – long before recent media speculation. In a recent appearance on the Dumb Blonde podcast, Madden explained that the change wasn’t a sudden decision but a gradual shift she made herself.
A Childhood Preference
Madden shared that their daughter has identified as Kate since first grade. “She chose it,” he said, adding that the family discovered this preference when attending a school open house. The reaction from Madden and Richie was simple: they supported her choice. “We went home, we’re like, ‘You go by Kate at school?’ She goes, ‘Yeah, I like it.’ And we were like, ‘OK, great,’” Madden recalled.
Minimal Discussion
The transition was casual; according to Madden, there was “no discussion” about the change. Those close to their daughter already knew and respected her preference. The story gained traction in media when Richie confirmed to PEOPLE that Kate has gone by her middle name “her whole life,” but Madden emphasizes this was not a recent development.
Family History
Madden and Richie have been together since 2006, marrying in 2010. Together, they have two children: Kate (born Harlow in 2008) and Sparrow (born in 2009). While they’ve kept their children relatively private, Richie has expressed gratitude for a more open environment surrounding parenting. “Women are no longer ashamed to say, ‘Oh, this is so hard! I’m worried I’m not doing a good job,’” she told PEOPLE, highlighting a shift towards greater support among mothers.
The clarification from Madden underscores the normalcy of the situation, dismissing media-driven narratives of a dramatic change. Kate’s name preference was simply a personal choice respected by her parents, evolving naturally over time.
