Hold onto your hats because this is a story worth hearing. Kate Hudson, the Hollywood star we all know and love, recently opened up about her personal life in a way that's both raw and heartfelt. In a candid radio interview, she admitted that her strained relationship with her father, Bill Hudson, has had a significant impact on her romantic life. Specifically, it’s played a role in her past marriage to Chris Robinson and her broken engagement to Matt Bellamy. "It's like the classic psychological issue," the 38-year-old actress confessed. "Anyone who has experienced an absent parent knows—it’s bound to surface somewhere down the line."
Kate's bond with her dad has been fractured since her parents split in the early 1980s. Her father, Bill Hudson, was present when she and her brother, Oliver Hudson, were young, but his involvement faded over time. Kate has always considered her mom Goldie Hawn’s longtime partner, Kurt Russell, to be her father figure. "He was around when we were little, but it kind of trailed off," Kate has explained in past interviews. Keep reading to dive deeper into the history between Kate and Bill!
View this post on InstagramHappy abandonment day… @katehudson
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What Really Happened Between Bill Hudson and Goldie Hawn?
Bill Hudson has his own take on why things fell apart with Goldie Hawn. According to him, Goldie cheated on him during their six-year marriage (1976–1982) and wanted to explore an open relationship. Shortly after their split, Goldie began a relationship with Kurt Russell in 1983, and the couple has been together ever since. The timeline suggests that Goldie's decision to move on quickly added fuel to the fire, creating a rift that would affect their children for years to come.
Why Did Bill Become Estranged From Kate and Oliver?
Bill has accused Goldie of "willfully alienating" him from his children, Kate and Oliver. He claims that after their divorce, Goldie initially spoke positively about him but changed her tune once Kurt Russell entered the picture. "When Kurt came along, the narrative shifted, and I became the villain," Bill has said. "I would ask Goldie, 'Why are you portraying me as an absent father when it's not true?' And she'd laugh and say, 'Oh Bill, it makes for a better story.'"
For a year following the divorce, Bill stayed close to his kids. However, over time, their relationship began to deteriorate. In 2015, things took a dramatic turn when Oliver posted a photo on Instagram for Father's Day, captioning it "Happy Abandonment Day." This post struck a nerve with Bill, who felt betrayed. "That was like a dagger to my heart," he said. "If Oliver wanted me out of their lives, then he’s succeeded. I don’t want to see either of my eldest children ever again. It’s over." Bill expressed that he feels as though he's lost his children and is now mourning their absence, even though they're still alive.
Who Else Is in Bill Hudson's Family?
Bill isn’t just a father to Kate and Oliver. He also has three other children from two different relationships. After his divorce from Goldie, Bill married Cindy Williams, known for her role in "Laverne & Shirley." Together, they had two children, Emily Hudson and Zachary Hudson. Additionally, Bill has a daughter named Lalania Hudson from another relationship. Despite these ties, Bill has distanced himself emotionally from Kate and Oliver, choosing to focus on his other children.
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Bill and Goldie in 1976. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Bill once stated, "I had five biological children, but now I consider myself the father of three. I no longer recognize Oliver and Kate as my own. I’d ask them to stop using the Hudson name. They’re no longer a part of my life." It’s a heartbreaking statement that highlights the depth of the estrangement.
Why Was Bill Hudson a Household Name?
Bill Hudson isn’t just known for being Goldie Hawn’s ex-husband. He's a talented singer and actor who found fame in the '70s as part of the band The Hudson Brothers alongside his siblings Brett and Mark Hudson. Their hits like "You Are a Star," "Rendezvous," "Lonely School Year," and "Help Wanted" made waves during that era. However, the group disbanded in 1981. On the acting front, Bill appeared in the 1987 film Big Shots and guest-starred in three episodes of Doogie Howser, M.D.

