Father’s Day recently brought an outpouring of love and gratitude across the world, as people celebrated the fathers and father figures who have influenced and supported them. Social media was flooded with tributes, from heartwarming messages to nostalgic photos, as families honored the men who shaped their lives. Among these tributes, there was a special post from actress Kate Hudson, directed at a man who played an unforgettable role in her life, not as her biological father, but as a steadfast father figure.

Kurt Russell, a well-known Hollywood actor, has been a part of Kate Hudson’s life for almost four decades. Russell and Goldie Hawn, an iconic actress herself, have been together since 1983, creating one of the most enduring love stories in Hollywood. Though they never married, their relationship grew into a deeply rooted partnership. For Hawn’s children, Oliver and Kate Hudson, Russell became much more than just their mother’s partner; he became the loving father they needed.

When Kurt Russell entered the lives of Goldie Hawn’s children, Oliver was six, and Kate was just three years old. The couple’s journey together began with the children already part of the picture. Goldie Hawn had ended her marriage to musician Bill Hudson, and her children had been adjusting to life after their parents’ split. According to Kate Hudson, one of her earliest memories of Kurt Russell was a moment that has stayed with her forever. As Kate shared on her podcast, Sibling Rivalry, the night her mother brought Kurt home was quietly transformative. She described how he checked on her and Oliver, watching them sleep with care and tenderness. This small act left a lasting impression on Kate, and it wasn’t long before Kurt was accepted as a vital part of their lives.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kate Hudson (@katehudson)

Goldie Hawn also recalls how Kurt’s nurturing presence and natural approach to parenting drew her in. She remembers observing him interact with her kids on set, noticing the ease with which he connected with them. According to her, he immediately showed a strong sense of warmth and patience with Oliver and Kate, qualities that deepened her love for him. As the years went on, Kurt’s role as a father figure only grew, especially as the children became estranged from their biological father, Bill Hudson. Kate later shared that she felt no connection with Bill, describing her lack of relationship with him as a “hole in the wall.” She made it clear that, for her, Kurt Russell was the only father she knew, the one who had earned that role through dedication and love.

Over the years, Kate Hudson’s admiration for Kurt has only strengthened, and she has been vocal about how his presence has influenced her. On Father’s Day, she took to social media to honor Kurt with a heartfelt message that revealed just how much she values his role in her life. She referred to him as her “great loyal protector” and “wild adventurer father.” Kate’s tribute highlighted the unique bond they share, marked by a love of adventure and thrill that Russell passed down to her. She reminisced about the exhilarating experiences they shared, including skiing out of helicopters and flying in open-cockpit planes. These adventures were not merely fun outings but memories that shaped her childhood and adulthood alike.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kate Hudson (@katehudson)

For Kate, Kurt Russell represents a father who embraced life with excitement and spontaneity, never shying away from trying something new. She praised his willingness to take on new experiences with them and emphasized how he brought joy and exploration into every family moment. Her tribute painted a vivid picture of a man who didn’t just play a part but actively contributed to the joyous spirit of their family life. It’s clear that Kurt’s role as a father wasn’t just in fulfilling traditional duties but also in bringing energy and positivity to every family experience.

This was not the first time Kate expressed her appreciation for her stepdad on social media. When Kurt celebrated his 70th birthday, Kate wrote a moving tribute that further showcased the depth of their bond. She spoke about how he instilled confidence in her from a young age, teaching her that she deserved everything she worked for. This encouragement, she said, gave her the courage to pursue her ambitions fearlessly. In her words, Kurt gave her “the gift of confidence,” and that assurance has been a guiding force throughout her life. According to Kate, having a father who truly believes in you can inspire you to live courageously, knowing that you have a strong support system to lean on.

Kurt Russell’s relationship with Kate and Oliver Hudson is a testament to the impact a loving, supportive father figure can have on someone’s life. Despite not being their biological father, he filled that role in every way that mattered. Kate’s tributes highlight the values he imparted to her, from confidence to an adventurous spirit, to a deep appreciation for family. His influence played a pivotal role in shaping who she is, both personally and professionally.

In Hollywood, where relationships often don’t last, Kurt and Goldie’s partnership has been a rare example of enduring love. Their connection, built on respect, understanding, and shared values, has withstood the test of time. Their love story and the family they have nurtured together have inspired many, proving that love and family go far beyond traditional labels. The way Kurt embraced his role in Goldie’s children’s lives is a reminder that family is about the bonds we choose to nurture and the people we commit to supporting through life’s ups and downs.

Father’s Day isn’t solely for celebrating biological fathers; it’s about honoring the people who have stepped into that role, offering guidance, love, and stability. Kurt Russell exemplifies this role beautifully. He embraced Goldie Hawn’s children as his own, not out of obligation, but out of genuine love and commitment. As Kate Hudson’s tribute shows, he became a father in every sense of the word, providing a source of strength, excitement, and encouragement that helped shape her life.

For those who grew up with a father figure who wasn’t a biological parent, stories like Kate’s resonate on a personal level. Fatherhood can come in many forms, and the impact of a dedicated father figure can be profound and life-changing. Kurt Russell’s story with Kate and Oliver Hudson reminds us all of the importance of love, dedication, and presence in a father’s role. Through his example, we see how powerful a father’s influence can be, no matter the path that brought them into that role.