In the mid-1970s, legendary musician Bill Hudson and actress Goldie Hawn crossed paths at the height of their careers. The two met on a first-class flight from New York to Los Angeles in 1975, sparking an instant connection that would quickly develop into a relationship.
Hudson was already well-known in the music industry, performing with groups like The Beach Boys, The Osmonds, and The Monkees. He was a member of The Hudson Brothers and also appeared in TV shows and films, including the cult hit *Hysterical*. Reflecting on their first encounter, Hudson described the immediate chemistry he felt. “There was an instant attraction,” he said in an interview. “That same night, I asked her to dinner, and the rest was history.” The strong physical connection between them played a significant role in the rapid development of their relationship.
By 1976, Goldie Hawn and Bill Hudson had married, and Goldie was expecting their first child, a son. However, the birth was fraught with complications. At Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, their newborn was diagnosed with meconium aspiration syndrome, a life-threatening condition caused by inhaling contaminated amniotic fluid. The baby was placed in isolation for three days, causing deep concern for the couple. Hudson remembered how difficult those days were, stating, “Goldie was really sick, and I spent time between her bedside and the neonatal intensive care unit.” Despite the grim prognosis from doctors, their son pulled through, and Hudson described him as their “miracle baby.”
In 1979, the couple welcomed a daughter, bringing their family to four. They enjoyed several happy years together, but their marriage unraveled in 1981 after Hudson discovered that Hawn had been unfaithful. This discovery shattered the marriage, as Hudson desired a traditional relationship, while Hawn was open about her preference for a less conventional arrangement. According to Hudson, Hawn admitted to him early in their marriage that she didn’t believe in monogamy and wanted an open marriage. “She told me that she couldn’t imagine being with one man for the rest of her life,” Hudson said in an interview with *The Daily Mail*. Their differing views on commitment eventually led to their separation.
Shortly after the breakup, Goldie Hawn began dating actor Kurt Russell, whom she had first met on the set of *Swing Shift*. Their relationship blossomed, and in 1986, they welcomed their son, Wyatt Russell. This new phase brought challenges, particularly for Hawn’s children from her first marriage. Goldie’s daughter reflected on how difficult it was to adjust to the blended family. “It was a big moment for me when I realized my mom was in love with someone else,” she shared. Meeting Russell’s son Boston only added to the emotional complexity of the situation.
For Hawn’s children from her marriage to Hudson, the split left them with feelings of abandonment. Hudson’s son later spoke about how their biological father gradually distanced himself from their lives. Despite this, both siblings grew to see Kurt Russell as their father figure, cherishing the role he played in their lives. Though their relationship with Bill Hudson remained strained, they expressed gratitude for Kurt’s dedication and love.
Hudson, on the other hand, felt betrayed by Hawn and accused her of turning their children against him. He publicly voiced his hurt and frustration, particularly after his son Oliver posted a scathing Father’s Day message on social media, wishing him a “Happy abandonment day.” This deepened the rift between Hudson and his children, as he admitted to feeling excluded from their lives.
While Goldie’s children have moved forward and built strong relationships with Kurt Russell, Bill Hudson continues to harbor resentment. Despite the tension, Russell has embraced his role as a father and grandfather, becoming a cherished figure in his stepchildren’s lives. Hudson, meanwhile, has come to terms with the distance between him and his children, though the pain of the estrangement remains.
