The Two Fathers: Who Is Kate Hudson's Father, And Why Is Her Relationship With Her Biological Dad Finally 'Warming Up' In 2025?

The question of "Who is Kate Hudson's father?" is far more complex than a simple name, revealing a deeply personal and often public story of estrangement, unconditional love, and the true meaning of family. As of December 2025, the narrative surrounding the actress’s parentage is more dynamic than ever, with recent updates indicating a surprising shift in her long-strained relationship with her biological dad, Bill Hudson.

For decades, Kate Hudson has openly celebrated her stepfather, the legendary actor Kurt Russell, as her one and only "Pa," while maintaining a distant, often painful relationship with her biological father. This article dives into the full story, exploring the two men who have shaped her life and providing the latest details on her current family dynamics, including a rare, positive update on the Hudson family feud.

The Two Fathers: A Deep Dive into Kate Hudson’s Family Dynamics

Kate Hudson’s upbringing was defined by two distinct father figures: her biological father, Bill Hudson, and her loving, long-time stepfather, Kurt Russell. Understanding her family structure is key to grasping the public and private persona of the Oscar-nominated actress.

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Bill Hudson: The Biological Father and Estranged Musician

• Full Name: William Louis Hudson Jr.
• Born: October 17, 1949 (currently 76 years old)
• Profession: Musician, Singer, and Actor. He was a vocalist and founding member of the popular 1970s band, The Hudson Brothers, alongside his brothers Brett and Mark Hudson.
• Relationship with Goldie Hawn: Married from 1976 to 1982.
• Children with Goldie Hawn: Oliver Hudson (born 1976) and Kate Hudson (born 1979).
• Status with Kate: Estranged for much of her life. The relationship was publicly fractured, notably after Bill Hudson declared Kate and her brother Oliver Hudson "dead to me" in a 2015 interview with The Daily Mail, following a controversial Father's Day post by Oliver.

Kurt Russell: The Beloved Stepfather and ‘Pa’

• Full Name: Kurt Vogel Russell
• Born: March 17, 1951 (currently 74 years old)
• Profession: Iconic Actor, known for roles in Escape from New York, The Thing, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
• Relationship with Goldie Hawn: Dating since 1983, a famously long-term, unmarried partnership.
• Children: Boston Russell (from a previous marriage) and Wyatt Russell (with Goldie Hawn).
• Status with Kate: The primary father figure. Kate and Oliver were raised by Kurt and Goldie Hawn, and Kate consistently refers to Kurt Russell as her "Pa." She has credited him with teaching her what a reliable, present father looks like.

The Strained Relationship with Bill Hudson: From ‘Absentee’ to ‘Warming Up’

The relationship between Kate Hudson and her biological father, Bill Hudson, has been a source of public curiosity and private pain for decades. Goldie Hawn and Bill Hudson divorced when Kate was only three years old, leading to Bill’s eventual absence from her and Oliver's lives.

In a candid discussion, Kate has frequently described Bill as an "absentee father," a term that captures the reality of her childhood. The void left by his absence was notably and lovingly filled by Kurt Russell, who stepped into the role of a devoted parent.

The Public Feud and the "Dead to Me" Comment

The family's private struggle became a major public story in 2015 when Oliver Hudson posted a sarcastic Father's Day greeting to Bill on Instagram, calling it a "Happy Abandonment Day." Bill Hudson’s response was swift and harsh: he publicly disowned both Kate and Oliver, stating they were "dead to me."

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For years following this incident, Kate maintained a position of not "overthinking" the strained relationship, choosing to focus on the family she had, especially her mother and Kurt Russell. The emotional distance was palpable, with Kate acknowledging she didn't "really have" a relationship with her biological dad.

A Surprising 2025 Update: The Relationship Is Improving

In a significant and recent development, as of late 2024 and early 2025, Kate Hudson has shared a rare, positive update on the status of her relationship with Bill Hudson. The actress, who recently released her debut album, Glorious, revealed in a new interview that the connection between them is "warming up" after years of estrangement.

This subtle but powerful shift suggests a potential for reconciliation, or at least a softening of the long-held tension. While the details of the "warming up" remain private, the acknowledgment from Kate indicates a willingness to move past the decades of distance and public drama, offering a fresh perspective on the complicated Hudson family dynamics.

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Kurt Russell: The Man Kate Hudson Calls ‘Pa’

The true heart of Kate Hudson’s fatherhood story lies with Kurt Russell. Despite the lack of a legal document, Kate has consistently and emotionally affirmed that Kurt is her father in every meaningful sense of the word.

Kurt Russell began dating Kate’s mother, Goldie Hawn, in 1983, when Kate was just four years old. He stepped seamlessly into the role of a father, raising Kate and Oliver alongside his own son, Boston Russell, and later welcoming their shared son, Wyatt Russell. This blended family is a testament to the power of choice and unconditional love.

The Public Tributes to Her Father Figure

Kate’s public tributes to Kurt Russell are frequent and heartfelt, often moving him to tears. She uses social media platforms, especially on Father's Day, to express her profound gratitude. In her 2024 Father's Day tribute, she posted a touching message, calling him "Pa" and thanking him for being a constant, loving presence in her life.

Anecdotes from the family highlight Kurt's genuine commitment. Oliver Hudson has recalled a touching moment when Kurt asked him and Kate if they were comfortable with him dating their mother, showing a profound respect for their feelings. This is a key reason why both Kate and Oliver consider Kurt to be their true father, a man who chose them and showed up consistently.

Topical Authority: The Legacy of a Blended Hollywood Family

The story of Kate, Oliver, Goldie, and Kurt is a powerful example of a successful, albeit complex, blended Hollywood family. It underscores the idea that family is defined by presence, love, and commitment, not just biology. The enduring partnership between Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, which has lasted over 40 years, provided a stable, loving environment that allowed Kate to thrive as an actress, singer, and mother to her own children.

While the recent news of a "warming" relationship with Bill Hudson offers a hopeful chapter to a decades-long saga, the core truth remains: Kurt Russell is the man Kate Hudson calls "Dad." His consistent, loving presence has been the foundation of her life, proving that the title of father is earned through dedication, not just birthright.