Nicole Richie addresses her daughter’s new identity after unveiling transformation on her 18th birthday

Nicole Richie touched on her daughter’s new identity for the first time after the young girl announced her transformation on her 18th birthday.

The 44-year-old TV star, who celebrated her eldest child’s special milestone this past weekend, shares her daughter and 16-year-old son Sparrow with husband Joel Madden.

Richie shared a series of throwback photos on Instagram that brought back memories of his daughter, formerly known as Harlow. However, when she tagged the teenager, it was revealed that she was now using her middle name, Kate.

His dramatic transformation was also seen; The 18-year-old chose a jet black color from her honey blonde curls.

Richie said, ‘Yes, he uses his middle name’ People. ‘He’s got his whole life.’

Following the reaction of social media users who noticed the name change, the star said, ‘I didn’t look but it makes sense… he uses his middle name.’ he said.

The Simple Life alum uploaded an Instagram photo as a sweet tribute to her daughter Harlow, sharing a series of throwback photos. However, when she tagged the teenager, it was revealed that she was now using her middle name, Kate.

Earlier this week, Richie hopped on his main Instagram page to wish his eldest child a happy birthday.

He installed a carousel to show his daughter growing up over the years; There were also more recent photos, as well as a photo of the reality star holding her newborn baby.

In the caption she sent to her 7.2 million followers, the star wrote: ‘@katemaddennn for 18 years’, followed by a red heart and cake emoji.

Richie also hopped on his Instagram stories to share a photo of his daughter, who currently sports black locks.

In the text added to the post, the mother of two said: ‘My favorite person in the world is now 18 years old. Happy birthday @katemaddennn. I [heart] You.’

One fan wrote: ‘Happy birthday!? Did he change his name?’ while another replied: ‘I was thinking about that too, weren’t I Harlow?’

Others also left messages in the comments, including Kate’s dad and Good Charlotte’s lead singer saying: ‘That’s my girl ❤️✨’.

His uncle Benji Madden, who is married to Cameron Diaz, also said, ‘How to make a grown man cry!!! I love you Kate! You are evil! Never forget this! Happy 18th!’

Richie has previously opened up about raising his two children, who are currently enjoying their teenage years; The star was spotted with her daughter and son in Los Angeles in 2024

“Yes, he uses his middle name,” Richie told People on Wednesday. ‘His whole life’

She uploaded a photo of a carousel to show her daughter growing up over the years; There were also more recent photos, as well as a photo of the reality star holding her newborn

But Kate’s hair transformation is a look the teenager has been showing off on her own Instagram page in recent months

Some fans jumped into the comments section of the birthday post and noticed that Richie used his daughter’s middle name

Richie previously opened up about raising his two children, who are currently enjoying their teenage years.

‘Motherhood is the wildest journey and definitely the best,’ she said. Interview Magazine In 2024.

That same year, the TV personality got candid about raising Kate and Sparrow as teenagers.

‘I remember clearly what it was like to be young. It feels like it happened yesterday. “And they know everything I do,” he said. Fascination.

‘Before I got them, I knew I had to be transparent with them about who I was. And I actually found freedom in that.’

She added: ‘I didn’t want my children to make a huge discovery about me. And I’ve always been very open and honest with my children, and I hope they’ll be open and honest with me, too.’

Richie said it too Today She said her “favorite part” of parenting so far has been raising teenagers.

The reality star explained: ‘I remember being 16 so clearly it’s truly amazing how quickly I was able to get back there.

‘I remember when my daughter was telling me about the drama with her friends. I say, ‘Laila Heckmath did this to me.’ I remember his first and last name, so it’s fun. This is wild. And only the best.’

Apart from balancing motherhood, Richie is also busy with her work in the entertainment industry.

The reality star explained: ‘I remember being 16 so clearly it’s really surprising how quickly I was able to get back there’; Seen in New York in February 2025

She reunited with close friend Paris Hilton for the 2024 series Paris & Nicole: The Encore to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Simple Life; The duo seen in Hollywood in 2004

She reunited with her close friend Paris Hilton for the 2024 series Paris & Nicole: The Encore to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Simple Life.

That same year, the star starred in the remake of the 1991 film, Don’t Tell the Mother the Babysitter’s Dead.

Richie reflected on aging in an interview with Interview Magazine, saying being in your 40s was the “absolute most fun decade.”

She added: ‘I find myself skipping my age now more than ever just because I want people to understand the mood I’m in. “I’m not a 20-year-old idiot…”