Nicole Richie’s 40th Birthday Shout Out to Joel Madden Is the Ultimate Throwback

Simple Life star shared an old photo from when they were in their 20s

By Lena Grossman Mar 11, 2019 9:17 PMTags
Nicole Richie, Joel MaddenInstagram

It's time to hop in a time machine because Nicole Richie is throwing it back to the early 2000s.

Richie shared a photo—an early era selfie, to be exact—of herself and her husband Joel Madden that they took over 10 years ago. The Simple Life star wore a silver sequin and mesh top and heavy black eyeliner while Madden rocked a black Good Charlotte tank top and a black fedora. She posted the throwback in honor of the singer's 40th birthday, which she wrote about in the caption.

"Here we are at 25 & 27. Today you're 40," she described. "Happy Birthday to my P.I.C., my ride or die, & my best friend for life @joelmadden." Richie's love for the Good Charlotte singer is clearly her "anthem."

The birthday boy praised Richie as well as his twin, Benji Madden in an Instagram birthday tribute of his own. "Happy Birthday to my partner and best friend @benjaminmadden We've been to hell and back and landed on our feet because of you and our wives," he wrote. "All my better halves. I would not be a husband or father if you didn't push me to be the better version of myself. You lead quiet and by example. I'm blessed to follow my brother."

read
How Benji and Joel Madden Went From Bad Boy Rockers to the Most Reliable Husbands in Hollywood

Benji married Cameron Diaz in 2015. It's quite the star-studded family!

Richie and her rocker husband have been married for about 9 years, although they've been together for much longer. The two of them announced in 2007 that they were expecting their first child together. Harlow Madden was born on Jan. 11, 2008 and their second child, Sparrow Madden, arrived not long afterwards on Sept. 9, 2009.

The duo tied the knot at Richie's dad Lionel Richie's Beverly Hills home on Dec. 11, 2010. Apparently, their ceremony also somehow involved an elephant. The exact reason for it is unclear, which really makes it the elephant in the room.

The parents of two tend to share sweet photos of each other on social media mixed alongside some pictures of their respective professional endeavors.

Take a look at the gallery below to see some of their cutest moments together as a couple.

Good Date Night

The 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar party was the ideal occasion to dress to the nines.

Tennis Pros

The couple that plays together, stays together. Couples bonding is the perfect secret to a long lasting relationship.

Nothing But Support

Nicole showed a little of her shy side while hiding behind her man during a simple date night. 

Pretty in Purple

Joel posted this throwback photo on his Instagram, showcasing the couple in all of their early 00's glory. 

Sun Day Fun Day

Nicole and Joel basked in the sun during a beach day.

Rock the Vote

The parents of 2 showed off their "I Voted" stickers after performing their civic duty.

Feeling Catty

Nicole and Joel took a moment for a photo at a party in 2017.

Love Fur You

The Simple Life star and musician smiled at each other at the G'Day Los Angeles Gala in January 2016.

An Early Selfie

The happy couple smiled for a sweet selfie that Richie snapped when they were 27 and 25.

A Night Out

The couple dressed to the nines in 2013.

Staying Cool

Nicole and Joel showed some PDA on a warm day in 2013.

White Hot

The Good Charlotte singer donned an all-black suit while she opted for a white outfit at Elton John's AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Party in 2011. Nicole's large engagement ring was on full display, too.

Best in Show

Nicole and Joel stopped and posed on the red carpet at the 2010 Oscars.

Slam Dunk for Love

The two of them snuggled up at a New York Knicks basketball game in 2010.

Happy birthday, Joel and Benji!