Goldie Hawn, one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses and comedic icons, has had a life filled with successes, love, and personal growth. Behind her radiant smile and unforgettable roles in films like Private Benjamin and The First Wives Club, Goldie has navigated the complexities of relationships, career, and personal struggles. Now, at 78 years old, Hawn is reflecting on her life and sharing the truth behind one of the most significant personal decisions she made — her divorce from musician Bill Hudson.

Goldie Hawn’s early life was marked by creativity and determination. Raised in Washington, D.C. by a father who was a band musician and a mother who founded a dance school, Goldie was immersed in the arts from a young age. Dance was her first love, and it was through dance that she learned to express herself and cope with life’s challenges. Despite the family’s modest circumstances, Goldie was encouraged to pursue her passion, and by the time she was a teenager, she was taking dance and acting classes more seriously.

Her career in Hollywood began with humble beginnings in television and stage performances, but it was her role in Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In (1968) that launched her into the spotlight. Her quirky, free-spirited persona won the hearts of audiences, and soon, she was starring in major films. By the time she was 24, Goldie had already won an Academy Award for her role in Cactus Flower (1969), solidifying her place as one of Hollywood’s top stars.

However, despite her professional success, Goldie’s personal life has been a series of challenges, particularly in her relationships. Her first marriage was to actor and choreographer Gus Trikonis in 1969, but they separated in 1973 and divorced in 1976. Though they parted ways, Goldie maintained respect for Gus, viewing their marriage as a learning experience in compatibility.

In 1976, Goldie married musician Bill Hudson, with whom she had two children, Oliver and Kate Hudson. While the marriage appeared to be an idyllic Hollywood family at first, Goldie’s thriving career began to cause strains in their relationship. Hudson’s own career struggles and feelings of inadequacy contributed to growing tensions, and they divorced in 1982. Despite the breakup, Goldie and Bill managed to maintain a civil relationship for the sake of their children.

But it wasn’t until she met Kurt Russell in 1983 that Goldie finally found a relationship that allowed her to thrive both personally and professionally. The two actors, who first crossed paths in 1968 while filming The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band, found a deep connection while working together on Swing Shift. Goldie and Kurt’s relationship blossomed, and they have been together ever since, raising their son Wyatt Russell in a loving and supportive environment.

Despite their long-lasting and deeply fulfilling partnership, Goldie and Kurt chose not to marry, believing that their bond didn’t require a legal contract to be solid. Goldie has since explained that their decision was rooted in a desire to maintain their independence and freedom while still nurturing a strong, loving relationship. She has often shared that choosing not to marry gave them the ability to choose each other every day, rather than being bound by traditional expectations.

Goldie’s divorce from Bill Hudson, and her decision to stay unmarried to Kurt Russell, were driven by her quest for freedom and self-discovery. For Goldie, marriage wasn’t the key to happiness; instead, it was the ability to maintain her autonomy while still fostering deep, meaningful relationships.

Now, in her late 70s, Goldie continues to live life on her own terms. While she stepped back from the Hollywood spotlight, she has found new avenues of fulfillment in her philanthropic work, particularly with her Goldie Hawn Foundation and the MindUp program, which aims to promote emotional and mental well-being in children. Goldie remains a symbol of joy, resilience, and independence, using her life story to inspire others to follow their own paths.

Goldie’s journey teaches us that true happiness comes from embracing who we are, navigating relationships on our own terms, and understanding that the choices we make—whether in love, work, or life—should always reflect our true selves. She may not have followed the traditional path, but her story is a testament to the power of forging one’s own way.