Kate Hudson shares moving tribute as her 'pa' Kurt Russell turns 70

Kate Hudson has penned a moving tribute to her “pa” Kurt Russell as he celebrated his 70th birthday.

The Hollywood star took to Instagram to share her “love letter” as the actor reached the milestone, saying he was a “powerful, intelligent, talented, loyal family man”.

Hudson - whose biological dad is Bill Hudson - was raised by her mum Goldie Hawn and Russell, and said the actor gave her the “gift of confidence” as she was growing up.

Watch: Kate Hudson and family gather to watch Golden Globes together

Read more: Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell reveal they have never felt the need to marry

“I’m gonna gush cause I don’t often about this man but I figure since today he turns 70 I’m gonna let it out,” said the 41-year-old, sharing a throwback family photo.

“I often wonder how how different our life would have been if he never entered the picture. How different I would be," she went on.

“Let me fill you in.

“He’s a pick up your boot straps kinda dad. Don’t cry, shake it off you’re ok, kinda dad. Don’t let ‘em push you around you got this, kinda dad. Don’t listen to the noise you’re doing great, kinda dad. Shake those hips like no ones watching, kinda dad. Always get back on the horse, kinda dad. Never miss a show or game, kinda dad. Kids before anything, kinda dad. Work hard play hard, kinda dad. My girl can rule the world, kinda dad.”

The actor said Russell’s “laugh will echo through generations as powerful as his concocted stories of grandeur that may or may not be true (may we never know)”.

“He’s an original,” she went on. “One of kind. A powerful, intelligent, talented, loyal family man.

“He has taught me that we can all exist with immense love through our differences.

“And his dedication to my mother and their fight for love forever is as admirable as it gets. I love this man so much!”

Hudson also added “a note for all dads of girls”, explaining: “He gave me the gift of confidence instilling a knowingness in me that I deserved everything I worked for and I knew that he’d always have my back in whatever challenges may lay ahead.

"When you have a dad who gives you permission to be confident you live courageously.

"And that’s my insta love letter to my dad who has lived 70 years today.

"Happy Birthday Pa.”

Hawn, 75, also paid tribute to her long-time partner as he celebrated his big day.

Posting an old video of them on Instagram, she wrote: “Happy birthday baby! What a wild ride. No, we never got married but one thing that continues to grow is our love.

"You’re a wild one, brilliant, lovable, childlike, perfectly maddening, a father supreme and deeply funny!"

"I can’t imagine my life without you at any age, Kurt Russell," she said. "You’re the catch. And you’re all mine.”

Hawn and Russell have been together since 1983.

Read more: Kurt Russell says actors are 'court jesters' and should avoid politics

Hawn is mother to Kate and son Oliver with her ex Bill Hudson, and she and Russell share son Wyatt.

Russell also has a son named Boston from his former marriage with Season Hubley.

Watch: Denise Van Outen and Eddie Boxshall meet Mark Johnstone, psychoenergetic therapist, in their new podcast, Before We Say I Do...