If you grew up in the early 2000s, you probably remember where you were when the news broke that Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie weren't speaking. It was the celebrity fallout of the century. The ultimate "BFFs" who taught us how to say "That's hot" and "Sanasa" suddenly became strangers. For years, fans have been scouring Instagram comments and paparazzi shots for any hint of a reconciliation.
So, let's cut to the chase. Are Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie still friends?
The answer is a resounding yes. Not only are they friends, but as of 2026, they are closer than they’ve been in decades. They didn't just "make up" for a quick photo op; they’ve fully integrated back into each other's lives. From being childhood playmates to reality TV rivals and now to "mom friends" navigating their 40s, the Hilton-Richie saga is the ultimate proof that some bonds are actually unbreakable.
The Sanasa Era: How They Fixed a Broken Bond
You probably saw the headlines back in late 2024 and throughout 2025. The duo shocked the internet by announcing a three-part Peacock special titled Paris & Nicole: The Encore. This wasn't just a random reunion. It was a calculated, hilarious, and deeply nostalgic project that celebrated the 20-year anniversary of The Simple Life.
Honestly, watching them back together felt like a fever dream. Seeing them at a Sonic Drive-In in California—Paris in her signature silver heels and Nicole in a literal hot dog costume—was the dopamine hit we all needed. But it wasn't just for the cameras.
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During the press tour for the special, particularly on an episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast, they got surprisingly real. They finally addressed the "toxic" mid-2000s media landscape that drove them apart. Nicole admitted that "nothing really happened" to start their famous feud. It was basically a classic case of bad communication and the tabloid machine making up stories that they eventually started to believe.
"Back then, the media was just so toxic and they loved starting feuds between people because, obviously, that sold tabloids," Paris told Alex Cooper.
They’ve grown up. At 43, they aren't the same girls who were falling out of SUVs in Hollywood. They’re mothers and entrepreneurs who have realized that a friendship spanning from the age of two is too valuable to throw away over some 2005 gossip.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Feud
There is a huge misconception that Paris and Nicole stayed enemies for fifteen years. That’s just not true. While they definitely had a "dark period" where they didn't speak (roughly 2005 to 2007), they actually started patching things up much sooner than people realize.
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- 2006-2007: They filmed the final seasons of The Simple Life separately at first, but eventually shared scenes again.
- The Wedding Era: Paris was a guest at Nicole’s wedding to Joel Madden in 2010. You don't invite a "sworn enemy" to your wedding.
- The Private Years: For a long time, they kept their friendship off social media. In the world of Instagram, if you don't post a selfie, people assume you’re feuding. In reality, they were just living their lives.
Nicole has been married to Joel Madden for over 15 years now. Paris has settled down with Carter Reum and is deep in her "boy mom" era with Phoenix and London. They’ve traded the nightclubs for playdates, and that’s a shift most fans missed because it wasn't as "clickable" as a public fight.
Why Their Friendship Still Matters in 2026
The reason people are still obsessed with whether or not these two are friends is simple: nostalgia. But it’s more than just Y2K fashion and kitschy catchphrases. They represent a specific era of pop culture where everything felt unscripted and chaotic.
Seeing them together in 2026 is a reminder that you can outgrow your mistakes. They’ve both evolved. Nicole became a respected fashion designer with House of Harlow 1960 and a sarcastic, self-aware actress. Paris transformed from a "party girl" caricature into a powerhouse businesswoman and an advocate for reforming the "troubled teen" industry.
Their current friendship is based on a "new era" of mutual respect. Nicole recently mentioned in an interview with People that she has no plans to return to reality TV permanently. She did The Encore because it "felt right" for the anniversary. This shows a level of maturity—they aren't chasing fame anymore; they’re doing things because they actually enjoy each other's company.
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The Secret Language of "Sill and Bill"
If you follow them on Instagram, you'll see them still using their old nicknames: Sill (Paris) and Bill (Nicole). This isn't just for the fans. It’s a shorthand they’ve used since they were toddlers.
When Nicole posted a carousel of childhood photos to celebrate their Peacock reunion, she captioned it, "It all started here..." The photos showed them as tiny kids with frizzy hair and big smiles. That kind of history is hard to find in Hollywood. It’s a "lifelong friendship," as Paris puts it, and it's clear they are leaning into that history rather than trying to hide from it.
What’s Next for the Duo?
While Nicole has signaled that she's likely done with unscripted TV for a while, don't expect them to disappear. They are still very much a part of each other's inner circles.
- Private Milestones: They continue to show up for each other's family events and birthdays.
- Creative Collaborations: While another season of The Simple Life might not be on the cards, they are still open to one-off projects that "make them laugh."
- Digital Support: They are each other's biggest cheerleaders on social media, constantly commenting on each other's business ventures.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to keep up with the latest on their friendship without falling for tabloid clickbait, follow these steps:
- Check Official Sources: Look at their actual social media feeds. They are very vocal about their support for one another now.
- Watch the Specials: If you haven't seen Paris & Nicole: The Encore on Peacock, watch it. It gives the best insight into their current chemistry.
- Ignore the "Feud" Rumors: Every few months, a tabloid will try to claim they've had a falling out. Unless it comes from them, it's likely just noise.
- Look for the "Mom" Connection: Much of their bond now is centered around their children. Nicole’s daughter, Harlow, is now an adult, and Paris is just starting her journey with toddlers. This "mentor/mentee" dynamic in motherhood is the new bedrock of their relationship.
The reality is that Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie have survived the ultimate test of friendship: time, fame, and a very public breakup. In 2026, they aren't just "still friends"—they are family. And that’s much hotter than any trend.