Nicole Richie and singer Joel Madden pose at the third annual Cartier Loveday reception in Los Angeles June 18, 2008. [Agencies]

Nicole Richie wants to marry fiance Joel Madden "soon". The 'Simple Life' star - who gave birth to the couple's first child, Harlow, in January - is keen to tie the knot with the Good Charlotte rocker once their busy schedules allow it.

She said: "The wedding will be soon. We want to get married, it's just finding the right time. It's very exciting." Nicole also says Joel is an "amazing" dad to little Harlow and is hands-on father.

She added to Britain's New! magazine: "He is an amazing father. He actually changes more diapers than I do. He's always singing to her and playing with her." Nicole - who has previously been in rehab for drug addiction - says her life has never been better since she met Joel and gave birth to Harlow.

She said: "I'm happier than I have ever been but I take nothing for granted. I have great friends, a great family, a great place to live and a beautiful baby. I've gone through a lot of hardship in my past but I really feel like I've come out on the other end. I'd really like to show how much I appreciate the fact that I'm still here, because I almost didn't get that chance."

(China Daily/Agencies June 25, 2008)