Joel Madden has pledged to marry Nicole Richie, his girlfriend who is five months pregnant with the couple’s baby. He told Ryan Seacrest on his radio show that they would get married, and that he was committed to Nicole:

“Obviously, marriage is in our future,” Madden told Ryan Seacrest on his KIIS-FM radio show Tuesday. “I don’t know when or where or how, but right now our priority is our family and is the baby.”

The singer added: “That’s all we’ve been thinking about. We are in love and are really happy.”

[From People.com]

A story last week had Nicole postponing the wedding until after the baby was born as she wanted to avoid the unnecessary stress. Nicole is said to be planning an all natural medication-free birth and seems to be acting in the best interest of her child. If only she could get an attitude adjustment.

It is possible that Madden was making such a public statement about his plans with Nicole due to the sensational new cover of Star this week. The cover features an old picture of Madden’s ex, Hilary Duff, on his lap. A forlorn-looking pregnant Nicole simpers on the cover and the headline reads “Joel CHEATING on pregnant Nicole… with Hilary?”

I thought Hilary Duff was dating a hot young hockey player and if there is some insider information about a potential meeting with Madden I bet they just ran into each other out somewhere and made awkward ex conversation. A paparazzo might have seen it at one of the clubs these young stars frequent and given the non-salacious details to the tabloids.

Meanwhile there’s a cute story in this week’s Enquirer about Joel busting his ass to get Nicole some ice cream when they were in NY:

In Madhattan [sic] spending a quiet evening in, pregnant Nicole Richie and Joel Madden vegged and watched TV - until Mommy-to-be suddenly moaned she had a powerful craving for caramel ice cream from fave La Maison du Chocholat in Rockefeller Plaza. After 20 minutes of resistance, Daddy-to-be surrendered and raced several blocks to the store - but it had just closed! Knowing Hell hath no fury like a pregnant dame jonse-ing for whatever, Joel banged on the door until an annoyed salewoman yelled through the glass: “We’re Closed!” Panic-stricken, Joel shouted back: “She’s pregnant - she’s craving caramel!” Suddenly softening, as members of The Sisterhood do when they hear baby talk, the woman took pity. Moments later - after telling her: “I will now have a little peace and quiet, thanks to you!” - Joel hotfooted back through the Big Apple streets.. just another lovestruck sap, a la “Guys and Dolls,” clutching his doll’s precious ice cream!

[From The National Enquirer, print edition, Mike Walker’s column, September 24, 2007]

Joel is not leaving Nicole anytime soon. The guy is making desperate ice cream runs for her and talking about getting married.

Last week’s Star Magazine had Joel and Nicole fighting over whether to live on the west or the east coast, with Joel wanting to live in NY while Nicole wanted to stay put in LA. Star must have it out for them, not that I wouldn’t mind seeing them flame out while Nicole ends up a single mom with all the help in the world.

Thanks to popbytes for the header image.