United Kingdom, March 18 -- Joel Madden wants to protect his "sacred" relationship with Nicole Richie.

The Good Charlotte rock star, 47, and 44-year-old reality star first met almost 20 years ago, and Joel has revealed how his wife has "always been the person she is today", regardless of how the public sees her personality.

He told Bunnie Xo's Dumb Blonde podcast that their marriage is "sacred ground", adding: "I'm super aware of the way the world works, and the narrative of who Nicole was before the 'us'.

"I don't fight it, but I will say that Nicole has always been the person she is today.

"I'm her biggest fan, and I was from the first time I met her, because I see someone who's very strong and has been through a lot and has integri...