Goldie Hawn, 78, reveals the intimate secret to her 40-year marriage with Kurt Russell, 73: 'It connects you'

She told E! News: "You have to have good sex. Because sex is something that creates more belonging.

"People who have healthy sexual relationships usually last a lot longer. But it's not just because of the act, it's because of the warmth and the intimacy that it creates."

Hawn also stressed the importance of laughter and shared experiences in a long-term relationship, advising couples to be realistic about their expectations and to accept their differences.

"You know you're not the same person. You don't think the same way oftentimes. And you have to accept that, but you have to measure are we having fun, or is this something we want to do? Do we have laughs together? Do we share certain things?"

The actress emphasised that partners don't need to share everything and having time to yourself, but liking each other is also as crucial.

She added: "You have to be nice to each other upon occasion," highlighting the need for kindness in relationships.

Russell, 73, echoed Hawn's sentiments, emphasising the importance of shared experiences in their relationship.

Also speaking to E! News, Russell shared: "Most people that have been together for a long time, I think, share one thing in common, and that is that after that many years together, you will have experienced just about everything there is to experience together and understand all the ups and downs and what it means."

The actor expressed his continued enjoyment of Hawn's company, stating: "I just love the fact that we met and we're still doing it. We still like being together."

Russell also noted that their relationship is "of the moment", prioritising each other's needs and desires - echoing Hawn's earlier comment of listening to one another.

The Hollywood couple began their relationship in 1983, though they first met when Hawn was 21 and Russell was 16.

The couple have never married but share a son, Wyatt Russell, 38, with Hawn also having two children, Kate and Oliver Hudson, from a previous marriage.

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The Love-In Gala, where Hawn shared her relationship insights, marked the 20th anniversary of MindUP - The Goldie Hawn Foundation. This non-profit organisation provides mental health tools to students, educators, and families.

The star-studded event was attended by numerous celebrities, including Fergie, Demi Moore, and Orlando Bloom, showcasing support for Hawn's mental health initiative.