Kris Jenner's Emotional Birthday Tribute to Late Sister
Reality television matriarch Kris Jenner has publicly commemorated what would have been her sister Karen Houghton's 67th birthday, sharing a heartfelt tribute alongside nostalgic photographs. The 70-year-old mother and manager took to social media to honour her younger sister, who passed away unexpectedly last year.
Jenner posted multiple images capturing moments from their shared history, including one from her wedding day to Robert Kardashian, alongside other cherished family memories from holiday celebrations and everyday life.
Complex Sisterly Relationship Revealed
The relationship between the sisters was famously turbulent, cycling between public disputes and generous gestures. Despite their differences, Jenner's emotional caption expressed deep affection: 'Happy heavenly birthday to my beautiful sister Karen. I think about you every single day… I miss you, I love you, and I know you're watching over all of us.'
Karen Houghton was Kris Jenner's only sister, with the pair growing up together in San Diego primarily raised by their mother Mary Jo Campbell following her divorce from their father Robert Houghton.
Unexpected Passing and Medical Causes
Karen Houghton's death certificate confirmed she died from cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac arrhythmia, with Type 2 diabetes listed as a secondary underlying cause. The passing occurred unexpectedly, prompting Jenner to originally announce the news 'with the heaviest of hearts.'
In her initial statement, Jenner described her sister as 'beautiful inside and out,' noting she was 'the sweetest, kindest, the most sensitive and vulnerable and so so funny.' She emphasised how Karen 'treasured her family and friends and especially her beautiful daughter.'
The part-time nurse had occasionally found herself at odds with her famous sister's world. In 2013, she breached a non-disclosure agreement by discussing details of Kim Kardashian's baby shower with waiting reporters, even performing a jig and revealing that guests received Rolex watches.
Their relationship difficulties were publicly documented, with Karen once claiming Kris had spent approximately $1 million on plastic surgery. She attributed their strained relationship to Kris's celebrity status, commenting: 'I don't care how much money you have or who you are, you're my sister. I'm not afraid of her. I can't get to her anymore. But I guess it's the money.'
Despite the conflicts, there were reconciliations, including a 2019 family gathering photographed with their mother, Natalie (Karen's daughter), and Kylie Jenner. In perhaps the ultimate compliment, Karen underwent an extensive facelift in 2016 specifically to 'look like my beautiful sister Kris.'
Jenner concluded her original announcement with a poignant reflection: 'Karen's passing is a reminder that life is so short and precious and tomorrow is never promised. We must tell those we cherish how much we love them.'
