Kris Jenner has penned a heartfelt tribute to her sister, Karen Houghton, following her unexpected death at the age of 65. Karen, who was a former flight attendant and the mother of an adult daughter, Natalie, was known for her private life and was not a regular presence on the family’s shows, including “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” and “The Kardashians.” Her death was announced by Kris on Instagram, where she shared her deep sorrow and fond memories of her sister.
Kris described Karen as “beautiful inside and out,” highlighting her sweetness, kindness, sensitivity, and humor. She emphasized Karen’s gratitude for her life, her treasured family and friends, and her special bond with her daughter, Natalie. Kris’s tribute also included a poignant reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of expressing love to those we cherish.
Karen’s death was reported to San Diego County officials on March 18, and her cause of death is attributed to natural causes. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, as the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call for medical aid in the afternoon of March 18, where fire officials were already providing lifesaving measures for Karen.
Karen’s relationship with her family, particularly her sister Kris, has been described as complicated. They were largely raised by their mother, MJ, after their father, Robert Houghton, divorced their mother in 1962.
Despite some public disagreements and a period of estrangement, Kris and Karen were said to have mended their relationship, as evidenced by a photo of them together in 2019, alongside MJ, Natalie, and Kylie Jenner.
It is with the heaviest heart and deepest sadness that I share that my sister Karen passed away yesterday unexpectedly. My heart aches for my mom MJ and my niece Natalie and I pray that God guides us all through this difficult time. Karen was beautiful inside and out. She was the… pic.twitter.com/S5uu18pK1I
— Kris Jenner (@KrisJenner) March 19, 2024
Karen’s only child, Natalie Zettel, is a model and the founder of Styles by Nat, a clothing rental subscription service. She is engaged to her longtime love, Noah Warren. Natalie has not yet publicly addressed her mother’s death.
Kris’s tribute to Karen, shared on Instagram, included throwback photos of her and Karen together with their mother, MJ, and also featured pictures of Karen with young Rob and Kourtney Kardashian. The tribute served as a testament to the bond between Kris and Karen, their shared love for their family, and the impact of Karen’s passing on those who knew her.
