Kris Jennerhas always been the rock of the Kardashian-Jenner empire, but even she isn't immune to heartbreak. In the latest episode of "The Kardashians," the momager got real about the loss of her younger sister, Karen Houghton, who passed away from a heart attack earlier this year.
"I know she's in a better place, my sister, because she was never feeling good," Kris shared in the emotional episode. "But I just didn't expect a heart attack."
© Cindy Ord/MG24When producers asked if she wanted to talk more about it, Kris kept it simple: "Not today. I just have good days and bad days." And honestly, that's grief in a nutshell.
A Devastating Loss for the Family
Karen's passing hit the entire Kardashian-Jenner family hard, but especially their mother, Mary Jo Campbell (MJ). During a conversation with Scott Disick, Kris admitted that losing her younger sister was something she had never seen coming.
© @krisjenner"You just don't ever expect your sibling to pass when she was younger than me," Kris said, adding that watching her mom navigate the loss has been the hardest part.
"I just feel really bad for my mom," she continued. "I don't think any parent deserves to lose a child. I can't imagine."
But despite the pain, Kris is holding onto hope. "I believe she's in heaven with everyone else that we love," she told Scott. "And that's what I have to hang onto."
The Kardashians Remember Karen
Karen may have lived a more private life than her famous sister, but the Kardashian family deeply loved her. In separate confessionals, Kim, Kourtney, and Khloé Kardashian shared their fondest memories of their aunt. "She was the best human being ever," Kim said. "She was so fun and she was great."
Kourtney added, "It's obviously very sad that she passed away, and I feel really terrible for my grandma because I could never imagine being in that position."
© Frederick M. BrownMeanwhile, Khloé revealed how much Kris has been struggling behind the scenes. "My mom is so incredibly heartbroken over the loss of her sister and also the fear of what this will do to my grandma," she said. "It breaks my heart because it's such a helpless feeling."
A Heartfelt Tribute on Instagram
Back in March, Kris first shared the heartbreaking news with the world via Instagram, posting a heartfelt tribute to her sister. "My heart aches for my mom MJ and my niece Natalie," she wrote. "Karen was beautiful inside and out. She was the sweetest, kindest, most sensitive and vulnerable, and so, so funny."
Kris also used the moment to remind fans to cherish their loved ones. "Karen's passing is a reminder that life is so short and precious, and tomorrow is never promised," she said. "We must tell those we cherish how much we love them."
Choosing Family Over Hollywood Glam
Despite the heartache, Kris has been focusing on family more than ever. Instead of attending the A-list Oscars after-parties, she and Khloé attended a much more meaningful event—the wedding of Karen's daughter, Natalie Zettel.
© GC ImagesHeld at a stunning oceanfront venue in San Diego, the intimate ceremony was a beautiful celebration of love and family. Meanwhile, Kylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner, and Kim were living it up at the Vanity Fair Oscars party. But Kris and Khloé chose to be there for Natalie, which spoke volumes about what matters.
At the end of the day, Kris Jenner may be the ultimate boss, but she's also a mother, a daughter, and a sister who knows that some things are bigger than Hollywood.
