You probably know every single detail about the Kardashian-Jenner family tree, from the grandkids' middle names to which sister is currently feuding with who. But for a long time, there was a quiet, shadow figure in the background. Kris Jenner’s only biological sister, Karen Houghton, lived a life that was worlds away from the Calabasas mansions and 4K cameras. Honestly, most people didn't even realize Kris had a sister until the headlines turned tragic in early 2024.
Karen wasn't a "momager." She wasn't an influencer. She was a mom, a nurse, and a flight attendant who spent most of her life in San Diego, just a few hours—but a world away—from the Hulu filming sets.
Who Was Karen Houghton?
Born three years after Kris, on November 24, 1958, Karen was the "other" Houghton girl. While Kris was building an empire, Karen was living a relatively normal life. She was raised by their mom, Mary Jo "MJ" Campbell, after their parents divorced when they were young. If you look at old photos, the resemblance is actually wild. They had the same dark hair, the same eyes, and that unmistakable "K" energy.
Karen spent years working as a flight attendant before transitionng into nursing. She also had a creative side, even publishing a couple of cookbooks. But unlike her famous nieces, she didn't want the spotlight. Well, mostly.
The Reality of a Complicated Relationship
Let’s be real: family is messy. When your sister is the most famous manager on the planet, things are bound to get weird. For years, the kris kardashian sister narrative was one of "estrangement." Karen was often the "black sheep," known for being outspoken in ways that didn't always align with the Kardashian PR machine.
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Things got especially rocky around 2013. Karen started giving interviews to tabloids like RadarOnline and In Touch, claiming that Kris was "vain" and "obsessed with money." She even showed up to Kim Kardashian’s baby shower and reportedly chatted with reporters outside, which is basically a cardinal sin in the Kardashian world. Kris eventually hit back, telling reporters that her sister had been "dealing with demons for years."
It was a classic case of family friction played out in the Daily Mail. Karen felt snubbed; Kris felt betrayed.
The 2016 Facelift Incident
One of the strangest chapters in their relationship happened in 2016. Karen decided to undergo an intensive, five-hour facelift. The kicker? She told Inside Edition she did it specifically to look more like her sister Kris.
"I look like my beautiful sister Kris and I never thought I would," she said at the time. It was a vulnerable moment that showed how much she actually admired her older sister, despite all the public bickering.
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When Things Finally Mended
By 2019, the ice started to thaw. We saw the first real proof of a reconciliation when a photo surfaced of the whole crew together for a pre-Christmas gathering. There they were: Kris, Karen, MJ, and even Kylie Jenner. It seemed like they had finally put the "demons" and the tabloid drama behind them to focus on being a family for MJ's sake.
The Sudden Loss of Kris’s Only Sister
Everything changed on March 18, 2024. Karen passed away unexpectedly at the age of 65. The news hit the family hard, and Kris posted a deeply emotional tribute on Instagram, calling Karen "sweet, kind, and the most sensitive."
According to the death certificate, Karen died of cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac arrhythmia. The report also noted that she had been living with Type 2 diabetes and bipolar disorder. It was a heavy reminder that behind the "crazy sister" headlines was a woman struggling with real health issues.
Natalie Zettel: The Next Generation
Karen might be gone, but her daughter, Natalie Zettel, is very much a part of the family circle. Natalie is a model (clearly those genes are strong) and has managed to stay close to her famous cousins like Kylie and Kendall without getting dragged into the reality show drama.
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Just recently, in March 2025, Natalie got married in a beachfront ceremony. Kris was right there by her side, proving that despite the decades of distance between her and Karen, she’s sticking by her niece.
Understanding the Houghton Legacy
The story of Karen Houghton is a sobering counterpoint to the Kardashian glitz. It shows that even in the world's most famous family, there is real grief, real mental health struggles, and real regret.
What you can take away from the Karen Houghton story:
- Family isn't always what's on screen. Just because someone isn't in the credits doesn't mean they aren't a huge part of the family's history.
- Health matters more than fame. Karen's struggles with diabetes and heart issues were the reality she lived every day, far from the red carpets.
- Forgiveness is possible. The fact that Kris and Karen spent their final years on good terms is a testament to the fact that blood is thicker than a tabloid headline.
If you’re looking to understand the Kardashians better, don't just watch the show. Look at the people who weren't on it. That’s where the real human stories usually hide.
To honor Karen's memory and the family's journey, take a moment to check in on your own siblings or relatives you might have lost touch with. Sometimes, the "demons" we think are there are just people waiting for a phone call.