Kim Kardashian's mother is Kris Jenner. Born Kristen Mary Houghton on November 5, 1955, in San Diego, California, she is widely recognized as the matriarch and executive producer behind the family's global media empire. While most people know her simply by her famous moniker, her background extends far beyond reality television.
Understanding who Kris Jenner is involves looking at her early life, her marriages, and her career as a powerful talent manager. She didn't just raise a famous family; she architected a new era of modern celebrity culture.
Early Life and Family Background
Growing up in San Diego, Kris was the oldest daughter of Mary Jo "M.J." Shannon and Robert True Houghton. After her parents divorced when she was seven years old, she and her younger sister Karen were raised primarily by their mother.
Before entering the spotlight, Kris worked several jobs. She attended Clairemont High School, graduating in 1973, and spent a year working as a flight attendant for American Airlines in 1976. Her early exposure to business came from working at her mother's children's clothing store, Shannon & Company, which planted the seeds for her later entrepreneurial pursuits.
Marriages and Children
Kris has been married twice, and her family tree spans two major high-profile relationships that shaped the modern pop culture landscape.
- Robert Kardashian: They married in 1978. Together, they had four children: Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob. The couple divorced in 1991, years before Robert gained massive public attention as a high-profile defense attorney during the O.J. Simpson murder trial. Robert Kardashian passed away in 2003.
- Caitlyn Jenner (formerly Bruce Jenner): They married in 1991, shortly after her divorce from Robert was finalized. Together, they welcomed two daughters, Kendall and Kylie. The couple separated and divorced in 2015.
Through these marriages, Kris became the mother of six children and built a blended family that includes several high-profile stepschildren from Bruce Jenner's previous relationships.
Rise of the "Momager"
The term "momager" was practically invented for Kris Jenner. In 2007, she pitched the concept of a reality television series centered around her family to producer Ryan Seacrest. That pitch became Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which premiered on the E! network and ran for twenty seasons.
As an executive producer and manager, Kris negotiated major endorsement deals, brand launches, and media appearances for Kim and her siblings. Following the conclusion of their long-running E! series, she helped transition the family to a new streaming format with The Kardashians on Hulu. Beyond television, she heads Jenner Communications, overseeing massive beauty, fashion, and lifestyle brands.
Common Misconceptions About the Family
Researching the Kardashian family tree often leads to confusion regarding names, half-siblings, and past marriages.
- Different Fathers: While Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob share the same father (Robert Kardashian), Kendall and Kylie share a different father (Caitlyn Jenner). All six children, however, share Kris as their mother.
- Name Changes: People frequently look up her maiden name or prior married names. She was born Kristen Mary Houghton, became Kris Kardashian during her first marriage, and later used Kris Jenner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kris Jenner's actual birth name?
She was born Kristen Mary Houghton on November 5, 1955.
How many children does Kim Kardashian's mother have?
Kris Jenner has six biological children: Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, Rob, Kendall, and Kylie.
Was Kris Jenner ever an actress?
While she has made cameo appearances and hosted her own short-lived daytime talk show titled Kris in 2013, she primarily works as a television producer and executive talent manager.
Who is Kris Jenner's current partner?
She has been in a long-term relationship with businessman Corey Gamble since 2014.
