Remembering Karen Houghton, Kris Jenner’s sister who died unexpectedly: she stayed out of the Kardashian-Jenner reality TV spotlight and the sisters’ relationship was close – but not always cordial

Mar 21 , 2024

Who is Karen Houghton, Kris Jenner’s sister who suddenly passed away? Photo: @krisjenner/Instagram

The Kardashian-Jenner family is mourning the loss of Karen Houghton, Kris Jenner’s younger sister, who passed away unexpectedly this week at 65.

“Dear Mommy, I can’t believe you’re gone,” wrote Karen Houghton’s daughter on Instagram. Photo: @nataliezettel/Instagram

Jenner shared the heartfelt news on Instagram, accompanying her tribute with old photos that show the special times they had together. Houghton led a life away from the glare and glamour associated with the Kardashian name, opting for a more private life.

“It is with the heaviest heart and deepest sadness that I share that my sister Karen passed away yesterday unexpectedly,” wrote Kris Jenner of her sister on Instagram. Photo: @krisjenner/Instagram

Despite the ups and downs in their relationship, Jenner’s post highlights the strong love and bond they shared, celebrating Houghton’s life.

So what do we know about her?

Karen Houghton chose a life away from the cameras

Following the passing of her sister, Kris Jenner shared a montage of old photographs of Karen Houghton (pictured). Photo: @krisjenner/Instagram

Houghton chose a path far removed from the cameras, favouring a quieter life. Following a career as a flight attendant, Houghton then worked as a part-time nurse and also published two cookbooks, per British media.

“Karen was beautiful inside and out. She was the sweetest, kindest, the most sensitive and vulnerable and so, so funny,” Kris Jenner wrote on social media about her late sister. Photo: @krisjenner/Instagram

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Karen Houghton and Kris Jenner’s complicated relationship

Kris Jenner and Karen Houghton did not always have the best relationship. Photo: @krisjenner/Instagram

Jenner and Houghton – the reality star’s only sister – had their ups and downs. After their parents split, they grew up in California with their mum, Mary Jo “MJ” Campbell. Jenner wrote about her and Houghton sticking together in her 2011 memoir, Kris Jenner … and All Things Kardashian: “We loved each other, and we were there for each other through thick and thin, and to this day, we are a part of each other’s lives.”

But then things got rocky: Houghton stirred the pot at Kim Kardashian’s baby shower in 2013, and later threw some shade at Jenner in interviews, calling her “vain”.

In a twist, Houghton eventually got a facelift in 2016, saying it made her feel closer to Jenner’s look, per British media. By 2019, it seemed the sisters patched things up, showing off a happy family photo.

Karen Houghton is survived by her daughter, Natalie Zettel

Karen Houghton’s daughter, Natalie Zettel (left). Photo: @nataliezettel/Instagram

Houghton leaves behind a daughter, 26-year-old Natalie Zettel – her only child, born from her marriage to Mark Zettel – and Natalie’s fiancé, Noah Warren. The pair became engaged in July 2022.

Zettel shared her heartache on Instagram with a series of photos, showing her close bond with her mum and the life they shared.

“An angel was sent to heaven on March 18, 2024”, Natalie Zettel wrote of her late mum, Karen Houghton. Photo: @nataliezettel/Instagram

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“Dear Mommy, I can’t believe you’re gone,” Natalie wrote on Instagram. “You had the biggest heart. And I don’t know how to go on without you. It all happened so quick and I wasn’t ready for you to go.”

The photos ranged from Natalie’s first days to fun Halloween costumes, showcasing a shared life full of joy, love and pets.

According to her Instagram, Natalie is a model and entrepreneur. Her brand Styles by Nat is a clothing rental subscription service.

Celebrity Families

Karen Houghton, unlike the rest of the Kardashian-Jenners, stayed away from the cameras; Kris Jenner posted a moving tribute to her after her passing, as did Houghton’s daughter, Natalie Zettel
The sisters had their ups and downs, with Houghton accusing Jenner of being ‘vain’ at one point and throwing shade at Kim Kardashian during her baby shower in 2013