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Kris Jenner’s only sister has died. Karen Houghton, who was 65, died in San Diego, California, on Monday.
Kris posted a tribute filled with family pictures on Instagram.
“It is with the heaviest heart and deepest sadness that I share that my sister Karen passed away yesterday unexpectedly,” she wrote.
She described Karen as being "beautiful inside and out".
“She was the sweetest, kindest, the most sensitive and vulnerable and so so funny. She always felt grateful and thankful for her life and treasured her family and friends and especially her beautiful daughter. She holds such a huge part of my heart and I cherish every single memory we have together.
“Karen’s passing is a reminder that life is so short and precious and tomorrow is never promised. We must tell those we cherish how much we love them. I love you my beautiful sister,” she continued.
In the post, Kris (68) also went on to express the sadness she feels for her mother, Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon (89), and her niece, Natalie Zettel (26).
“My heart aches for my mom MJ and my niece Natalie and I pray that God guides us all through this difficult time.”
Natalie also posted her own Instagram tribute to her late mother.
“Dear Mommy, I can’t believe your [sic] gone. This doesn’t even feel real. I keep hoping that I will get to hug you or kiss you or hear your voice one last time. You were my best friend, my everything. The best mother a daughter could ever ask for and I’m so grateful to have had a mother like you,” Natalie wrote in her post.
Kim Kardashian (43) also paid tribute to her aunt by posting her own set of pictures with the caption, “I love you so much auntie Karen” – with doves at the start and end of the caption.
Kourtney Kardashian Barker (44) shared one of the pictures that Kim had tagged her in on her Instagram Story and added a red heart.
Most of the pictures that were posted of Karen are old. They show a younger Kris and Karen. There are also pictures of Kourtney and Kim as kids posing for pictures with their aunt.
For years Kris and Karen were estranged. Karen would often bash her older sister online and claimed that Kris had changed since finding fame.
The drama began when Kim hosted North West's baby shower in 2013, where everyone invited signed non-disclosure agreements. Karen didn't let that stop her from telling the media about what was on the menu or the fact that guests received Rolexes.
Karen, who worked as a nurse and an author, took to Facebook in 2014 to mockingly ask for prayers for her sister. But then said Kris really needed booze.
“She’s a nutcase. She doesn’t need prayers she needs sky vodka hahaha hahaha hahaha [sic].”
She also bemoaned the fact that Kris wouldn’t take her calls.
“If you think your sister would call you back, she doesn’t. And it hurts me. I don’t care how much money you have or who you are, you’re my sister. I’m not afraid of her. … I can’t get to her anymore. But I guess it’s the money,” she wrote.
She also told a media outlet that Kris wasn't happy with her looks and that's why she spent $1 million (now R18m) to change her appearance.
“She was heavy as a kid and became worried about her looks at age 15. The whole world knows it – Kris is vain,” she said.
Karen also sided with Caitlyn Jenner after Kris and Caitlyn (then Bruce) split.
“Bruce left. He walked out on her, and I think he’s not coming back. He couldn't take the yelling anymore and stuff,” she wrote in a Facebook post back in 2014.
However, the sisters reconciled in 2019. Natalie posted a picture on her Instagram story of herself with Karen, MJ, Kris and Kylie Jenner together during the festive season.
SOURCES: TMZ.COM, DAILYMAIL.CO.UK, MIRROR.CO.UK, NZHERALD.CO.NZ
