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5 Shocking Facts About Karen Houghton: The Mysterious Sister Kris Jenner Rarely Spoke Of

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The death of Karen Houghton, the younger and only sister of Kardashian-Jenner matriarch Kris Jenner, sent shockwaves through the public sphere in early 2024, bringing a long-estranged family member into the spotlight. For years, Karen remained a mysterious, rarely-seen figure, leading to intense public curiosity about her life, her relationship with the famous family, and the circumstances surrounding her passing.

As of December 22, 2025, the full picture of Karen Houghton’s life—marked by public feuds, a quiet career outside of reality television, and a tragic, sudden end—has been revealed through official documents and heartfelt tributes from her family. This deep dive uncovers the essential, and often surprising, facts about the woman who was Kris Jenner’s only sibling.

Karen Houghton: The Full Biography and Public Profile

Karen Houghton was born on November 24, 1957, in San Diego, California, making her three years younger than her famous sister, Kris Jenner. She was the second child of Mary Jo Shannon (known affectionately as "M.J.") and Robert Houghton. While her older sister went on to become one of the most powerful figures in reality television and pop culture, Karen chose a quieter, more private life, though she was occasionally drawn into the media circus surrounding her family.

  • Full Name: Karen Houghton
  • Date of Birth: November 24, 1957
  • Place of Birth: San Diego, California, United States
  • Parents: Robert Houghton (Father) and Mary Jo Shannon (Mother)
  • Sibling: Kris Jenner (Older Sister)
  • Child: Natalie Zettel (Daughter)
  • Career: Former Flight Attendant, Part-Time Nurse
  • Date of Death: March 18, 2024
  • Age at Death: 65
  • Cause of Death: Cardiac Arrest and Sudden Cardiac Arrhythmia (Primary); Type 2 Diabetes (Secondary)

Unlike her nieces, nephews, and sister, Karen never participated in the long-running reality series *Keeping Up with the Kardashians* or *The Kardashians*, which solidified her status as the "mysterious" or "estranged" member of the extended family. Her professional life included stints as a flight attendant and a part-time nurse, roles that kept her grounded far away from the Hollywood Hills mansions of her relatives.

The Shocking Cause of Death Revealed

The news of Karen Houghton’s death on March 18, 2024, was a sudden and devastating event for the family. Kris Jenner announced the passing in a heartfelt tribute on social media, describing the loss as a profound shock.

The subsequent release of her death certificate provided clarity on the tragic circumstances, revealing a devastating combination of health issues that led to her unexpected demise.

Cardiac Arrest and Underlying Health Conditions

Official records confirm that Karen Houghton died primarily from Cardiac Arrest and Sudden Cardiac Arrhythmia. This indicates an abrupt cessation of heart function, likely due to an electrical malfunction in the heart.

Crucially, the death certificate also noted a significant secondary underlying cause: Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes is a known risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke, and its presence highlights the long-term health struggles Karen faced.

The combination of these conditions explains the sudden nature of her passing at the age of 65, bringing an end to the life of the Kardashian-Jenner family's most private relative.

Inside the Estranged Relationship with Kris Jenner

The relationship between Kris Jenner and her younger sister, Karen Houghton, was notoriously complex, often described by media outlets as a "rollercoaster" that included long periods of estrangement and public spats.

While the two sisters shared the same childhood in San Diego, their paths diverged dramatically once Kris married Robert Kardashian and began building her empire. The distance between their lifestyles—Kris's highly publicized, opulent world versus Karen's more modest, private existence—created an undeniable rift.

Public Feuds and Controversial Comments

The tension between the siblings occasionally spilled into the public domain, making headlines and cementing Karen’s image as the "big-mouthed sister" who was not afraid to speak out.

One of the most notable public conflicts occurred when Karen gave interviews to various tabloids, making claims about Kris's personal life, including allegations of infidelity that Kris publicly dismissed. These public barbs reportedly strained the relationship to the point of long-term estrangement, with Kris often expecting Karen to maintain silence about family matters.

Despite the rocky history, Kris Jenner’s tribute following Karen’s death was undeniably emotional, focusing on the sisterly bond they shared during their formative years. She wrote about her "heartbreaking loss," acknowledging their shared memories and praying for guidance through the grief.

Who is Natalie Zettel? Karen Houghton’s Daughter and The Kardashian Cousin

Karen Houghton is survived by her only child, a daughter named Natalie Zettel. Natalie, who is a cousin to all the Kardashian and Jenner children, has also been a minor figure of public interest, primarily due to her resemblance to her famous cousins, particularly Kylie Jenner.

Natalie Zettel, who was 26 years old at the time of her mother's passing, is an aspiring model and influencer. She has occasionally appeared in photos with her cousin Kylie, causing a stir among fans who were surprised to learn about the existence of this extended family member.

Following her mother's death, Natalie shared a deeply emotional tribute on social media, expressing the shock and pain of losing her mother so quickly. Her public statements highlighted the close and loving relationship she shared with Karen, contrasting with the more complicated dynamic between her mother and aunt.

The Legacy of The Private Sister

Karen Houghton’s legacy is defined by her role as the quiet counterpoint to the world’s most famous reality TV family. She represents the road not taken by Kris Jenner—a life lived away from the relentless glare of the media spotlight.

Her story is a powerful reminder that even within the most public families, there are private struggles and complex relationships that remain largely hidden. The sudden revelation of her passing and the health struggles she endured, specifically the Type 2 Diabetes leading to a fatal cardiac event, serves as a poignant conclusion to the life of the mysterious sister who was both connected to and utterly separate from the Kardashian empire. The family, including Kris, continues to mourn the loss of the only other sibling in their generation.

karen kris jenner sister
karen kris jenner sister

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