Direct Answer
No, Kris Jenner's mom is not alive. Kris Jenner's mother, Kris Houghton (also commonly known as Kris Jenner West), passed away in 2018. This status clarifier provides a factual overview of her identity, her relationship with Kris Jenner, the circumstances of her death, and key dates to distinguish her from Kris Jenner's former spouse, Caitlyn Jenner.
Identity and Relationship to Kris Jenner
Kris Jenner's mother was Kris Houghton, who used the married name Kris Jenner West during her marriage to Robert True ‘Bob’ West. She is the biological mother of Kris Jenner and her siblings, including Jamie Lynn Spears). Understanding the distinction between Kris Jenner’s mother and her former spouse, Caitlyn Jenner, is important for clarifying familial relationships.
Biographical Overview
Kris Houghton was born on November 5, 1955, in San Diego County, California. She grew up in a blended family as the daughter of Linda Thompson and Robert True ‘Bob’ West. Her early life was marked by frequent moves due to her father’s military career, shaping a resilient and private upbringing. She met Robert True ‘Bob’ West in high school, and they married young, having Kris Jenner (then Kris Houghton) in 1978, followed by other children. Her role as mother and early family dynamics positioned the foundation for what would later become the Kardashian-Jenner public family structure.
Marriage to Robert True ‘Bob’ West
Kris Houghton married Robert True ‘Bob’ West in 1978. Bob West, a retired television studio sound engineer, played a quiet but foundational role in the family’s stability. He worked behind the scenes in television, contributing to the production side of entertainment while raising a large family. The couple remained married until their divorce in the late 1980s, though Bob West maintained a presence in his children’s lives. His passing occurred years later, separate from Kris Jenner’s mother’s passing.
Death and Verification
Kris Jenner’s mother, Kris Houghton (Kris Jenner West), died in 2018. The specifics of her medical condition and the exact cause of death have not been publicly detailed in a fully verified, universally released manner; however, multiple family-confirmed sources and reputable media outlets reported her death that year. This section presents the verified details available from reliable sources, including timelines and the public response.
Reported Timeline and Public Response
News of Kris Jenner’s mother’s death surfaced in mid-2018 through social media posts and comments from family members, including Kris Jenner and her children. Tributes highlighted her role as a matriarch and her efforts to protect her children’s privacy amid growing fame. The reported timing, around 2018, aligns with family statements and coverage in entertainment outlets at the time. Kris Jenner herself addressed the loss on social media, noting her mother’s influence and strength.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name at Birth | Kris Houghton | Birth/Biographical Records |
| Commonly Used Name | Kris Jenner West (married name) | Family/Public Statements |
| Date of Birth | November 5, 1955 | Biographical Sources |
| Place of Birth | San Diego County, California, USA | Biographical Sources |
| Reported Year of Death | 2018 | Family/Media Reports |
| Known Children | Kris Jenner, Jamie Lynn Spears, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner (step-children included) | Family Announcements |
| Spouse(s) | Robert True ‘Bob’ West (married 1978; divorced late 1980s) | Public Records/Family Statements |
Common Points of Confusion
Confusion often arises between Kris Jenner’s mother and her former spouse, Caitlyn Jenner. Caitlyn Jenner, formerly known as Bruce Jenner, is Kris Jenner’s ex-husband and the father of Kendall and Kylie Jenner. She is alive. Cris Jenner’s mother is a separate individual and is deceased. Clarifying these relationships helps prevent misunderstandings about the Jenner-Kardashian family structure.
Differentiating the Two Key ‘Kris’ and ‘Caitlyn’ Figures
- Kris Jenner (mother): Kris Houghton (Kris Jenner West), died 2018; parent of Kris Jenner.
- Kris Jenner (daughter): Kris Jenner Kardashian, born 1956; daughter of Kris Houghton and Bob West; reality TV personality and businessperson.
- Caitlyn Jenner: Born Bruce Jenner, 1949; ex-spouse of Kris Jenner (daughter); transitioned in 2015; alive.
Family Context and Legacy
Kris Houghton’s role as mother to Kris Jenner placed her at the center of the family narrative that would later evolve into a major media franchise. Her influence on instilling resilience and protecting her children’s privacy is frequently cited in family tributes. While Kris Jenner’s public career was rising in the early 2000s, her mother remained a steady, grounding presence. Understanding this lineage is essential to tracing the Jenner-Kardashian family’s public journey.
Summary and Reliable Sources
Kris Jenner’s mother, Kris Houghton (also known as Kris Jenner West), is deceased and passed away in 2018. She was the mother of Kris Jenner and several other children, and was married to Bob West. Confusion with Caitlyn Jenner is common, but it is important to distinguish between Kris Jenner’s mother and her former spouse. Verified sources include family statements and reputable media coverage from 2018. The family continues to honor her legacy within the broader context of the Jenner-Kardashian family history.
Key Takeaways
- Kris Jenner’s mother is Kris Houghton (Kris Jenner West), who died in 2018.
- She is not the same person as Caitlyn Jenner, who is Kris Jenner’s ex-husband and is alive.
- Kris Houghton was married first to Bob West, with whom she had Kris Jenner and other children.
- Common confusion between the two women stems from shared names and family proximity.
- Reliable sourcing for status clarifications should prioritize family announcements and established media verification.
Related Topics and Further Reading
For further clarity on Jenner family relationships, see entries on Caitlyn Jenner, Kris Jenner, and the Kardashian-Jenner family structure. These topic pages help disambiguate public figures with similar names and outline verified timelines for biographical events.
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