The Full Story of Kris Jenner’s First Husband Robert Kardashian and Their Family Legacy

Many fans searching for Kris Jenner’s first husband want to understand the origins of one of the most famous families in modern pop culture. Before reality television, before global brands, and before the Kardashian-Jenner empire existed, there was Kris Jenner and her first husband, Robert Kardashian. Their marriage shaped not only their own lives but also the futures of their four children—Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob—and laid the foundation for everything the world would come to know as “the Kardashians.” Their relationship was filled with love, conflict, success, heartbreak, and legacy, all of which remain essential to understanding the family’s rise to fame.

Who Is Kris Jenner? A Quick Background

Kris Jenner, born Kristen Mary Houghton in 1955, grew up in San Diego, California. Her early life was shaped by her mother’s hardworking spirit and the belief that family and ambition were equally important. Kris did not initially set out to become a global personality or manager, but her entrepreneurial drive and knack for leadership emerged early. Before fame, she worked as a flight attendant, a job that exposed her to a world much larger than the one she grew up in.

Her life changed dramatically when she met and married Robert Kardashian. Their relationship thrust her into Los Angeles society, connected her to influential circles, and gave her a new environment in which her natural business instincts could grow. Long before reality television made her a household name, Kris Jenner was navigating motherhood, marriage, and the sophisticated world of Beverly Hills.

Who Was Kris Jenner’s First Husband? Meet Robert Kardashian

Robert Kardashian, born in 1944, was a successful attorney and businessman of Armenian descent. Raised in Los Angeles, he graduated from USC and later attended UCLA School of Law. Known for his intelligence, business acumen, and calm demeanor, Robert became well connected within social and professional circles. He also had a strong entrepreneurial streak, investing in various business ventures outside of law, including music, retail, and media-related companies.

Despite his individual accomplishments, many people learned his name during the O.J. Simpson trial, where he served as part of Simpson’s legal defense team. But long before those headlines, he was Kris Jenner’s husband and a devoted father of four.

How Kris Jenner and Robert Kardashian Met

Kris Jenner and Robert Kardashian first met in the early 1970s through mutual friends. Kris was still a teenager, and Kardashian was already an established young professional. Their chemistry was immediate, and they quickly began a relationship that blended social excitement with emotional intensity.

They dated on and off for several years before finally committing to marriage. Even in their early years together, friends noted Kris’s energetic personality paired well with Robert’s more reserved, analytical nature. Their differences complemented one another, building a foundation strong enough for marriage.

Their Marriage and Family Life

Kris Jenner and Robert Kardashian married on July 8, 1978, in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by friends, family, and many prominent figures from L.A.’s social scene. Kris was 22, and Robert was 34, but despite the age gap, they created a stable and loving household.

Over the next decade, they welcomed four children:

• Kourtney (1979)

• Kim (1980)

• Khloé (1984)

• Rob (1987)

Their home in Beverly Hills became the center of their world. Robert worked on various business ventures and legal projects, while Kris focused on raising the children and supporting her husband’s endeavors. Together, they hosted dinners, attended social functions, and built strong networks that would later benefit their children.

Kris has often spoken about how generous Robert was with his time and affection. He deeply loved his children and remained actively involved in their lives even after the marriage ended. Those years of stability and love created the emotional foundation that helped the Kardashian siblings navigate the complexities of fame later in life.

Why Their Marriage Ended

While Kris and Robert shared many wonderful years together, their marriage eventually faced serious challenges. In her memoir, Kris candidly revealed that she had an affair during the marriage—a mistake she has said she deeply regrets. The infidelity played a significant role in the dissolution of their relationship, and in 1991, Kris and Robert officially divorced.

Despite the emotional pain on both sides, the two remained committed to co-parenting. Kris often credits Robert for being an incredible father and for continuing to show up for the children even after their split. Their ability to maintain respect and cooperation allowed their children to feel supported and loved during an emotionally difficult time.

Robert Kardashian After the Divorce

After their divorce, Robert Kardashian continued working in business and law. In 1995, he re-entered the legal world in a highly publicized way when he joined the legal team defending his friend O.J. Simpson. The trial made him a household name and brought renewed attention to his family, long before Keeping Up with the Kardashians would later dominate pop culture.

Robert later remarried and had additional long-term relationships, though none were as widely known as his marriage to Kris. He remained closely connected to his children until he passed away in 2003 from esophageal cancer at the age of 59. His death deeply affected the Kardashian family, and they continue to honor his legacy in interviews, episodes of their shows, and personal tributes.

Kris Jenner’s Reflections on Her First Husband

Kris Jenner has spoken many times about her marriage to Robert Kardashian. She has openly acknowledged her mistakes, including the affair that ended their relationship, and has expressed regret for the pain it caused. At the same time, she has always spoken lovingly of Robert as a father, a friend, and someone who shaped her life in undeniable ways.

She credits Robert with teaching her the value of family unity and with providing their children with a stable upbringing. Kris has said that she will always be grateful for their years together and the family they created. Even after his death, she continues to include him in celebrations, family stories, and memories shared with their grandchildren.

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Featured Image Source: cnn.com