The Tragic Truth Of Karen Houghton: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Kris Jenner's Estranged Sister

The world of the Kardashian-Jenner family is known for its open-book policy, but one member of the extended clan remained largely in the shadows: Karen Houghton. As of today, December 18, 2025, the most significant and heartbreaking news surrounding Kris Jenner’s only sibling is her unexpected passing last year, which brought a famously complicated and estranged relationship back into the public eye. This in-depth look explores Karen’s life outside the spotlight, the true cause of her sudden death, and the complex dynamic she shared with the 'momager' of the world's most famous family.

Karen Houghton, the younger sister of Kris Jenner, lived a life dramatically different from the constant reality TV glare of her famous relatives. Her recent death has sparked renewed interest in the private life of the woman who was a part-time nurse, an author, and a mother, all while being the aunt of the Kardashian-Jenner sisters: Kim, Kourtney, Khloé, Kendall, and Kylie.

Karen Houghton: A Complete Biographical Profile

• Full Name: Karen Houghton
• Relationship to Kris Jenner: Younger Sister (Kris is the elder sibling)
• Parents: Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon (Mother) and Robert Houghton (Father)
• Date of Birth: 1959 (Specific date often unconfirmed in public records)
• Place of Birth: San Diego, California
• Died: March 2024 (Age 65)
• Cause of Death (Official): Cardiac Arrest and Sudden Cardiac Arrhythmia
• Profession: Part-Time Nurse, Writer, and Author
• Known Works: The cookbook *Naturally Gourmet* (and *Naturally Gourmet Cookbook: Revised & Expanded*)
• Daughter: Natalie Zettel
• Marital Status: Divorced (Previously married to Mark Zettel)

1. The Cause of Her Unexpected Death Was Sudden Cardiac Arrhythmia

The news of Karen Houghton's death was first announced by her sister, Kris Jenner, in a heartfelt tribute on social media in March of last year. She was just 65 years old and her passing was described as "unexpected."

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While the initial reports were vague, the official cause of death was later confirmed via a death certificate obtained by TMZ.

The documents confirmed that Karen Houghton died from a combination of cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac arrhythmia. This medical terminology points to a sudden, fatal disruption in the heart's electrical activity, which tragically occurred "so quickly."

Kris Jenner’s emotional post reflected the shock of the loss, stating, "My heart aches for my mom MJ and my niece Natalie and I pray that God guides us all through this difficult time."

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2. Her Relationship with Kris Jenner Was Famously Estranged for Years

Despite being sisters, Karen and Kris had a notoriously "rocky" and "heartbreakingly rocky" relationship that spanned decades. The rift reportedly began long ago, but the issues became public knowledge around 2014, coinciding with the peak of the Kardashian family's fame.

Karen was reported to have made several public comments about her sister's high-profile life and her role as a 'momager.' The estrangement meant that Karen was rarely, if ever, seen on the family's reality shows, including *Keeping Up With The Kardashians* or the current Hulu series, *The Kardashians*.

While the specific cause of the long-term feud remains complex, media reports often cited differences in lifestyle and disagreements over family matters. Karen once underwent a dramatic cosmetic procedure, which some media outlets speculated was an attempt to look more like her famous sister, though she denied this, stating it was for personal reasons.

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Following Karen’s death, Kris Jenner’s tribute suggested a deep, if complicated, love remained. She described her younger sister as "beautiful inside and out," "the sweetest, kindest, the most sensitive and vulnerable person." This public display of grief served as a poignant reminder that even in the most famous families, sibling relationships can be strained, and the loss is still profoundly felt.

3. Karen Was a Part-Time Nurse and a Published Cookbook Author

Unlike her sister, Kris, who built an empire on business and celebrity management, Karen Houghton pursued a career rooted in care and creativity. She was known to work as a part-time nurse, a profession that contrasts sharply with the glitz of Calabasas.

In addition to her work in nursing, Karen was also a published author and writer. Her most notable work is the cookbook *Naturally Gourmet*. The book, which has been released in revised and expanded editions, highlights her interest in food and a more grounded, domestic life away from the Hollywood machine.

This dual career path—balancing the demands of healthcare with the creative pursuit of writing—paints a picture of a woman with a distinct identity and a quiet, dedicated life, separate from the Kardashian-Jenner spotlight.

4. Her Daughter, Natalie Zettel, Is a Cousin to the Kardashian-Jenner Girls

Karen Houghton is survived by her only daughter, Natalie Zettel. Natalie, who is around the same age as her cousin Kylie Jenner, is another member of the extended family who has remained largely out of the public eye, though she has occasionally garnered media attention for her striking resemblance to her famous cousins, Kendall and Kylie.

Natalie Zettel penned her own emotional tribute to her mother following the death, sharing her grief publicly. She has been described as attending family events and following her cousins on social media, though the famous sisters do not always reciprocate the follow, indicating the extended family's distance.

Natalie is the link between the two branches of the family, and her loss is shared by the entire Kardashian-Jenner clan, including her grandmother, Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon.

5. The Sisters Were Raised in San Diego by MJ and Robert Houghton

Karen and Kris, born three years apart, grew up together in San Diego, California. They were raised by their mother, Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon, and their father, Robert Houghton.

The sisters’ shared childhood and parentage form the foundation of their relationship, a history that Kris Jenner referenced when mourning her sister. Her tribute emphasized that despite their adult differences, they shared a bond forged through their early years.

Karen Houghton’s passing serves as a stark, recent reminder to the Kardashian-Jenner family and their millions of followers that life is "so short and precious and tomorrow is never promised." While the relationship was complicated, the shared grief over the loss of a sister, daughter, and aunt is a universal experience that transcends fame and family feuds.