Kris Jenner’s sister, Karen Houghton Biography: Children, Age, Death, Parents, Height, Instagram, Sister, Siblings

Karen Houghton was an American personality, best known as the younger sister of Kris Jenner, the matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner family.

While she lived a quieter life compared to her famous relatives, Karen carved out her path as a part-time nurse, author, and occasional television personality.

Her warm personality and candid moments on shows like Keeping Up with the Kardashians endeared her to fans, despite her preference for staying out of the spotlight.

Profile

• Full Name: Karen Elizabeth Houghton
• Stage Name: None
• Born: November 24, 1958
• Died: March 18, 2024 (Age: 65 years old)
• Birthplace: San Diego, California, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Part-Time Nurse, Author, Television Personality
• Height: 165 cm (5’5”)
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon ,Robert Houghton
• Siblings: Kris Jenner
• Spouse: Mark Zettel
• Children: Natalie Zettel
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $100,000 to $500,000

Early Life & Education

Karen Houghton was born on November 24, 1958, in San Diego, California, to Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon and Robert Houghton.

Her ethnicity was White, and she was raised in a Christian household, a faith she maintained throughout her life.

Growing up in a middle-class family, Karen shared a close bond with her older sister, Kris Jenner, though their paths diverged as Kris pursued fame and Karen opted for a more private life.

Their parents divorced when Karen was young, and their mother, MJ, raised them in San Diego, running a candle store and later working in retail.

A supportive family environment shaped Karen’s childhood, but she faced challenges after her parents’ split, including adjusting to a blended family when her mother remarried. Her early years instilled a strong sense of compassion, which later influenced her career in nursing.

Karen attended high school in San Diego, though specific details about the institution are not publicly available.

She pursued training to become a nurse, completing a nursing program that allowed her to work part-time in the healthcare field.

Career

Karen Houghton worked primarily as a part-time nurse, focusing on patient care in San Diego.

Her nursing career, although not widely publicized, was a significant part of her life, enabling her to make a meaningful difference in her community.

She also ventured into writing, authoring a cookbook titled Naturally Gourmet, which featured recipes for healthy, home-cooked meals. The book, self-published in the early 2000s, reflected her love for cooking and family gatherings.

Karen gained public attention through occasional appearances on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, where she was featured in family events or discussions, often sharing candid opinions about her sister Kris and the family’s dynamic.

These appearances, though sporadic, showcased her down-to-earth personality and sense of humor. She also made headlines in 2013 when she reportedly underwent a facelift, sparking media speculation about her desire to emulate her sister’s glamorous image, although Karen downplayed these claims.

Unlike her sister Kris, Karen avoided the Hollywood spotlight, choosing to focus on her nursing work and family life.

She occasionally collaborated with Kris on small projects, such as helping with family events or supporting charitable causes, but she never pursued fame full-time.

Her career, while modest compared to the Kardashian empire, was fulfilling and rooted in her values of service and family.

Social Media

She does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Karen Houghton, who stood at 165 cm (5’5”), lived a relatively private life in San Diego, California. She married Mark Zettel in the 1990s, and they welcomed a daughter, Natalie Zettel, who later became a model and influencer.

Karen and Mark divorced after several years, and she remained single afterward, focusing on raising Natalie and maintaining close ties with her extended family.

Her relationship with her sister, Kris Jenner, was complex, marked by periods of closeness and occasional tension, often highlighted on Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

Karen was a devoted aunt to Kris’s children—Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, Rob Kardashian, Kendall, and Kylie Jenner—and attended family events, such as birthdays and holidays, when possible.

Karen faced health challenges later in life, including a reported battle with an undisclosed illness before her passing on March 18, 2024.

Her death was sudden, and Kris Jenner announced it on Instagram, describing Karen as “beautiful inside and out” and expressing deep sorrow.

Karen’s daughter, Natalie, also paid tribute, noting her mother’s kind heart and love for family. Karen enjoyed cooking, gardening, and spending time with her daughter and grandchildren, and she was known for her warm, approachable demeanor.

Net Worth

Karen Houghton’s net worth was estimated to be between $100,000 and $500,000.

Her income primarily came from her part-time nursing work and royalties from her cookbook, Naturally Gourmet.

Unlike her sister Kris, who built a multimillion-dollar empire, Karen’s wealth was modest, reflecting her low-key lifestyle.