Kourtney and Khloé Kardashian are delving into their contrasting childhood experiences of cohabiting with Caitlyn Jenner, formerly Bruce Jenner. On the May 21st episode of the "Khloé in Wonder Land" podcast, the sisters opened up about Caitlyn, who was married to their mother, Kris Jenner, from 1991 until their divorce in 2015. (It's worth noting that Kris, now 69, had divorced their father, Robert Kardashian, in 1991; Robert passed away in 2003.)
"Caitlyn never tried to be Dad, and I've always held that in high esteem and respect," Khloé, 40, shared during the podcast.
Kourtney, 46, replied thoughtfully, "Alright, that wasn't my experience, but perhaps that's precisely why it was yours. I'm grateful for that aspect of your relationship with her."
Kourtney recounted feeling that Caitlyn, now aged 75, "tried to exert control and bossiness," even dictating which "certain friends" she could and couldn't invite over. For Khloé, Kourtney's revelations shed light on why her sister hadn't bonded with their stepparent. Khloé had previously assumed that Kourtney's dislike stemmed from seeing Caitlyn as a replacement for their dad – a role he never intended to fulfill.
Kourtney recounted her battles with Caitlyn, saying, "I'd say, 'I want to call my Dad,' and she'd hang up the phone. We'd engage in shouting matches."
Khloé was astonished to learn from Kourtney that their strained relationship with Caitlyn was the catalyst for her moving in with Robert. Along with Khloé and Kourtney, Caitlyn also played the role of stepparent to Kris and Robert's other two children, Kim and Rob. Caitlyn and Kris share two daughters, Kendall and Kylie Jenner.
Since Caitlyn's transition and the couple's separation a decade ago, the Olympic gold medalist has had a tense relationship with Kris and some of her stepchildren.
In 2023, during an episode of the U.K.'s This Morning, Caitlyn revealed that she no longer communicates directly with Kris. "If there's any communication, my manager handles it," she stated. While acknowledging that she's "much closer to the Jenner side" of her family, "I don't really have any more contact with Kris. It's sad because we've been through so much together," Caitlyn explained. With children from multiple marriages, including Burt and Cassandra with first wife Chrystie Scott, and Brandon and Brody with second wife Linda Thompson, she added, "When you have as many kids as I do, you naturally grow closer to some than others."
Last October, Caitlyn celebrated her 75th birthday with stepdaughter Kim, 44, by her side. She posted on Instagram, "Family is everything! Having so many kids and grandchildren gathered in one place at one time was truly special... Your thoughtful and generous gifts made the night all the more enjoyable (WOW!). I love you all immensely."
