Kris Jenner has shared a heart-wrenching tribute following the unexpected death of her sister, Karen Houghton, at 65.
The Kardashians star confirmed the news of her loss on Instagram, sharing a series of photos of her sister with their mother, Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Shannon, throughout the years.
‘With a very heavy heart and profound sadness, I inform you that my sister Karen passed away unexpectedly yesterday,’ she started the extensive message.
‘My heart hurts for my mother MJ and my niece Natalie, and I hope that God helps us through this tough time.
‘Karen was internally and externally beautiful. She was the nicest, gentlest, most sensitive and fragile, and very humorous. She always felt appreciative and grateful for her life and valued her family and friends, especially her lovely daughter.
‘She occupies such a significant part of my heart and I treasure every single memory we shared.’
Jenner ended the post with: ‘Karen’s passing serves as a reminder that life is fleeting and valuable, and we never know what tomorrow holds. We must express our love for those we hold dear.
‘I love you, my lovely sister.’
Fans quickly offered their love and encouragement to the momager in the comments on her post.
Xmna93 wrote: ‘So sorry Kris, your sister was beautiful.’
Sami_Riccioli shared: ‘So sorry to read this Kris! You're in my prayers [sic].’
Zachary Spencer agreed: ‘So sorry for your loss. Sending you and your family so much love.’
Princess.Hilla added: ‘I'm so sorry for your loss @krisjenner sending my deepest most heartfelt condolences and prayers [sic].’
The cause of Houghton’s death has not been confirmed.
According to TMZ, she was reported as deceased to San Diego County officials on Monday, with details surrounding the news currently unclear.
Houghton was born to Shannon and Robert Houghton in 1958 – arriving three years after Jenner.
The outlet reports that the siblings grew up in San Diego together and lived mostly with their mom.
Houghton is survived by her daughter, Natalie, who she shares with ex-husband Mark Zettel.
The Kardashian matriarch is the first member of the family to speak out over their devastating loss.
Despite being part of one of the most famous families in the world, very little is known about Houghton – who previously had a fraught relationship with her sister.
She previously told DailyMail.com that she had run-ins with Jenner, and has ‘called her’ sibling, ‘yelling at her’ over issues with their mom.
Speaking to the outlet in 2014, she alleged: ‘I called up Kris yelling at her, because I was like, “You need to help your mom more and you know it.” And I think that she kind of got the message. I was screaming – I don’t even care.’
Houghton's daughter seemed to indicate that she had resolved the conflict with Jenner on Instagram five years after, sharing a photo of the group with Shannon and Kylie Jenner.