Kathy Hilton recently shared insights into her longstanding friendship with the Kardashian-Jenner family, tracing its origins to before the reality television phenomenon that brought them fame. During an appearance on the podcast “Call Her Daddy” on July 23, 2023, Hilton, aged 66, recounted how she and Kris Jenner became friends many years ago, long before their children grew into the public figures they are today.
The friendship blossomed through various charity events, where Hilton and Jenner, alongside their husbands, Rick Hilton and Caitlyn Jenner, would travel together to destinations such as New York and Las Vegas. Hilton noted, “We had done some charity things together, and so Caitlyn, Kris, Rick and I would go on trips together… the four of us and a couple of other people would hang out.” As their bond strengthened, their children, including Hilton’s daughters Paris and Nicky Hilton, formed connections as well.
In 1991, when Caitlyn married Kris, she became a stepparent to Kim, Kourtney, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian. The couple later welcomed daughters Kendall and Kylie Jenner before their divorce in 2014.
As years passed, the children ventured into their own lives. When Paris received an opportunity to star in the reality show “The Simple Life” alongside her friend Nicole Richie, Kathy saw a chance for Kim to join the project. “I called Kris one day and I said, ‘Paris is starting this TV show and she needs somebody that can be with her and organize her,’” Hilton recalled. Kris readily agreed, leading to a “playdate” that allowed the girls to bond while making their mark on television.
Kim Kardashian credits her early experiences with Paris for her later success. In a 2019 interview, she stated, “I am really grateful for my experiences with her. She’s a huge, huge reason [for] my success.”
The friendship between Kim and Paris saw significant developments over the years. They initially drifted apart as they pursued their individual paths. However, they reconnected in 2014 at a birthday party for designer Riccardo Tisci. Following their reunion, Kim shared a nostalgic photo of the two on Instagram, reminiscing about their trip to Ibiza in 2006.
Since that encounter, Kim and Paris have rekindled their friendship, attending numerous events together, including holiday gatherings and Paris’ wedding to Carter Reum. The rekindling of their friendship underscores the enduring connections forged during their formative years and highlights the continuing relevance of their shared history in today’s celebrity landscape.