Kris Jenner and Caitlyn Jenner’s Amicable Reconciliation: A Deep Dive into Their Evolving Relationship on ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’

The intricate dynamics of family relationships, especially under the glare of reality television, were once again at the forefront during the April 15 episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Viewers witnessed a significant, heartwarming shift in the long-strained relationship between Kris Jenner and her ex-spouse, Caitlyn Jenner. This particular installment offered a compelling look into Kris’s journey toward finally moving past some of the deeply rooted issues she had harbored since their separation and Caitlyn’s transition, marking a pivotal moment for the extended Kardashian-Jenner clan.

The catalyst for this renewed interaction came unexpectedly. Kris revealed to her daughters, Kourtney Kardashian and Kim Kardashian, that she had received a call from Caitlyn’s close friend and business associate, Sophia Hutchins. Sophia expressed her concern for Caitlyn, indicating that she was actively seeking new career opportunities and felt a need for more professional engagement. “She told me that she’s a little concerned about Caitlyn because she’s looking for something more to do with her career,” Kris explained. “She was like, ‘Well, if you have any ideas…’ and we started talking about things. But I just don’t know, am I going to want to go down this road?” This hesitant query from Kris underscored the profound emotional weight of reconnecting with Caitlyn, even in a purely professional capacity, given their tumultuous past.

To fully grasp the significance of Kris’s internal struggle, one must recall the complex history between Kris and Caitlyn, formerly known as Bruce Jenner. Their marriage spanned over two decades, a cornerstone of the Kardashian-Jenner family, which they built together. They raised six children between them – Kris’s four children from her previous marriage (Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian) and their two daughters together (Kendall and Kylie Jenner) – alongside Bruce’s four children from prior marriages. Their separation in 2013, followed by their divorce, was a public event, yet it was Caitlyn’s public confirmation in 2015 that she was transgender and would be transitioning into a woman that truly sent shockwaves through their lives and the media.

While Kris initially navigated the news of Caitlyn’s transition with a degree of grace and public support, the relationship soon soured. The turning point arrived with two major public portrayals: Caitlyn’s revealing 2015 Vanity Fair article and her 2017 memoir, The Secrets of My Life. In both, Caitlyn offered her perspective on their marriage and Kris’s role within it, details that Kris found deeply hurtful, inaccurate, and disrespectful. She felt publicly undermined and betrayed, leading to a profound breakdown in communication. The revelations caused a severe rift, with Kris expressing feelings of anger and disappointment, which in turn fractured the family dynamic. The emotional chasm grew so wide that, for a considerable period, Kris and Caitlyn had virtually no relationship at all, a stark contrast to the blended family they once championed.

This “rocky relationship,” as Kourtney aptly described it, was precisely why Kris was so conflicted about the prospect of offering business guidance to Caitlyn. The idea of re-engaging professionally felt like traversing a minefield of past hurts and unresolved emotions. “When Sophia called me and asked me about it, I just needed to digest it,” Kris admitted, conveying the depth of her hesitation. “I needed to think about it and sort of process this request.” Her daughters, particularly Kim, understood the gravity of the situation. Kim suggested that collaborating with Caitlyn might actually prove “therapeutic” for Kris, potentially aiding in her “healing process.” However, both Kim and Kourtney were keenly aware of the enormous emotional undertaking this would represent for their mother, acknowledging the lingering trauma she still carried.

The sisters’ empathetic approach underscored the family’s deep understanding of Kris’s complex feelings. Kim elaborated on the long-term impact of past events, stating, “I think my mom just is still, inside, super traumatized, and that’s okay. Her experience is her experience and we all have to be there for her. There’s no time limit that can be put on her for her to feel completely comfortable again.” This sentiment highlighted the importance of allowing Kris the space and time she needed to process her emotions without pressure or judgment. Despite the supportive conversation with her daughters, Kris confessed she remained uncertain about her next steps, demonstrating the profound internal conflict she faced regarding mending bridges with her ex-spouse.

A surprising turning point arrived later in the episode. While Kris was enjoying some downtime with Scott Disick, she received a FaceTime call. It was Caitlyn and Sophia. Without a moment’s hesitation, Kris answered. This spontaneous act, devoid of her earlier reservations, signaled a significant internal shift. In a confessional, Kris reflected on the moment: “This is not an easy situation, but Cait really does want my advice.” It was clear that her innate desire to help, a hallmark of her “momager” persona, was overriding her past pain. On the call, Kris quickly tapped into her vast entrepreneurial experience, suggesting a practical and highly effective avenue for Caitlyn’s career aspirations: a YouTube channel. “YouTube is a great idea,” she enthusiastically urged. “There’s so much content you can create to make it something where it’s different all the time. You can have a source of revenue stream and earn a great deal of money based on how many people are tuning in.”

Kris’s advice wasn’t merely generic; it was sharp, insightful, and practical. She offered Caitlyn several concrete ideas for content, including engaging topics like cooking and golfing, showcasing her understanding of Caitlyn’s interests and potential audience. Beyond the conceptual advice, Kris further demonstrated her commitment by offering tangible support. She promised Sophia that she would connect her with key contacts from her office who had established relationships with YouTube. “We have a relationship over there and everybody is really great and really creative,” Kris gushed, emphasizing the valuable network she was willing to leverage. “I’ll get you guys hooked into that and dealing with the advertisers and everything.” This generous offer, extending beyond mere suggestions to active facilitation, highlighted Kris’s genuine intent to see Caitlyn succeed. True to Kris’s word and Caitlyn’s initiative, Caitlyn ultimately launched her YouTube channel at the close of summer 2020, proving the efficacy of Kris’s guidance.

Kris’s motivation for offering this extensive support, despite the lingering complexities of their personal history, stemmed from a deeper, more compassionate place. She articulated her philosophy with clarity and heart: “I just want to be able to help someone if they’re hurting or in any way if they need some inspiration. It’s coming from my heart instead of somebody telling me to do it.” Her words conveyed a genuine desire to alleviate suffering and empower, rather than seeking personal gain or succumbing to external pressures. She acknowledged Caitlyn’s potential and her unique voice, emphasizing, “You want somebody to succeed — and she really does have a lot to say! Even though I can’t magically make things better between us, I’m just here to be supportive. I just want her to be happy, so I was really happy to offer some advice and encouragement over something she’s trying to do. I know it’s going to be really great.”

This episode served as a powerful testament to the resilience of family bonds and the capacity for growth, forgiveness, and understanding, even after significant emotional turmoil. Kris Jenner’s willingness to extend an olive branch, fueled by empathy and professional respect, marked a profound turning point for her relationship with Caitlyn. It demonstrated that while personal reconciliation might be a long and winding road, shared goodwill and a desire for the other’s happiness can pave the way for a more amicable and supportive future. The ability to compartmentalize past hurts for the sake of professional guidance and a deeper, unspoken family connection ultimately allowed Kris and Caitlyn to find common ground, evolving their relationship into a more respectful and, indeed, amicable place within the intricate tapestry of their lives.