Kathy Hilton Reveals How Friendship with Kardashians Began

Kathy Hilton recently shared the roots of her long-standing friendship with the Kardashian-Jenner family, revealing that their connection predates the family’s rise to reality TV fame. In an episode of the podcast “Call Her Daddy,” aired on July 23, 2023, Hilton, aged 66, described how she and Kris Jenner became friends years ago when their children were still young.

The two families bonded over shared experiences, participating in charity events and taking trips together. “We had done some charity things together, and so Caitlyn Jenner, Kris, my husband Rick Hilton, and I would go on trips together,” Hilton explained. They traveled to various locations, including New York and Las Vegas, forming a close-knit relationship that would also bring their children together.

As the adults grew closer, their daughters—Kathy’s children Paris and Nicky Hilton, and Kris’s children Kim, Kourtney, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian—developed friendships of their own. After Kris and Caitlyn married in 1991, Caitlyn became a step-parent to Kris’s children. The couple later welcomed daughters Kendall and Kylie Jenner before their divorce in 2014.

Kathy Hilton’s pivotal role in launching Kim Kardashian’s career began when Paris was offered a role in the reality show “The Simple Life.” Kathy approached Kris with the idea of involving Kim in the show, believing it would benefit both young women. “I called Kris and said, ‘Paris is starting this TV show and she needs somebody that can be with her and organize her,’” she recalled. Kris immediately supported the idea, leading to a “playdate” that would have lasting implications for both families.

As Kim joined Paris on “The Simple Life,” their friendship flourished, and Kim’s career eventually skyrocketed. In a 2019 interview with E! True Hollywood Story, Kim credited Paris for playing a significant role in her success: “She’s a huge, huge reason [for] my success,” Kim stated.

Despite their early successes, Kim and Paris drifted apart as they pursued their individual paths. Their friendship rekindled in 2014 at a birthday party for designer Riccardo Tisci. Following their reunion, Kim shared a nostalgic Instagram post featuring a throwback photo from their trip to Ibiza in 2006, expressing her delight in reconnecting with Paris.

Since that moment, the two have attended numerous events together, reinforcing their bond. From holiday parties to Paris’ wedding to Carter Reum, their relationship has evolved into one of mutual support and friendship, highlighting the enduring connection between the Hilton and Kardashian-Jenner families.