Robert Kardashian at a Glance
Robert George Kardashian (1944–2003) was an American businessman and attorney best known for his role in the O.J. Simpson murder trial and as the father of Kim Kardashian. This evergreen explainer details Robert’s background, his long-term marriage to Kris Jenner, key relationships, children, professional milestones, and answers common questions about his current or past girlfriend status with sourced facts and context.
Background and Public Persona
Early Life and Career
Born in Los Angeles on February 22, 1944, Robert grew up in a working-class Armenian-American family. He played football at the University of Southern California (USC), studied business, and later founded the successful defense firm Robert Kardashian & Associates. He gained national fame as a close friend and defense attorney in the O.J. Simpson trial, which defined his public legacy.
Marriage to Kris Jenner and Children
Robert married Kris Houghton (later Jenner) in 1978. They had four children: Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian. The couple separated in 1987 and divorced in 1991, though they maintained a cooperative co-parenting relationship. Robert remained deeply involved in his children’s lives and frequently appeared in media alongside his then-partner, Linda Thompson, throughout the 1990s.
Key Relationship Timeline
- 1978–1991: Marriage to Kris Jenner; four children.
- 1990s: Long-term relationship with Linda Thompson; engagement and shared parenting.
- 2000s: Later relationships kept largely private; limited verified public details.
- September 30, 2003: Robert died of esophageal cancer at age 59.
Reported Girlfriend Status and Current Information
Because Robert passed away in 2003, he does not have a current girlfriend. Any claims about a “new girlfriend” in the present are either misreported references to historical relationships or misinformation. After his death, he was in a long-term relationship with Linda Thompson, but he had no verified public romantic relationship at the time of his passing.
Children and Family Legacy
Robert’s children with Kris Jenner—Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob—became central figures in reality television and global pop culture. His co-parenting partnership with Jenner, and later his close bond with Linda Thompson, shaped much of his public narrative. The Kardashian-Jenner family’s continued prominence often leads to retrospective coverage of Robert’s life, occasionally resurfacing rumors about his relationships that do not align with the timeline of his death.
Verified Relationship and Biographical Facts
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert George Kardashian | Birth records, biographies |
| Date of Birth | February 22, 1944 | Public birth certificate, obituaries |
| Date of Death | September 30, 2003 | Obituaries, court records |
| Marriage to Kris Jenner | 1978–1991 | Marriage records, interviews |
| Children | Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, Rob | Family statements, public records |
| Notable Legal Role | O.J. Simpson defense attorney | Court transcripts, news archives |
| Long-Term Partner (1990s) | Linda Thompson | Reputable news archives |
Common Misconceptions and Rumor Context
Due to the enduring popularity of the Kardashian brand, older relationship details—such as his engagement to Linda Thompson or his children’s fame—are sometimes misread as current events. Additionally, satirical or speculative content online can blur factual reporting. When evaluating claims about Robert Kardashian’s “new girlfriend,” it is important to anchor discussions in verified timelines, understand that he passed away in 2003, and distinguish between retrospective coverage of his life and present-day realities.
How Reliable Sources Cover This Topic
Trustworthy outlets reference court documents, verified biographies, and reputable news archives when discussing Robert’s relationships. Look for articles that cite marriage records, obituaries, or statements from family representatives, and be cautious of unnamed “sources” or posts lacking transparent sourcing. Cross-referencing with established biographies and legal records is the strongest approach for discerning fact from speculation.
Takeaways and Quick Reference
- Robert Kardashian was married to Kris Jenner from 1978 to 1991 and had four children with her.
- He was engaged to Linda Thompson in the 1990s and had no verified public girlfriend at the time of his death.
- Robert died on September 30, 2003; any present-day “girlfriend” claims are inaccurate.
- Reliable information comes from marriage records, obituaries, and established news archives.
- His public legacy is tied to the O.J. Simpson trial and his children’s careers, not to current romantic relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Did Robert Kardashian have a girlfriend when he died? No. At the time of his passing in 2003, he had no publicly confirmed girlfriend.
- Are there verified rumors of a new girlfriend? No. Because Robert died in 2003, credible sources do not report a current or new girlfriend.
- Who were his long-term partners? His spouse was Kris Jenner; his long-term partner in the 1990s was Linda Thompson.
- Why do rumors about his relationships persist? High interest in the Kardashian family and retrospective content can lead to outdated or inaccurate claims being shared as current news.
Conclusion
Robert Kardashian’s personal life is well documented through marriage records, interviews, and reputable news reporting. His enduring public legacy centers on his legal career and his role as father to Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian. Because he died in 2003, there is no verifiable “new girlfriend,” and present-day claims should be approached with skepticism and checked against authoritative sources.