Kris Jenner Recalls 1970s Racetrack Encounter and Robert Kardashian’s Persistent Pursuit

Kris Jenner shares the 1970s "meet-cute" story of how Robert Kardashian Sr. bypassed her refusal to give him her number to eventually launch their 13-year marriage.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 23, 2026, 5:22 AM EDT

Source: People

The Del Mar Racetrack Encounter

The meeting took place in the early 1970s while Jenner was still a teenager. Dressed up for a day at the races but too young to legally place bets, Jenner recalled being approached by Kardashian Sr., who she described as "a little cheeky." Despite his advances, Jenner initially found him annoying and refused to provide her phone number, adhering to the era's social norms regarding trust and strangers. However, the future high-profile attorney utilized a personal connection at a local phone company to bypass Jenner’s gatekeeping, eventually locating her number through their internal database.

A Legacy of Friendship Post-Divorce

The couple eventually married in 1978 and spent 13 years together before their 1991 divorce. Despite the separation, Jenner emphasized that the two remained exceptionally close, describing a bond where they "became best friends" and spoke on the phone daily. This relationship endured until Kardashian Sr.’s death from esophageal cancer in 2003 at the age of 59. Jenner admitted on the podcast that she experienced periods of regret following the divorce, questioning her decision-making at the time given the strength of their enduring friendship.

Tributes from the Kardashian Siblings

The impact of Robert Kardashian Sr. remains a central theme for his four children: Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob. In honor of what would have been his 80th birthday, the siblings shared various tributes emphasizing his humor, patience, and role as a dedicated father. Rob Kardashian, 39, shared rare throwback imagery on social media, while Kim Kardashian highlighted her father's role in creating lasting family memories, such as their frequent ski trips. These public displays of affection underscore the "RGK" legacy that continues to influence the family's public narrative decades after his passing.