Kris Jenner’s First Meeting With Robert Kardashian Didn’t Go As Planned
Last Updated on March 27, 2026 by Bella
Kris Jenner is sharing a story from her past that feels almost impossible today. Long before fame, she met Robert Kardashian Sr. in a completely unexpected way, and her first reaction might surprise you.
From a racetrack meeting to a decades-long bond, her story is both nostalgic and deeply personal.
Keep reading to discover how Kris Jenner and Robert Kardashian Sr. went from a chance meeting to a lifelong connection that still resonates today.
A Chance Meeting at the Racetrack
Kris Jenner recently shared a memory that takes us back to the early 1970s. She recalled meeting Robert Kardashian Sr. for the first time at a racetrack in Del Mar when she was just 17 years old.
At the time, she was too young to place bets herself, which made the outing even more memorable. She described being dressed up and excited, soaking in the moment with her friends.
“We met at the racetrack in Delmar,” Jenner shared. “And I wasn’t old enough to bet, so I had to stand to the side while my girlfriend’s mom had to place our bets for like $2. I was so excited, and I was all dressed up.”
That seemingly ordinary day turned into the beginning of something life-changing.
First Impressions Were Not So Romantic
While many love stories start with instant chemistry, this one had a different vibe at first. Kardashian approached Jenner and tried to strike up a conversation, but she was not impressed.
“He came up to me and said, you know, ‘What’s your name?’ And I told him, and he was a little cheeky,” she said. “And I was really annoyed, like you’re a stranger, go away.”
It is a relatable moment. A teenage girl was cautious around a stranger in a time when communication looked very different. Jenner even reflected on how much the world has changed since then.
“But there was also no way to contact somebody unless you had their phone number, and you were standing by your phone in the kitchen to receive the phone call, and blah blah blah. I mean, it was a weird world. The best times of my life,” she added.
The Clever Way He Got Her Number
Despite her initial rejection, Kardashian was not ready to give up. When he asked for her phone number, Jenner refused.
“And so he asked me for my name, and I gave it to him, and he asked me for my number, and I didn’t give it to him.”
But fate had other plans. Thanks to a connection at the phone company, Kardashian found another way to reach her.
“But his best friend, this girl, worked at the phone company,” Jenner explained.
Back then, having access to directories and phone records made it possible to track down someone with just a name. It may sound surprising today, but at the time, it was not unheard of.
That persistence paid off, and the two eventually connected.
From Young Love to Marriage and Family
Their early interactions eventually blossomed into a serious relationship. Jenner and Kardashian tied the knot in 1978 and went on to build a family together.
They became parents to four children who would later become household names: Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, and Rob Kardashian.
Their marriage lasted more than a decade before they divorced in 1991. However, their story did not end there.
A Bond That Lasted Beyond Divorce
Even after their separation, Jenner and Kardashian maintained a strong connection. Over time, they transitioned into a close friendship that remained important in both of their lives.
During a past reflection, Jenner admitted she had some regrets about how things unfolded.
“We talked on [the] phone all day long, helped each other through things all the time, and I did have regrets,” she said. “I thought, ‘Wow, what I was thinking?’ “
Their relationship evolved into something deeper than marriage. It became a lifelong bond rooted in shared experiences and mutual respect.
Remembering Robert Kardashian Sr.’s Legacy
Kardashian passed away in 2003 at the age of 59 after battling esophageal cancer. Even years later, his presence continues to be felt by his family.
Jenner and her children frequently honor his memory, especially on birthdays and special occasions. Social media has become a space where they share heartfelt tributes and personal reflections.
Each of their children has expressed how much he meant to them. From cherished family vacations to everyday life lessons, his impact remains strong.
Kim once reflected on his character and influence, describing him as a loving and thoughtful father. Khloé has shared how grateful she feels for the years she had with him, while Kourtney often remembers his sense of humor and ability to make life feel special. Rob has also paid tribute with emotional messages that highlight the deep bond they shared.
Jenner herself continues to celebrate his life, often sharing messages that reflect both love and gratitude. Her words show that while their romantic relationship ended, their connection never truly faded.
A Love Story That Still Resonates
What makes this story stand out is how real it feels. It is not a perfect fairytale, but it is honest, layered, and deeply human.
From a teenage girl brushing off a stranger at a racetrack to building a family that would later become one of the most famous in the world, Jenner’s journey with Kardashian is full of unexpected turns.
It is also a reminder of how relationships can evolve. Sometimes love looks different over time, but that does not make it any less meaningful.
In sharing this story, Jenner gives fans a glimpse into a simpler time and a relationship that shaped her life in lasting ways.
TL;DR
- Kris Jenner met Robert Kardashian Sr. at a racetrack in Del Mar when she was 17.
- She initially found him annoying and refused to give him her phone number.
- Kardashian later got her number through a friend who worked at a phone company.
- The couple married in 1978 and had four children: Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, and Rob Kardashian.
- They divorced in 1991 but stayed close friends afterward.
- Jenner later shared that she had regrets about their separation.
- Kardashian passed away in 2003 at age 59 from esophageal cancer.
- The Kardashian family continues to honor his legacy with heartfelt tributes.
