Robert True Houghton was a private man whose name became part of one of America’s most famous family stories. Long before the Kardashian-Jenner family became a global name through television, fashion, beauty and business, Robert was living a much quieter life away from the spotlight.
Known primarily as Kris Jenner’s father, Robert True Houghton has remained a subject of interest for people curious about the family’s roots. He was reportedly an engineer and was married to Mary Jo “M.J.” Campbell, who later became well known as Kris Jenner’s mother.
Robert and Mary Jo had two daughters, Kris Jenner and Karen Houghton. While his children would eventually become connected to a famous and highly public family, Robert himself lived a largely private life.
His story took a tragic turn in 1975. Robert True Houghton died in a car accident in Mexico at just 44 years old. His death came when Kris Jenner was only 19, making it an important and painful chapter in her early life.
Today, Robert is remembered less for a public career and more for his place in the family history behind the Kardashian-Jenner dynasty.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert True Houghton |
| Known For | Kris Jenner’s Father |
| Profession | Engineer (Reportedly) |
| Spouse | Mary Jo “M.J.” Campbell |
| Children | Kris Jenner and Karen Houghton |
| Year of Death | 1975 |
| Age at Death | 44 Years |
| Cause of Death | Car Accident in Mexico |
Who Was Robert True Houghton?
Robert True Houghton was reportedly an engineer and a family man who lived several decades before the Kardashian-Jenner name became internationally recognised.
Unlike his daughter and grandchildren, Robert did not live in an era dominated by social media, reality television or celebrity culture. As a result, relatively little detailed public information exists about his personal life.
His marriage to Mary Jo Campbell, however, placed him at the beginning of a family story that would eventually attract worldwide attention.
Robert and Mary Jo had two daughters, Kris and Karen. Their family life was private, but Kris would later become one of the most recognisable figures in reality television and entertainment.
Robert True Houghton and Mary Jo Campbell
Robert’s relationship with Mary Jo Campbell is an important part of his family history. Mary Jo, often known as M.J., later became familiar to fans through her appearances alongside the Kardashian-Jenner family.
Together, Robert and Mary Jo raised their two daughters before their marriage eventually ended. Kris Jenner would later build her own family and become the mother of Kourtney, Kim, Khloé and Rob Kardashian, as well as Kendall and Kylie Jenner.
This means Robert True Houghton was the maternal grandfather of six of the best-known members of the Kardashian-Jenner family.
What Happened to Robert True Houghton?
The most tragic chapter in Robert’s story came in 1975, when he died in a car accident in Mexico.
He was only 44 years old. Kris Jenner was reportedly 19 at the time, meaning she experienced the loss of her father while still a young adult.
His death happened long before Kris Jenner became a television personality and businesswoman. The tragedy therefore belongs to a much earlier period of her life, before her family became a global media phenomenon.
His Connection to the Kardashian-Jenner Family
Robert True Houghton’s importance today comes largely from his connection to Kris Jenner and her children.
Through Kris, Robert became the grandfather of Kourtney, Kim, Khloé and Rob Kardashian, and later Kendall and Kylie Jenner. The family went on to become one of the most influential names in modern celebrity culture.
Although Robert was never part of the reality television era himself, his place in the family tree makes him an interesting figure for those researching the origins of the Kardashian-Jenner family.
His middle name, “True,” has also attracted curiosity, adding another small detail to the story surrounding Kris Jenner’s father.
Conclusion
Robert True Houghton lived a private life, but his place in the family tree connects him to one of the most famous families in modern entertainment. As Kris Jenner’s father, he was part of the family history that came before the Kardashian-Jenner empire.
His reported career as an engineer, marriage to Mary Jo Campbell, two daughters and tragic death in 1975 offer a glimpse into Kris Jenner’s early family background. Although Robert never experienced the extraordinary fame that later surrounded his descendants, his story remains an important part of their history.
Also read: Who Is Kseniya Beryazina Today: Where Is Fred Durst’s Ex-Wife Now?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Robert True Houghton?
Robert True Houghton was Kris Jenner’s father and the father of Karen Houghton. He was reportedly an engineer and lived a largely private life.
Who was Robert True Houghton married to?
He was married to Mary Jo “M.J.” Campbell, who later became known as Kris Jenner’s mother.
How many children did Robert True Houghton have?
Robert and Mary Jo had two daughters, Kris Jenner and Karen Houghton.
When did Robert True Houghton die?
Robert died in 1975 in a car accident in Mexico.
How old was Robert True Houghton when he died?
He was 44 years old when he died.
How old was Kris Jenner when her father died?
Kris Jenner was 19 years old when her father died.
Was Robert True Houghton an engineer?
Biographical accounts commonly describe Robert as an engineer, although detailed public information about his professional career is limited.

