Kim Kardashian Hospitalized for Esophagitis, Recalling Father's Cancer Battle
The reality star's hospitalization for esophagitis draws parallels to her father Robert Kardashian's fatal esophageal cancer, as revealed in a trailer for "The Kardashians."
Kim Kardashian was recently hospitalized for esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus, a condition that evokes painful memories of her father Robert Kardashian's death from esophageal cancer at age 59. The revelation was made in a trailer for the upcoming eighth season of "The Kardashians."
In the preview, Kardashian is seen in a hospital bed, speaking to her makeup team about her condition. Her mother, Kris Jenner, becomes emotional when a friend asks if the illness is the same one that afflicted Robert Kardashian. "I can't, it makes me want to cry," Jenner states.
Robert Kardashian, an attorney widely known for his role on O.J. Simpson's defense team, died in 2003. He and Kris Jenner were married from 1978 to 1991 and had four children together: Kim, Kourtney, Khloe, and Robert Jr.
In a 2023 interview with GQ, Kim Kardashian recalled a conversation with her father shortly before his death. He told her, "I know you’re going to be okay. It’s almost like I can see ahead. I know you’re going to be okay, but just take care of your siblings for me. Just make sure you take care of them." Kardashian interpreted this as a sign that she would overcome life's challenges, influencing her decision-making.
Kourtney Kardashian reflected that while their family's reality show has brought many positive experiences, certain aspects, like conflicts between sisters, could make their father uncomfortable due to his emphasis on family closeness.
Last year, on the 22nd anniversary of her father's death, Kim Kardashian posted a tribute on Instagram, expressing hope that he would be proud of his family and stating, "We love you dad and miss you soooooooooo much."