Kim Kardashian has revealed that she will undergo surgery to address "irregularities" in her throat, a health concern that has brought back memories of her late father, Robert Kardashian, who died of esophageal cancer. The 46-year-old SKIMS founder discussed her recent diagnosis of esophagitis on the October 29 episode of the Hulu reality series "The Kardashians."
"So I’ve seen a couple of doctors, and it’s been heavy on my mind lately," Kardashian shared. She noted the personal significance of the situation, stating, "With my dad having passed away from esophagus cancer, hopefully I can just take medication and this will go away."
The episode detailed her diagnosis of esophagitis, a condition characterized by swelling and inflammation of the esophagus, according to the Mayo Clinic. While esophagitis and esophageal cancer are distinct, the former can be associated with an increased risk of developing cancer.
A preview for an upcoming episode showed Kardashian entering a hospital, where a doctor informed her, "The doctor says my esophagus has these irregularities, and I have to have them cut out. It’s the same thing my dad had."
Robert Kardashian, an attorney known for his role in the O.J. Simpson trial, died on September 30, 2003, at the age of 59, just two months after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Kardashian recently shared the final conversation she had with her father before his death in her authorized biography, "Citizen Kim: The Woman Who Created the Future."
In the book, she recalled her father's words: "I know you’re going to be good – I can see it. It’s as if I can see what your whole life is going to be like." He also advised her to "take care of the other ones. And make sure your brother’s good."
Kardashian recounted the moments leading up to her father's passing, remembering his final words and the pastor's suggestion for family members to say their goodbyes. She shared that her father passed away shortly after she left his home.
In February, Kardashian honored her father's memory on what would have been his 82nd birthday, posting a home movie on Instagram with the caption, "Happy Birthday dad. I miss you so much every day."
Robert Kardashian is survived by his daughters Kourtney, 47, Khloe, 42, and son Rob, 39. Kim Kardashian has four children with her ex-husband Kanye West, from whom she filed for divorce in February 2021. The divorce was finalized in 2022.