How did Kim Kardashian’s father die? Celebrity pays a heartfelt tribute on father’s death anniversary

Kim Kardashian - Source: Getty
Robert Kardashian with daughter Kim Kardashian outside Marymount High School in Los Angeles, 1996. (Image via Jim Heimann Collection/Getty Images)

Kim Kardashian is keeping up with her years-long tradition of honoring her late father, Robert Kardashian, on Instagram.

The SKIMS founder took to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, September 30, to share an AI-generated image of herself in her cap and gown, taken on the day she graduated from law school, alongside her late father with his arms over his shoulder. She penned a heartfelt note to him:

"thank you for always protecting the family from heaven. Can't believe I was 22 years old when you passed away and it's been 22 years today since you went to heaven. I've known you just as long as you've been gone. I hope you're so proud of all of us. We love you dad and miss you sooo much."

Robert, who is also the father of Kourtney, Khloe, and Rob Kardashian, was reportedly diagnosed with esophageal cancer in July 2003. He succumbed to the ailment two months later at the age of 59.


Read Kim Kardashian's letters to her late father over the years:

Kim Kardashian has been paying homage to her late father every year since he died. In September 2022, she took to Instagram to mark the 19th year of his passing with a bittersweet note to him:

"19 years ago my daddy passed away. I miss coming home to these notes that I could hardly read w his left handwriting. I love you so much dad, I can always feel you."

She also shared a string of Father's Day cards she'd given him over the years, admitting to her fans that he saved every last one. One of the cards read:

"Dad- I just want you to know how much I appreciate everything you do for me. I love working for you! I love you and happy fathers day."

She also shared some throwback photos and videos, including one of him skiing with the family.

"We skied every Thanksgiving," Kim Kardashain penned. "Best memories ever! And the reason I love skiing today, especially with my kids."

In 2021, Kim Kardashian echoed the sentiments when she recalled the day she learned her father had died. Coupled with a black-and-white picture of herself and Rob, she wrote:

"18 years ago was the worst day of my life. 💔 But I know u see and guide. Love never dies. Love u daddy."

Robert Kardashian was a renowned businessman and lawyer. He made headlines in 1994 when he famously sided and defended O.J. Simpson during his trial for the murder of Nicole Simpson, his wife.

His daughter, Kim Kardashian, has since followed in his footsteps as she graduated with a law degree.


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Edited by Jenel Treza Albuquerque