'Only person that loved me my entire life': Caitlyn Jenner pens heartfelt post after mom Esther's death at 96
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Caitlyn Jenner's mother Esther has died at the age of 96. The Olympian shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Friday morning, April 21.
"I am heartbroken to announce my mom passed away yesterday morning, peacefully. Losing a mother is unique in the sense that she is the only person that loved me my entire life. I will miss her tremendously. She was a few weeks shy of 97 and lived a full life. Love you mom," wrote the former Kardashians star. Esther was featured on popular TV shows such as '20/20' and 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians'. She is survived by two children, Burt and Caitlyn, and her granddaughters, Kendall and Kylie.
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Esther supported Caitlyn's transition
Esther initially came to public attention when she appeared with her ex-daughter-in-law Kris Jenner and their children on 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians', where she was seen at various family events. She later became a significant presence on 'I Am Cait', the docu-series that chronicled Caitlyn's experiences as a transgender woman. "It seems as though when people start to have more understanding, the stigma of being different goes away," Esther said on one episode of the show, as per ET. "To me, that's the beauty of [Caitlyn] giving herself permission to do this because—like for any of us—once you've seen something over and over again, you get more used to it, right?"
Esther also accompanied Caitlyn as her special guest to the 2015 ESPYs, where Caitlyn received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award in recognition of her gold medal-winning achievements in decathlon and her public transition as a transgender woman. In her emotional acceptance speech, Caitlyn attributed her resilience and bravery to her mother's unwavering support and influence. "I always thought that I got my courage and my determination from my dad who landed on Omaha beach and fought all the way through World War II," Caitlyn said at the time, per NBC. "I'm realizing now, mom: I think I got all of those qualities from you."
Esther had a rocky relationship with Kris Jenner
Esther remained a staunch supporter of Caitlyn throughout her transition, even in her nineties, recognizing that it was not something Caitlyn had chosen, but rather a condition that began in the womb. "It’s nothing she asked for, it’s a condition and it starts in the mother’s womb," she had said. However, she had been vocal in her criticism of Kris Jenner, Caitlyn's ex-wife and mother to Kendall and Kylie, accusing her of being overly controlling and unsuitable as a spouse, per The Sun.
'God bless your mom'
Tributes have been pouring in, offering condolences and support in the comments of Caitlyn's post about her late mother on Instagram. "I’m so sorry for your loss," wrote commentator Tomi Lahren, while internet personality Oli London wrote, "So very sorry to hear that. That is truly heartbreaking sending you love, thoughts and prayers." Donald Trump Jr's partner Kimberly Guilfoyle said, "I am so sorry for your loss. God bless your mom. Sending you hugs and prayers." Nigerian film actress Saratu Daso wrote, "Sorry, may her soul rest in peace," while TV personality Siggy Flicker offered her support saying, "So very sorry for your loss. May your mom rest in peace."
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