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Kim Kardashian has paid tribute to her father, Robert Kardashian Sr., 22 years after his passing. The reality star shared a heartfelt Instagram Story on Tuesday, September 30, remembering the late attorney who died in 2003 at the age of 59.
In the emotional post, Kim uploaded a digitally edited photo of herself in a graduation cap and gown standing beside her father, who appeared smiling proudly. Alongside the image, she wrote, "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 soooooooooo much."
Robert Kardashian Sr., best remembered for his role in the 1995 O.J. Simpson murder trial, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in July 2003 and died two months later. Beyond law, he also ventured into business, helping establish the trade magazine Radio & Records and founding Movie Tunes, a company that played music in theaters before films.
Born in 1944, Robert married Kris Houghton (now Kris Jenner) in 1978. Together, they welcomed four children: Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob Jr. The couple divorced in 1991, but Robert remained a central figure in his children's lives. Today, his legacy is also honored through the UCLA Robert G. Kardashian Center for Esophageal Health.
Kim's sister Khloé Kardashian also remembered their father, resharing a reel originally posted in February 2024. She wrote, "I will forever hold space for you. Happy birthday daddy. I love you 🕊️ thank you for everything. Every memory. Every lesson. Every laugh. Every ounce of love. Thank you!"
Tributes have also come from those outside the family. In her memoir Softly, As I Leave You: Life After Elvis, Priscilla Presley reflected on her brief relationship with Robert in 1975, recalling, "Robert was a sweet man, and I liked him. But after a few months, I realized it wasn't going to work out." Presley also revealed that Kim once called her from Robert's deathbed, allowing the two to have "one last conversation." She added, "He was the kindest of men, and I remember him with great affection."
More than two decades after his passing, Robert Kardashian Sr.'s influence remains deeply felt by his family, who continue to honor his memory with love and gratitude.
