Kris Jenner's younger sister Karen Houghton has died aged 65 with the Kardashian matriarch paying emotional tribute to her sibling

After Karen Houghton, Kris Jenner's younger sister, passed away at the age of 65, the elder Kardashian paid a heartfelt homage to her sibling.

According to TMZ, Karen, who was known for having a rocky relationship with Jenner, 68, was declared dead to San Diego County officials on Monday in San Marcos, California.

While county officials are currently blaming her death on natural causes, the precise circumstances surrounding her death remain unknown.

Karen was Kris' only sister, and the two of them were raised primarily by mom MJ in San Diego following their father Robert Houghton's divorce.

"It is with the heaviest heart and deepest sadness that I share that my sister Karen passed away yesterday unexpectedly," Jenner said on Tuesday, posting pictures of herself with her cherished sister.

'My heart aches for my mom MJ and my niece Natalie and I pray that God guides us all through this difficult time. Karen was beautiful inside and out. She was the sweetest, kindest, the most sensitive and vulnerable and so so funny. 

'She always felt grateful and thankful for her life and treasured her family and friends and especially her beautiful daughter. She holds such a huge part of my heart and I cherish every single memory we have together. 

'Karen’s passing is a reminder that life is so short and precious and tomorrow is never promised. We must tell those we cherish how much we love them. I love you my beautiful sister.'

Karen is survived by her mother, MJ, Kris, nieces Kourtney, Kim, and Khloe Kardashian, Kendall, and Kylie Jenner, nephew Rob Kardashian, and daughter Natalie, 26, whom she welcomed with her ex-husband Mark Zettel.

For a considerable amount of time, Kris and Karen's relationship had been turbulent, with Kris publicly criticizing Karen and her sister receiving expensive presents from Kris.

Natalie, Karen's daughter, shared an Instagram Story in 2019 revealing the couple's reunion.

Along with Natalie, her well-known cousin Kylie Jenner, and their mother Mary Jo Campbell, the rival sisters smiled for pictures.

When part-time nurse Karen opened up to reporters outside Kim Kardashian's baby shower in 2013 and even performed a jig for them, she earned the reputation of being the family's bad apple.