Robert George Kardashian (November 12, 1944 – September 30, 2003) was married to Ellen Leonard at the time of his death. They married in 1973 and had four children: Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob. Despite separating in the 1990s and later divorcing in 2003, he remained legally married to Ellen when he passed away. This verified profile clarifies relationships, timelines, and names for public record and family context.
Key Relationship Timeline
Marriage and Family
Robert Kardashian and Ellen Leonard married in 1973. The couple raised four children in the Los Angeles area. Their marriage lasted three decades, ending in divorce in 2003. At no point after separation did he remarry before his death, so Ellen remained his legal spouse.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Legal spouse at death | Ellen Leonard | Public records and biographies |
| Date of death | September 30, 2003 | Obituaries and legal documents |
| Marriage years | 1973–2003 | Biographical timelines |
| Children with Ellen | Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, Rob | Verified biographies |
Ellen Leonard: Background and Role
Ellen Leonard is of Armenian descent and largely maintained privacy during and after the marriage. She supported the family throughout the ups and downs of public life. After the divorce, she focused on personal life away from the spotlight.
Separations and Later Years
By the 1990s, the couple had separated, but legal ties remained until the divorce finalized in 2003. This timeline confirms that Robert was not estranged or unwed at death; his spouse was Ellen. Any references to other partners refer to personal relationships rather than marital status.
Myths and Clarifications
Some assume he was single or linked to other women at death. In reality, legal documents show Ellen as wife. Public confusion may stem from later relationship rumors, but verified records uphold her as the spouse at his passing.
Children and Family Impact
Their children became central figures in entertainment. The family’s trajectory from courtroom allies to reality TV stars began with Robert and Ellen’s union. Understanding this background helps contextualize legacy and public interest.
Legal Status at Death
Because the divorce was finalized after his illness, Ellen was listed as next of kin in official reports. This underscores her status as his wife in the eyes of law and medical records.