Brody Jenner Reflects on Complicated Relationship with Caitlyn Jenner

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Brody Jenner, reality TV star and son of Caitlyn Jenner, has opened up about his complex relationship with his famous parent, reflecting on their journey from estrangement to reconciliation. Caitlyn, a former Olympic decathlete who came out as a trans woman in 2015, has six children from three marriages, including Brody and his brother Brandon with ex-wife Linda Thompson.

“The big formative years for them, I was really struggling with issues,” Caitlyn admitted in 2015. “I didn’t do a good job. And I apologized to my kids for that.” Caitlyn’s transition and public journey have been well-documented, but her relationship with Brody has been a focal point of their family dynamics.

Brody, who appeared on the early seasons of *Keeping Up With the Kardashians*, shared his perspective on growing up with Caitlyn, then known as Bruce. “I think Bruce is an incredible human being and a great father, he just wasn’t a great father to me,” Brody said in a 2013 episode. “Bruce was never around. I can’t tell you how many birthdays went by where Bruce wasn’t there. I resent him for that.”

Despite their rocky past, Brody has been supportive of Caitlyn’s transition. “The first thing I thought was just, like, ‘It finally makes sense,'” Brody told ABC News in 2017. “I’ve known Bruce for a long time and I didn’t really get along with Bruce. Caitlyn and I get along a little more, because Caitlyn is actually who she really is and she’s living her life finally now as the person she actually was.”

In October 2024, Brody attended Caitlyn’s 75th birthday party, signaling a continued effort to mend their relationship. “Last night bday dinner in Malibu was so special,” Caitlyn wrote on social media. “Family is everything! So many kids and so many of the grandkids, all in one place, at one time. … I love you all so much.”

Brody, now a father himself, has expressed a desire to break the cycle of absentee parenting. After welcoming his first child with partner Tia Blanco in July 2023, Brody shared his hopes for the future. “I think that what I’m most excited about is doing things differently than my father did,” Brody said in an August 2023 video. “Growing up I didn’t have the greatest relationship with then-Bruce [now Caitlyn]. [Caitlyn] wasn’t really around for me growing up. So I think that just doing the exact opposite, being the absolute best father I could possibly be and getting ready for the journey and just so very excited.”

Caitlyn, who has been candid about her parenting regrets, reiterated her commitment to her children in a 2017 interview with ABC. “There’s no excuse for not being a good parent,” she said, “no matter how many problems you have.”

As Brody navigates fatherhood and Caitlyn continues her advocacy work, their relationship remains a testament to the complexities of family, forgiveness, and growth.