Brody Jenner has opened up about the complexities of his relationship with his father, Caitlyn Jenner,
and how those experiences have shaped his own approach to parenthood.
On the January 15 episode of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, the 41-year-old reality star shared candid details about his upbringing, his evolving bond with Caitlyn,
and his commitment to being a present father.
A Distant Relationship Growing Up
Reflecting on his childhood, Brody described a strained relationship with Caitlyn, who transitioned in 2015.
He explained that their interactions were infrequent, saying, “I’d randomly see him—‘him’ at the time—you know, here and there. But my mom would tell me that I used to write on cards, ‘Why doesn’t dad call me on my birthday?’”
Brody’s parents, Caitlyn (then Bruce Jenner) and Linda Thompson, separated when he was young. Caitlyn went on to marry Kris Jenner and become a central figure in the Kardashian-Jenner family, starring in Keeping Up with the Kardashians from 2007 to 2021. Brody admitted feeling abandoned during that time, stating, “To be honest, a little bit abandoned. He was going through his own struggles, transitioning, and it was all that was put on TV. It felt very invasive and not very genuine.”
Fatherhood Brings New Perspective
Now a father himself, Brody credits these challenges with influencing how he wants to raise his own daughter, Honey, whom he welcomed with fiancée Tia Blanco in July 2023. He shared his determination to provide his daughter with the consistent presence he felt he lacked growing up.
“I just had a beautiful little daughter. I’m not living for myself anymore; I’m living for her,” he said on the show. “I’m going to do the exact opposite, as far as being there for her, as my father did for me. I think it’s going to make me a better father.”
Brody has spoken openly about how becoming a parent has been transformative, describing his daughter as his guiding light. “Being a girl dad hits different,” he shared in an Instagram post featuring his family. He has repeatedly expressed his commitment to being the “absolute best father” he can be.
A Turning Point with Caitlyn
Brody revealed that his relationship with Caitlyn has improved in recent years. A pivotal moment came when Caitlyn offered a sincere apology for her absence during his childhood. “It was the first time in my life that I’ve ever gotten an apology,” Brody said. “She said, ‘I’m sorry for not being there,’ and honestly, it meant a lot.”
Caitlyn’s spokesperson confirmed to People that she and Brody maintain a positive relationship but declined to comment on private conversations. Brody also acknowledged that Caitlyn’s transition provided some clarity about their past. “When I found out that Caitlyn, or Bruce, wanted to be Caitlyn, it was sort of a relief. There were a lot of things that started to make sense about my father and maybe why he wasn’t there all those years.”
Moving Forward with Love and Understanding
Brody’s experiences have inspired him to forge a stronger bond with his own child, ensuring that she grows up feeling loved and supported. Reflecting on his past in a YouTube video documenting Honey’s birth, he shared, “I think what I’m most excited about is doing things differently than my father did. Growing up, I didn’t have the greatest relationship with then-Bruce. So I’m focused on being there and present for my little girl.”
Despite the challenges, Brody’s reflections underscore his growth and his desire to foster a more meaningful relationship with his family, including Caitlyn. By embracing the lessons from his past, Brody is charting a new course as a father and redefining what family means to him.
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