Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner are steadfastly upholding the legacy of their family's accomplishments.
Viewers were treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Kardashian family's cover photoshoot for Variety, where Kim famously encouraged women in business with an unapologetic exhortation, "Rise to the occasion and work your heart out."
Halfway through the interview, the Variety journalist probed Kris, Kim, Kourtney Kardashian, and Khloé Kardashian about their views on those who continue to perceive the Kardashians as "famous for being famous."
Kris, at 66, took the lead in responding, articulating how, "I believe that perception has evolved considerably over the past few years."
Kim, aged 41, chimed in with her perspective, "We accentuate the positive, and we pour our unwavering dedication into our pursuits. We're not required to sing or dance. We simply lead our lives, and, hey, we've made our mark."
In a candid confessional, Kris pondered the critics, saying, "I'm not sure why this question arose regarding our talents. Would they pose the same query to [Amazon CEO] Jeff Bezos? 'Can you dance? Can you sing?'"
"We've fostered extraordinary businesses that have achieved exceptional success," the momager affirmed. "And we revel in the privilege of coming together as a family to nurture these enterprises. That's our special power. Not too shabby."
Later in the episode, Kim addressed the backlash she faced in connection with her memorable interview moment, emphasizing the relentless effort she has poured into her career to attain her level of achievement.
"We've been blessed with incredible opportunities, but we've also put in the hard work," Khloé, 38, remarked to Kim, before sharing her thoughts in a confessional, "They'll always say, 'What do you know? You were born with a silver spoon in your mouth.' But it's exasperating when the world refuses to see you for who you truly are."
Kim offered her own perspective, "I believe that if people truly comprehended, yes, we had a privileged upbringing, but they don't know the story of your parents selling their home in the hills because they couldn't afford it, moving into an apartment, and mom launching her career, starting to earn a living in her 50s."
"Growing up and witnessing her tireless hustle, seeing her wake up every day with all those kids... I saw her grind and find her way," she continued. "That was my inspiration to work."
Kim added in a candid confessional, "People might assume that everything was handed to me because I was on a TV show. But being on a reality show, let alone a reality TV personality with a controversial past, doesn't automatically open doors. I always felt the need to go the extra mile to be taken seriously and to help people forget my past."
This episode of 'The Kardashians' held more pivotal moments in store for viewers.
In an earlier segment, Kim disclosed to her 88-year-old grandmother, Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon, that she and her then-boyfriend, Pete Davidson, had decided to make an intimate memory in front of a hotel fireplace "as a tribute" to her grandmother's advice.
"You know what's incredibly surreal?" she remarked to MJ during the episode. "Pete and I were staying at the Beverly Hills Hotel last weekend, and we sat in front of the fireplace, conversing for hours. I remembered that my grandmother once told me that one truly lives life when they engage in intimacy by the fireside. So, in your honor, we shared that experience."
Additionally, the episode unveiled the news that Kris required a hip replacement surgery, a development that left her emotionally shaken.
"It's a bewildering realization," Kris confessed, her emotions getting the better of her. "Suddenly, I'm confronted with the reality that time is running out, and I can't do all the things I once could."
"It's the stark awareness that I'm aging," she added later. "It plays mind games with you because I've always felt like I was perpetually 40 years old."
