Kathy Hilton says single life has been ‘scary’ for sister Kyle Richards amid Mauricio Umansky split
Kathy Hilton admitted it’s been “heartbreaking” to watch sister Kyle Richards navigate her split from Mauricio Umansky after 28 years of marriage.
Hilton told Entertainment Tonight Friday that the family has tried to rally around Richards as she delves into this new chapter of life.
“You know, there’s good days for Kyle and then there’s tough days,” the 65-year-old told the outlet. “And I am there talking to her every day, several times, and I wanna be there for her.”
Hilton noted that “it’s very scary” for Richards to be on her own for the first time in nearly three decades.
Kathy Hilton said the transition from married life to single life has been “scary” for sister Kyle Richards. Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation
Hilton said Richards has “good” days and “tough” days amid their separation. WireImage
The former couple met in 1994, just two years after Richards’ divorce from first husband Guraish Aldjufrie, with whom she shares daughter Farrah, 35.
“She’s been married her whole life,” Hilton added, noting that it’s also been hard on their children — Alexia, 27, Sophia, 24, and Portia, 16.
“It doesn’t matter what age,” she continued. “It’s heartbreaking.”
Umansky, 53, and Richards, 55, announced their separation in July 2023 — just one month after the one-time feuding sisters made amends.
Hilton said she and Richards talk every day. Griffin Nagel/Bravo
“I wanna be there for her,” she said. Getty Images for MPTF
Hilton has been in Richard’s corner ever since, even appearing at the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” Season 13 reunion to support her sister.
The hotel mogul told ET she was thrilled to be a “fly on the wall” during the drama-filled day — but even more so to comfort Richards as she addressed their separation.
“I wanted to be there and just hold her hand,” Hilton shared. “I wanted to be there and be supportive. It was great to see all the girls again.”
Hilton starred on Seasons 11 and 12 of “RHOBH” as a “friend” of the cast alongside her sister but took a year off after watching their relationship sour under the spotlight.
“The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” stars announced their separation in July 2023. mumansky18/Instagram
The pair were together for 28 years before their split. mumansky18/Instagram
However, she recently agreed to rejoin the show for Season 14 again as a “friend,” which she hopes will mitigate any tension between her and Richards.
“I’m on my Ps and Qs,” she told Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” podcast earlier this week.
Hilton told us she only offers her younger sister advice when she asks for it, leaning into more of a “moderator” role.
“I said to her, ‘I’m happy to be in the middle and hear your side, hear [their side] and help out,’” Hilton said.
Stay one step ahead with all the exclusive tea on your favorite reality TV stars!
Sign up for Virtual Reali-Tea with Danny and Evan, our must-read newsletter!
Thank for signing up!
They share three daughters along with Richards’ eldest from a previous relationship. Instagram
Hilton said their split has been “heartbreaking” for the whole family. kylerichards18/Instagram
“I think she prefers [that],” she elaborated. “If she needs me, I will [step in].”
However, when Hilton does get involved in any Richards-related drama, she is always “honest” with her younger sibling.
“I don’t want to see anybody drive anybody off a cliff. That’s not cool,” she added. “Look, nobody’s life is perfect, everybody goes through something and it makes us stronger.”