The mother of three sons, Barbara Kardashian was Robert Kardashian’s sister. Sister of three sons, Barbara Kardashian was the matriarch of the Kardashian family.
Barbara Kardashian Freeman was Kim Kardashian’s older sister and aunt to Kourtney, Khloé, Rob and Robert Kardashian. The famous siblings have created a media empire around the world, but Barbara’s life has been a private and faith-based one, serving as a dental hygienist, mentor and community volunteer in Los Angeles. On January 14, 2022 she died at home in peace at the age of 82. Let’s take a look at her life, family, and legacy in 2026 with some facts!
Who was Barbara Kardashian? Quick Facts
Barbara Kardashian Freeman is best known for being the aunt of the Kardashian sisters as well as sister to O.J. Simpson attorney Robert Kardashian. She was not in the spotlight like her famous nieces.
- Full Name: Barbara Kardashian Freeman
- Also Known As: Barbara Kardashian Carr
- Born: The film was released in Los Angeles, CA on February 10, 1939.
- Died: January 14, 2022, age 82, at home
- Parents: Arthur Kardashian & Helen Jean Arakelian Kardashian
- Siblings: Thomas “Tom” Kardashian, Robert Kardashian†
- Occupation: Dental Hygienist
- Net Worth: <$1 million
3. Armenian American History
Family Background
Barbara grew up in Los Angeles, in an Armenian-American family. She was the daughter of Arthur Kardashian and Helen Jean Arakelian, and had three siblings: Barbara, Robert, and Tom. This family tree can be traced to Tatos Saghatel Kardashian.
Education
She graduated from Susan Miller Dorsey High School in Los Angeles, and went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Southern California. She met her first husband Don Carr at USC.
3. Career: Dental hygiene to theology.
Dental Hygienist
In college, Barbara became a dental hygienist to assist patients in keeping their teeth and mouth healthy. The colleagues explained that dental hygiene was a “very important job in dental care”.
Faith and Ministry
As an older woman, Barbara turned to her faith and to serving others in her community. She studied theology at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California. She grew to be a strong Christian and devoted time to Calvary Chapel, Newport Mesa Christian Center, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and the Christian Women’s Club.
Leadership opportunities:
She organized many Bible studies and prayer groups, and was a woman of a smile and great welcome.
4. Marriages and Children
First Marriage: Don Carr
In Los Angeles, Barbara married Don Carr in 1962. They had three children together: Ken Carr, Tim Carr and Cheryle Carr.
Second Marriage: Roy Freeman
Don Carr died and Barbara married Roy Freeman. Roy and his wife were “colourful” and were known as a good family for their love of entertaining, traveling and collecting art; both Roy and his son David Freeman died before her.
Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
Barbara was matriarch to a large family. She is survived by 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, Hazel and Acacia. There was always something new about them and so she allowed her house to be open to everyone.
5. Link to the Well-known Kardashian Family.
Dr. Ginnouni L. Martin, sister of Robert Kardashian.
Robert Kardashian (b. 1937) is her brother. He became a noted lawyer in the O.J. Simpson murder trial on Feb. 22, 1944. He was previously married to Kris Houghton (Kris Jenner).
Aunt to Kim, Kourtney, Khloé and Rob
Barbara was an aunt to Kourtney, Kim, Khloé and Rob Kardashian through her son Robert. Although they were known far and near, Barbara had “a more muted life, away from the limelight”.
Other Family Ties
Her sister-in-law Joan Kardashian was Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley’s Matron of Honor. Joseph Esposito was the road manager for Elvis, who married Joan.
The focus is on personality, style and community impact.
Barbara was described as being style-conscious and ahead of her time, enjoying animal prints, bright colors and bright red lipstick. She organized the “BEST, most creative parties” and allowed her friends, knitting group, Mexican Train players, prayer group and walking group to have access to her home.
Friends said that she could “brighten it by just walking in the door” and was “one who worked tirelessly”. Her life and joy was full – and ONLY because of Jesus Christ” – in her own words.
7. Death and Memorial
Barbara Kardashian Freeman passed away on January 14, 2022 at the age of 82. She was predeceased by her brother Robert Kardashian, her husband Don Carr, her husband Roy Freeman and son David Freeman.
A celebration of life was organised and the family asked for donations in her name for Ararat Home and Royal Family Kids.
9. Biggest Difference: Barbara Kardashian vs. Barbie Kardashian.
10. Barbie Kardashian vs. Barbara Kardashian: The Biggest Difference.
The name Barbara Kardashian will bring up a whole host of results relating to a transsexual prisoner in Ireland named Barbie Kardashian, a different person entirely.
Key differences:
- Kim Kardashian’s aunt, American dental hygienist Barbara Kardashian Freeman passed away in 2022.
- He was arrested in 2018 for threatening her mother, but he was later convicted in 2020.He was arrested in 2018 for threatening her mother, but convicted in 2020 and released from Limerick Prison in 2023.
- Even though they sound the same, the two are utterly distinct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Barbara Kardashian to Kim Kardashian?
Kim Kardashian’s aunt was Barbara Kardashian, who was the sister of Robert Kardashian.
What was Barbara Kardashian’s job?
She was a Dental Hygienist and studied Theology at Fuller Seminary where she led Bible Studies and prayer groups.
What was the year of Barbara Kardashian’s death?
She passed away January 14, 2022 at age 82.
Is it also Barbara Kardashian vs Barbie Kardashian?
No. Barbara Kardashian Freeman was a Los Angeles resident and Kardashian family member. Barbie Kardashian is an Irish prisoner who doesn’t have any family ties.
