Did you know someone was married to Robert Kardashian for just 30 days before Kris Jenner? This surprising fact hides a story filled with beauty pageants, Hollywood romances, and family secrets. While most people know about the Kardashian-Jenner dynasty, few remember Jan Ashley – the woman whose short marriage to Robert Kardashian Sr. created waves in this famous family’s history.
Contents
Who is Jan Ashley?
To understand Jan Ashley’s place in the Kardashian narrative, let’s look at her background:
| Full Name | Janice Lynn Glass |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 3, 1948 |
| Place of Birth | Amarillo, Texas |
| Parents | James Douglas and Monnie M. Glass |
| Notable Title | Crowned Miss Tulsa in 1966 |
| Marriages | John Ashley (1978–1997), Robert Kardashian Sr. (November–December 1998) |
| Date of Passing | October 1, 2015 |
| Final Resting Place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Los Angeles, California |
Early Life and Background
Born Janice Lynn Glass on August 3, 1948, in Amarillo, Texas, Jan Ashley grew up far from Hollywood glitz. Her parents, James Douglas and Monnie M. Glass, raised her in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At 18, Jan’s life changed when she won the Miss Tulsa 1966 crown, launching her into the world of pageants and public appearances.
This small-town girl with big dreams soon caught the eye of Hollywood. But before meeting any Kardashians, Jan would first marry someone famous in the entertainment industry.
First Marriage to John Ashley
In 1978, Jan married John Ashley, a successful actor and movie producer known for horror films and working with Roger Corman. Their marriage lasted nearly 20 years until John died in 1997. Together, they attended glamorous events and supported each other’s careers. Friends described them as a “perfect Hollywood pair” who loved traveling and hosting parties.
Key Facts About Jan’s First Marriage:
- Married: 1978
- Spouse: John Ashley (actor/producer)
- Marriage Length: 19 years
- Ended: John’s death in 1997
Jan Ashley Meeting Robert Kardashian
Just eight months after John’s passing, Jan met Robert Kardashian Sr. at a charity event. The recently divorced lawyer (father to Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian) quickly proposed. They married on November 25, 1998, in a small Las Vegas ceremony.
Friends warned Jan about rushing into marriage, but she later said: “Robert made me feel special after losing John. I wasn’t thinking clearly about his complicated family situation.”
The 30-Day Marriage
The newlyweds’ honeymoon in Hawaii turned stormy – both literally and figuratively. Jan soon discovered tensions with Robert’s ex-wife Kris Jenner and their four children. Sources close to the family reported shouting matches during what should have been a romantic trip.
Three key problems ended the marriage:
- Disputes over money and prenuptial agreements
- Clashes with Robert’s children (then aged 14-19)
- Robert’s growing doubts about remarrying
On December 24, 1998 – exactly 30 days after their wedding – the couple filed for annulment. Jan later claimed Robert’s family never accepted her: “They saw me as an outsider trying to replace Kris.”
Life After Robert Kardashian
Jan returned to Tulsa, avoiding media attention. In rare interviews, she described the marriage as “a mistake born from loneliness.” She remained close friends with Robert until his 2003 death from cancer, even attending his funeral.
When asked about the Kardashian family controversies, Jan once told a reporter: “Reality TV shows only part of the story. That family has always been dramatic – long before cameras followed them everywhere.”
Later Years of Jan Ashley and Passing
Jan Ashley lived quietly in Oklahoma until her death on October 1, 2015, at age 67. Per her wishes, she was buried beside her first husband John Ashley at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles. Though she had no children, friends remembered her as a generous woman who loved animals and supported local charities.
Jan Ashley’s Life Timeline
- 1948: Born in Texas
- 1966: Crowned Miss Tulsa
- 1978: Marries John Ashley
- 1997: John Ashley dies
- 1998: Marries Robert Kardashian
- 1998: Marriage annulled
- 2015: Passes away in Oklahoma
Conclusion
Jan Ashley’s story reminds us that behind every famous family, there are forgotten chapters. Her brief marriage to Robert Kardashian Sr. offers a glimpse into the Kardashians’ lives before reality TV fame. More importantly, it shows how one woman’s journey took her from Texas beauty queen to Hollywood wife – not once, but twice.
While the Kardashians became household names, Jan chose a quieter path. Her life teaches us that sometimes, the most interesting stories aren’t about fame, but about resilience and starting over – even after very public mistakes.
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