Opening up like never before, Kristin Cavallari is getting real about a difficult chapter in her life—one that involves her father, Dennis Cavallari, and a painful decision to walk away from their relationship for good.
While chatting with Harry Jowsey on his Boyfriend Material podcast, the reality TV star and entrepreneur shared the emotional story behind their years-long estrangement.
And according to her, it wasn’t just a matter of personal conflict—it involved her kids.
A Longstanding Struggle With Her Dad
Kristin, now 38, revealed that she hasn’t spoken to her dad in three years.
While some might hope for reconciliation in situations like this, she made it clear that cutting ties with him was, in her words, “the best decision” she’s ever made.
“I’ve always had a rocky relationship with my dad,” she confessed.
“But what really changed everything was what happened between him and one of my sons.”
The Moment Everything Changed
Without diving into exact details, Kristin alleged that her father crossed a serious boundary with one of her boys—something she couldn’t ignore or excuse.
“That was the deal-breaker,” she said.
“Especially when there was no apology, no accountability. He traumatized my kid.”
Kristin shares three children—sons Camden, 12, and Jaxon, 10, and daughter Saylor, 9—with her ex-husband, former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler.
As a mom, protecting her children came before any desire to mend the relationship with her dad.
A Mother’s Perspective
Looking at the situation from a mother’s point of view, Kristin admitted that she can’t imagine not fighting to fix things if the roles were reversed.
“If I messed up with my kid so badly that they wanted nothing to do with me, I would be doing everything in my power to repair it,” she said honestly.
“I’d be at their door, apologizing, trying to make it right.”
But that’s not what happened.
Kristin said her father made no effort to reconcile—something that hurt but ultimately confirmed her decision to move on.
She Calls Out His Behavior
Kristin didn’t hold back when describing her father’s alleged behavior.
She referred to him as a “narcissist” and said he’s never taken ownership for anything, instead pushing the blame on her.
Importantly, she also clarified that their falling out had nothing to do with issues like addiction.
“This wasn’t about substances or anything like that—it was about his character,” she emphasized.
Realizations in Adulthood
Kristin first started piecing things together about her father’s personality as she got older.
During a past podcast conversation with psychologist Dr. Sherrie Campbell, she explained, “I didn’t realize until I was an adult that my dad was a narcissist.”
Even though she said she’d endured emotional abuse for years, it was only when it involved her kids that she drew the line.
“I can take it,” she admitted, “but when it’s directed at my children, that’s where I stop.”
Letting Go for Her Own Peace
Earlier this month, the Wild Cherry actress told People that her dad had a habit of gaslighting her—manipulating and denying her reality.
And she simply couldn’t do it anymore.
“If someone only brings pain, sadness, and frustration into your life—what’s the point?” she asked.
“Even if they’re family, life is too short.”
A Past That Took a Toll
On another podcast appearance last December, Kristin reflected on how her childhood led her to seek comfort in unhealthy ways.
She described turning to alcohol and drugs to cope with emotional disconnect at home, saying, “The only real connection I had was with my boyfriend.
There was none at home.”
Finding Strength Through It All
Despite the emotional weight of her strained family ties—and her divorce from Jay Cutler—Kristin says the experience has made her stronger.
“I had to face the truth about how little self-love I had,” she shared.
“But now, for the first time, I genuinely love myself. I love my life. And I’ve worked hard to find peace and happiness.”
Turning Pain Into Purpose
Kristin hasn’t let the past silence her.
She’s bringing her podcast Let’s Be Honest on the road in a new docuseries titled Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour.
The show airs on E! every Wednesday, with episodes also streaming on Peacock the following day.
What’s Next?
Now that Kristin has taken control of her own narrative, it’s clear she’s focused on healing, setting boundaries, and being the best version of herself—for her kids and for her own peace of mind.
As for her relationship with her father?
That chapter may be closed, but Kristin’s story is still unfolding.