Kim Kardashian recently opened up about a challenging period in her life, shedding light on her divorce from her first husband, Damon Thomas, and the remarkable support she received from her younger sister, Khloe Kardashian. The reality TV star and business mogul shared this heartfelt story during an episode of The Kardashians, aired on March 6, 2025, offering fans a rare glimpse into her past struggles and the bond she shares with her family.
Reflecting on the early 2000s, Kim recounted how her marriage to Damon Thomas, a music producer, came to an end after nearly four years. The couple had tied the knot in 2000 when Kim was just 19 years old, a decision she later attributed to a “wild phase” in her life. By 2004, however, the marriage had unraveled, leaving her in a precarious financial situation. At the age of 21, Kim found herself moving out of their shared home with no money to her name, a stark contrast to the billionaire status she enjoys today. It was during this difficult moment that Khloe stepped in to provide a lifeline.
Kim explained that when Khloe was around four or five years old, she received a Coca-Cola bottle-shaped piggy bank, a gift that became a repository for the sisters’ savings over the years. “We would put so much money in it,” Kim recalled, emphasizing how significant the piggy bank had become to them. When Kim faced the financial fallout of her divorce, Khloe, then around 19, didn’t hesitate to offer up her savings. “She was like, ‘Here, you can have my Coke bottle,’” Kim said, her voice tinged with gratitude as she shared the memory. Together, the sisters stayed up all night counting the cash, which amounted to approximately $6,000—an amount that proved to be just enough for Kim to secure a new start.
This sum allowed Kim to put down a deposit on an apartment and cover the first and last month’s rent, giving her the independence she desperately needed at the time. Khloe, in a separate confessional on the show, remembered the emotional weight of the moment. “She was crying in my room,” Khloe said, explaining how she immediately thought of the piggy bank as a solution. “I was just like, ‘OK, I have this so let’s take what’s in here and go to the bank to cash it. Let’s use this money for your divorce.’ I gave her all that I got and hopefully helped her.” The selfless act underscored the deep connection between the siblings, a theme that has resonated throughout their family’s public journey.
Years later, Kim found a meaningful way to repay her sister’s kindness. For Khloe’s 40th birthday in 2024, Kim tracked down an identical Coca-Cola bottle piggy bank, filled it with cash, and presented it to her sister as a thank-you. “She couldn’t believe I remembered the Coke bottle,” Kim said, laughing as she recalled Khloe’s reaction. “I was like, ‘How could I not?’” The gesture was a full-circle moment, symbolizing not only Kim’s gratitude but also her ability to give back after building a successful empire that includes brands like SKIMS and KKW Beauty.
Kim’s marriage to Damon Thomas marked the beginning of her complex romantic history, which later included high-profile unions with Kris Humphries and Kanye West. While she rarely speaks about her first husband, this story highlights a pivotal moment of vulnerability and resilience. It also showcases the unwavering support of her family, particularly Khloe, who was willing to sacrifice her own savings to help Kim reclaim her independence. Today, as a mother of four and a global icon, Kim’s journey from that uncertain 21-year-old to a powerhouse entrepreneur serves as a testament to her determination—and the strength she’s drawn from those closest to her.
