Kristin Cavallari: Cutting Dad Out Was ‘Best Decision Ever’

Kristin Cavallari, the former star of Laguna Beach and founder of Uncommon James, has made a startling revelation about her personal life. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Cavallari shared her decision to cut her father, Dennis Cavallari, out of her life, describing it as ‘the best decision I’ve ever made.’ This candid disclosure comes as she prepares for her return to reality television with the new E! show, Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour.

The reality star’s decision stems from what she describes as a boundary crossed with her children, leading her to prioritize her own well-being and that of her family. Cavallari’s story highlights the complexities of familial relationships and the difficult choices individuals sometimes face to protect themselves and their loved ones. This article will delve into Cavallari’s emotional journey, her reasons for making this drastic decision, and the impact it has had on her life and family.

Early Life and Challenges with Her Father

Kristin Cavallari’s relationship with her father, Dennis Cavallari, has been fraught with challenges for many years. In a December appearance on Bunnie Xo’s Dumb Blonde podcast, Cavallari described her father as a ‘typical narcissist.’ She revealed that her tumultuous relationship with him led her to ‘escape’ through ‘drinking and doing drugs’ during her formative years.

Cavallari has previously opened up about how the instability at home pushed her towards seeking connections elsewhere. ‘And the only way I found a connection was with my boyfriend. I didn’t have a connection at home,’ she told Bunnie Xo. These early experiences clearly shaped her perspective on family dynamics and personal boundaries, laying the groundwork for her eventual decision to cut ties with her father.

The Breaking Point: A Boundary Crossed

The catalyst for Cavallari’s decision to sever ties with her father was an incident involving her three children: Camden, 12, Jaxon, 11, and Saylor, 9, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Jay Cutler. While she has chosen not to disclose the specifics of the incident to protect her children’s privacy, Cavallari stated that her father ‘crossed the boundary with my kids.’

What made the situation even more untenable was his reaction following the incident. According to Cavallari, her father ‘couldn’t even apologize’ and instead resorted to ‘gaslighting.’ This lack of accountability and empathy seems to have been the final straw for Cavallari, solidifying her resolve to distance herself from her father for the sake of her children and her own mental health.

‘A Weight Has Been Lifted’

Despite the difficult nature of her decision, Kristin Cavallari expresses a sense of relief and liberation in its aftermath. ‘I mean, honestly, and this might sound messed up to some people, but it’s the best decision I’ve ever made, cutting my dad out of my life. Such a weight has been lifted from me,’ she told PEOPLE.

She further emphasized that she doesn’t harbor any feelings of longing or regret. ‘There’s not one day where I miss him,’ she stated. Cavallari acknowledges that it was a long time coming, ‘It was 35 years of buildup to that point,’ underscoring that this was not an impulsive choice but the culmination of years of strained relations and personal growth.

Finding Self-Love and Personal Growth

Cavallari credits her decision to cut ties with her father, along with navigating her divorce, as pivotal moments that forced her to confront her own emotional well-being. ‘Those two things really forced me to take a hard look in the mirror and do the work on myself,’ she explained. This period of self-reflection led her to recognize a ‘lack of self-love’ and prompted her to actively rebuild her sense of self-worth.

Today, Cavallari asserts that she has finally achieved a state of self-acceptance and contentment. ‘I finally, for the first time in my life, do love myself. I love my life. I’ve really worked hard to cultivate this peace and this happiness,’ she shared. Her journey highlights the importance of prioritizing one’s mental and emotional health, even if it means making difficult choices regarding family relationships.

Return to Reality TV

After a five-year hiatus, Kristin Cavallari is set to make her return to reality television with Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour, premiering on E! on June 4 at 10 p.m. ET. The show promises to offer viewers an inside look at Cavallari’s life as a businesswoman, mother, and public figure.

It remains to be seen whether her personal struggles with her father will be addressed on the show. However, Cavallari’s willingness to speak openly about these issues suggests that she is committed to sharing an authentic and unfiltered portrayal of her life with her audience. This new chapter marks a significant step in her career and personal journey, as she continues to redefine herself and inspire others with her resilience and honesty.

Conclusion

Kristin Cavallari’s decision to cut her father out of her life is a testament to the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing one’s own well-being. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that family relationships, while significant, should not come at the expense of one’s mental and emotional health. By sharing her experiences, Cavallari encourages others to make difficult choices when necessary and to prioritize self-love and personal growth.

As she embarks on her return to reality television, Cavallari’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment is sure to resonate with viewers. Her willingness to be vulnerable and authentic makes her a relatable figure in the entertainment industry. Ultimately, Cavallari’s story is one of resilience, strength, and the courage to create a life that aligns with one’s own values and needs.