Jenner, the father of six children born from three women, split from Kris Jenner two years ago. His mother, Esther Jenner, said that she is very proud of her son and that he seems extremely happy since making his decision to become a woman.
“Right now I am more proud of him for what he’s allowing himself to do,” Esther told Radaronline. “I am more proud of him now than when he stood on that podium and put the gold medal around his neck. He deserves all the respect.”
Jenner’s transition to a woman has been rumored but this is the first time a family member has confirmed it. His mother said her son, who won the decathlon gold medal at the 1976 Montreal Summer Olympics, is making a television series about his transition and being filmed as he goes through stages. He will release the series further along in the process.
Esther Jenner said she only recently learned from her son he is in fact a woman trapped inside the body of a man. She said they had a “very, very, very long talk” and she was left feeling he is doing the right thing. She remains, she said, a great believer in his many talents.
“I have never been more proud of Bruce for who he is, himself as a father, as an Olympian, a wonderful public speaker,” she said. “He instills enthusiasm in people. He’s gifted.”
People magazine quoted an unnamed friend of the family who said the time was right for the male Jenner to become who he really feels he is. “He is finally happy and his family is accepting of what he’s doing,” the friend said. “He’s in such a great space.
“That’s why it’s the perfect time to do something like this.”
