Who Is Kathy Hilton’s Husband Rick Hilton? Everything About His Life and Career

Kathy Hilton, the American socialite, fashion designer, actress, and television personality, began her career as an actress before retiring in 1979. She appeared in popular shows including Nanny and the Professor, Bewitched, Family Affair, Happy Days, The Rockford Files, The Dark, and On the Air Live with Captain Midnight. Kathy later ventured into business and launched her own perfume line, My Secret, in 2008. In 1979, she married Rick Hilton, and the couple has since shared decades of life together, raising children and now enjoying time with their grandchildren.

Who is Kathy Hilton’s husband, Rick Hilton?

Kathy Hilton is married to Rick Hilton. The couple first met as teenagers at a party. During an episode of RHOBH, Kathy mentioned that they “kind of grew up together as they started very young.” On social media, Kathy often refers to Rick as her “forever date.” She also credited her marriage with inspiring her philanthropic endeavors, saying, “So I was exposed to all of these different organizations and that kind of played into my love of entertaining. I would be going through and picking out the china with the client and the tablecloths, just all the little details. And then I started being invited to be on different boards in New York.”

Marriage and Family Life

Kathy and Rick tied the knot in 1979. On social media, Kathy frequently shares glimpses of their early days, including anniversary posts with wedding photos. The couple has four children: Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Barron Hilton, and Conrad Hilton. Speaking to Interview in 2021, Kathy shared that her only regret was not having another child. She also emphasized her balanced parenting approach:

“My children were not overly spoiled. They had to make their beds. Paris and Nicky each paid for half of their cars, which they didn’t get until they were 19 and 20, respectively.”

About Rick Hilton

Rick Hilton, born in 1955 to Barron Hilton and Marilyn June Hawley, is the sixth of seven siblings and the grandson of Conrad N. Hilton, founder of Hilton Hotels. Rick’s entrepreneurial journey began at age 12, selling stationery door-to-door under his father’s guidance. He earned a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management from the University of Denver.

In 1984, Rick opened Hilton Realty and later co-founded Hilton & Hyland in 1993 with Jeff Hyland, a luxury real estate brokerage that reached USD 4 billion in annual sales by 2021. The company gained attention for landmark sales, including Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Mansion and Candy Spelling’s estate. In 2024, Rick and his son Barron launched a new venture, Hilton & Hilton. Despite his family’s legacy in Hilton Hotels, Rick has no personal ties to the hotel chain, as Kathy highlighted in an interview with Andy Cohen.

Secrets of Their Long-Lasting Marriage

Though Rick has not collaborated with Kathy professionally, he remains highly supportive of her career. On RHOBH, he offered advice during a confrontation, suggesting Kathy assert herself more at the table. The couple has maintained their relationship over decades, rarely spending more than two weeks apart. Kathy explained their secret to longevity:

“I don’t think you go to bed without saying, ‘I love you,’ and giving each other a kiss and never in a fight or anything. If you have had a disagreement, you always make up before you go to sleep and keep a little mystery and always keep it exciting and fun.”

Kathy and Rick Hilton’s marriage exemplifies a balance of family, business, and mutual support, making them one of Hollywood’s enduring power couples.