Jan Ashley was an American beauty pageant titleholder, former executive secretary, and public figure who gained national media attention as the second wife of the late high-profile defense attorney and businessman, Robert Kardashian Sr. Though her brief 30-day marriage to the Prison Break era attorney’s peer brought her into the Hollywood spotlight, her life spanned a rich 19-year marriage to a noted film producer long before her intersection with the Kardashian legacy.
Jan Ashley Age & Physical Overview
Jan Ashley was born on August 3, 1948, in Amarillo, Texas, and passed away on October 1, 2015, at 67 years old. During her pageant years, she stood at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) with classic blond hair and an elegant presence that earned her early regional fame.
Jan Ashley Profile Summary
| Full Birth Name | Janice Lynn Glass |
| Commonly Known As | Jan Ashley |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of Birth | August 3, 1948 |
| Date of Death | October 1, 2015 (Aged 67) |
| Place of Birth | Amarillo, Potter County, Texas, USA |
| Place of Death | Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma, USA |
| Final Resting Place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, California |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Parents | James Douglas Glass & Monnie M. Glass |
| First Husband | John Ashley (m. 1978; d. 1997) |
| Second Husband | Robert Kardashian Sr. (m. 1998; ann. 1998/1999) |
| Children | None |
| Famous Title | Miss Tulsa (1966) |
Early Life, Family Background, and Pageantry
Jan Ashley was born Janice Lynn Glass, the daughter of James Douglas Glass and Monnie M. Glass. She grew up in Texas and Oklahoma and was a charismatic and active participant in community events at Will Rogers High School in Tulsa.
Her fame began when she was crowned Miss Tulsa in 1966. She ignored the lure of stardom, however, and went on to hold a succession of less flashy roles, as an executive secretary at Phillips Petroleum for several years, before she met her first husband.
First Marriage: 19 Years with Producer John Ashley
In 1978, Jan married American actor and film/television producer John Ashley. John Ashley’s major credits include making a huge hit network series like The A-Team and Walker, Texas Ranger.
Jan and John moved to California and were married for 19 years. Unfortunately, the partnership came to an end on October 3, 1997, when John Ashley suddenly died of a heart attack in New York City, age 62. Years later, Jan was to be buried with John at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, where he continued to be deeply committed to John’s legacy. Legit.ng
Relationship with Robert Kardashian Sr. & Marriage Details
In early 1998, a little over a year after her first husband’s passing, Jan Ashley decided to sell her home. Famed attorney Robert Kardashian Sr.—who had achieved global fame as part of O.J. Simpson’s defense team—came to tour the property as a prospective buyer.
According to accounts Jan gave in later interviews, Robert saw her photograph inside the house and sought an introduction through mutual friends in the acting community. The couple had been dating for about seven months before Kardashian proposed on a vacation trip to Hawaii.
They were married Nov. 25, 1998 in a private wedding in Vail, Colorado. The relationship, though, was fraught from the beginning and lasted just 30 days, and soon the couple separated, filed for annulment, and in early 1999, got the annulment.
Revealing Media Interviews & Paternity Controversies
The exact reason behind the speedy split from the couple in 1998 was never disclosed, but Jan Ashley returned to the national spotlight years later after giving exclusive media interviews.
The Radar Online Interview: Why the Marriage Ended
In a candid 2014 interview Jan addressed claims in court filings suggesting the marriage failed because Robert wanted children while she did not. Jan refuted those papers, stating:
“I had no intention of having kids with Robert. I would have gotten married in the 19 years before I married John, and had kids during that period, if I counted on having children. The facts were that Robert was constantly worried about financial concerns and unwinding issues with his ex-wife Kris Jenner and his four kids. It created an environment where a new marriage simply couldn’t survive.”
The 2012 Star Magazine Controversy
In 2012, Jan Ashley and Robert’s third wife, Ellen Pierson Kardashian, made news in Star Magazine about the statements allegedly made by Robert earlier in his life before she died in 2003. Jan said Robert acted as though he had casually told her that Khloé Kardashian wasn’t his real daughter. The claims sparked a lot of discussion in the media, but the Kardashian family denied there was any truth to them and that they were rumours fuelled by tabloid speculation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For how many years had Jan Ashley and Robert Kardashian been married?
They were married on 25 November 1998 and divorced after 30 days and had their annulment in 1999.
What was Jan Ashley’s maiden husband’s name?
Her first husband was TV producer John Ashley, who produced The A-Team. They were married for 19 years until his death in 1997.
How many children did Jan Ashley have?
NO, Jan Ashley was not the mother of any children from either of her marriage.
What was the date of Jan Ashley’s death?
She passed away on October 1, 2015 in Tulsa, OK, at the age of 67.
William James is a digital content writer and pop-culture enthusiast with over 5 years of experience tracking celebrity trends, entertainment news, and public biographies. He specializes in research-backed biographical profiles, media updates, and industry insights, ensuring readers get accurate, engaging, and verified information.
