Linda Thompson Says Ex David Foster Didn't 'Flake Out' on Brody and Brandon Jenner, Still Shows Up to Family Birthdays (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Brody Jenner, musician Brandon Jenner, Linda Thompson and David Foster.Photo: Chelsea Lauren/WireImage

Linda Thompsonis praising ex-husbandDavid Foster.

The actress, 74, spoke with PEOPLE about her relationships with her exes at Cure Addiction Now’s Inaugural Fundraising Evening on Monday, Feb. 24 in Los Angeles. Thompson, who shares sonsBrodyandBrandon JennerwithCaitlyn Jenner, says Foster has always shown up for them — even 20 years after their divorce.

“Last week he came to my little twin boy’s birthday party,” she reveals, referencing Brandon’s twin sonsBo and Sam, 5. She adds that Foster and his wifeKatharine McPhee Fosterbrought their3-year-old son Rennieto play with Brandon’s kids.

“Because he essentially was there when [Caitlyn] was not. David really stayed present in their lives and still does, so I really appreciate that about him, that he didn’t just flake out and the boys love him," she says. “Brandon, everybody loves him, and my grandkids know him now.”

Caitlyn Jenner and David Foster.Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/Getty; Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/Getty; Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

Thompson and Caitlyn (whotransitionedin 2015) were married from 1981 to 1986. They both remarried in 1991; Jenner tied the knot with Kris Jenner, while Thompson married Foster until their divorce in 2005.

Now that Thompson’s kids areparentsthemselves, she says they are reflecting on the role Caitlyn has played in their lives.

“[Brandon] and Brody have both expressed that they want to be everything that their biological dad was not,” she explains. “They want to be there and watch every little moment, every little milestone.”

“David did step up and still does, and to Caitlyn’s credit, she is now a little more involved,” Thompson adds. “She comes to all the family functions that we invite her to. She comes often to things, and I think she’s tried to make amends and be accountable to an extent. You can never get those Hallmark years back though, those memories. It is what it is. And everybody’s kind of moved on, forgiven her and established whatever relationship they have with her now.”

As for how she handles Caitlyn’s reaction to Brandon and Brody speaking out about her absence during their childhood, Thompson says: “I never answer silliness.”

Brandon Jenner, Caitlyn Jenner and Brody Jenner.Earl Gibson III/Getty

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Last month, Brodyshared with hisSpecial Forcescostarsthat he sees a positive side to that distance.

“I think not having [Caitlyn] around growing up and her doing that transition, it was tough just being her son,” he explained. “I just had a beautiful little daughter. I’m not living for myself anymore. I’m living for her.”

“I think it’s gonna make me a better father,” he added. “I’m gonna do the exact opposite of, as far as being there for her, as my father did for me.”

He also said he recently received a “real, sincere apology” from Caitlyn. “It was the first time in my life that I’ve ever gotten an apology. You know, I’m sorry for not being there, and honestly, it meant a lot.”

A rep for Caitlyn told PEOPLE at the time, “Caitlyn has a positive relationship with Brody andTia [Blanco]” and declined to comment on anything related to their private conversations.

source: people.com