Bruce Jenner's Mother Seems To Confirm Woman Transition Rumors

Bruce Jenner made headlines when he won the gold medal as a decathlete in the 1976 Summer Olympics, and lately he's been making even more amid rumors that he is transitioning into a woman. In fact, someone from inside the Jenner family all but confirmed the speculation: his mom. Jenner’s 88-year-old mother, Esther Jenner, told the Associated Press Wednesday she supports her son -- no matter what.

When asked if she's talked to Jenner about his transition, she said he told her he wanted to be “'honest about my identity and I know this is coming out in the press.'” Then he apparently told her: “Mom, I’m still the same person. I’m still going to race cars, I’m still going to fly airplanes, and I’m going to get my helicopter license.”

Esther Jenner told the AP the conversation did not last long and that she supports him. “It was brief, and I said I was proud of him and that I’ll always love him. I never thought I could be more proud of Bruce when he reached his goal in 1976 [winning gold as a decathlete], but I’m more proud of him now. It takes a lot of courage to do what he’s doing.”

Even though the news was a “shock” and a “surprise,” she said the family was “very supportive.” As for Jenner, he’s being quiet -- for now. The athlete-turned-reality-television star has never said he wanted to become a woman, or even addressed the rumors, but that may change: It’s been reported he might share the news during an interview with ABC News host Diane Sawyer.

As for Esther Jenner, she said she’s “at peace with what he’s doing.” Jenner would not comment on his mother’s statement, the AP said.

Jenner was rumored to have had surgery to shave down his Adam’s apple, and he has appeared in public wearing a sports bra and with his nails painted red. Other recent changes include a long ponytail and pierced ears.

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