Kim Zolciak-Biermann Was in a "State of Shock" After Learning Her Dad Had Cancer

As fans saw during Season 8 of Don't Be Tardy, Kim Zolciak-Biermann learned about her father's health scare secondhand during the family's road trip — and the news was upsetting for her. When meeting with her aunt Laurie in Ohio, it was revealed that Kim's dad "had some medical stuff going on. He had cancer."

The news took Kim, who is estranged from her parents, and her kids by surprise. Her aunt confirmed that it was a recent diagnosis within the last few months and noted that Kim's parents didn't tell a lot of people about the health news.

"I just go into a state of shock," Kim said in interview in the episode. She later added, "I don't know if my dad's OK. I think that he would tell somebody he's OK because he's Joey and that's just what he's going to do... Even thought we haven't spoken to my parents in eight years, I think about my dad and my mom a lot. I mean they're my parents, they always will be."

In tears in interview in the episode, Kim, who used to be a nurse, added, "I worked hospice so I know what cancer does to people."

During this season, Kim also shared some new insight into her strained relationship with her mom.

"I don't want to see my mother," she told her aunt. "Whatever. It is what it is. Who cares? I'm past all that. I'm fine."

Back in Season 6 of Don't Be Tardy, Brielle attempted to reach out to Kim's mom and the phone call didn't resolve their estrangement. It was emotional and difficult with Kim's mom turning down an offer to see the family.

Now in the current season, "Brielle and Ariana know that they can reach out to my parents at any point," Kim said in the clip below. "They had a relationship with them. I don't stop my kids from any of that. The relationship that's strained is between my parents and myself."

Want more Don't Be Tardy? New episodes air every Tuesday at 10/9c or catch up on this season through the Bravo app.

Kim Zolciak-Biermann Addresses Her Strained Relationship With Her Mother