“Southern Charm” star Austen Kroll has honored his late sister with a deeply personal tattoo that pays tribute to her memory.
Austen got the matching tattoo with his younger sister Katie.
During a recent episode of Season 11, Kroll and his sister visited a tattoo parlor to get inked in a gesture that symbolized love, loss and family unity.
The Bravo star’s new tattoo, which debuted in Episode 8, features two important dates: 1984 and 1996 — his younger sister’s birth year and the year his older sister, Kyle, was born.
The Two Have Planned The Tattoo For a While
Katie explained the meaning to the tattoo artist, saying the design was chosen to represent both sisters and their connection.
Austen revealed that the decision was something that was discussed for a while.
The moment was deeply emotional for Austen, who has gradually opened up about his family tragedy on the show over several seasons.
Kyle passed away in 1994, when she was 9 years old and Austen was 7, after a hiking accident during a family outing.
“My sister Kyle passed away around 30 years ago at this point,” he shared during the episode. “And we just like wanted to commemorate our sister.”
Austen Has Previously Opened Up About His Late Sister
In past seasons, Austen described the incident as “surreal,” recalling that he first thought she had merely hurt her knee before realizing the severity of what happened.
Adding the tattoo with Katie by his side marked a meaningful step in acknowledging both the pain of the past and the strength of their bond today.
He admitted to producers that getting the tattoo was a challenge for him — not just emotionally but physically.
“My pain threshold is…very low,” Austen said. “I don’t like needles. Katie is definitely the braver of us. I don’t know what you want me to say—I’m a big old wuss.”
Still, standing together in the studio, the siblings admired their matching designs and shared a sense of closeness and support.
Kroll joked with producers about his own bravado, calling the artwork “a really dope tattoo” and “super dope,” a mix of humor and sincerity that “Southern Charm” fans have come to appreciate.
The tribute tattoo not only commemorates Kyle’s life but also reflects how the Kroll family — once fractured by tragedy — has found ways to heal and grow.
Katie’s presence in Austen’s life is a reminder that even in the wake of loss, the connections that remain can help shape new chapters of resilience and togetherness.
Austen stated how Katie wouldn’t have been born if the tragedy didn’t happen.
“You know, Katie wouldn’t be here without Kyle’s death,” Austen said. “And that is a blessing that our family could never say otherwise about, right?”
Austen added, “Now I have my angel sister, and my devil sister with me.”
Fans React to The Sweet Tribute
Fans responded warmly to the episode, praising Austen and Katie for their vulnerability.
Many noted that the shared tattoo was a beautiful, tangible way to keep Kyle’s memory alive — blending heartfelt meaning with the modern tradition of commemorative body art.
Fellow cast member Molly O’Connell wrote, “This was such a sweet moment.”
“Beautiful-I love how much those two love each other and how Austen speaks about her is just the best,” one user added.
Others just praised the moment between the two siblings.
Yes my heart goes out to anyone who’s lost a sibling. I know I justvlost my beautiful brother. So Austin it’s a really nice thing for both you and your younger sis getting matching tattoos. But Austin. The jealously you have for Craig is really pathetic. How dare you run to Sally and try to turn her against him. You were never about bro code. Look what you did to c Shep with his ex girlfriend. We the viewers know that you two did way more than kiss. But you and his ex will take that one to the grave. Craig always had girls chasing him. He’s a real catch. We are all hoping that Sally hang in there as a good friend. Stranger things had happened. Craig just needs time. He just got out of a extere long relationship . Who he really believed they would marry. Your such a two faced friend to Craig. I hope Craig learns his lesson and this time drop you like a hot cake. When you first started on the show you screwed Shep again. With beautiful Chelsea . You are only out for you Austin. And you don’t give a damn for anybody else. And you let the best women go cause she caught you in bed with 2 girls. You are disgusting human being. The only people you can’t knife in the back is your family. The way you treated you girlfriend in the show thus last episode was discusscusting, horrible, and just down right no respect for her. You are a pathetic man the way you treat girls in general. We all pray that Sally dumps your ass and realizes that you are definitely not marriage material. You Austin are a real snake in tge grass. The lowest of lows…..PERIOD