Kim Kardashian parts ways with longtime assistant

Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Kim Kardashian has parted ways professionally with her longtime assistant.

The 37-year-old reality star recently let go of Stephanie Shepherd, her friend and assistant since 2013, according to People.

"Kim made a decision to let Stephanie go," a source said. "She was a good assistant but when Stephanie wanted to transition into a larger role with Kim's brand and businesses, it just didn't work."

"She's still friendly with the other sisters but she and Kim aren't really speaking," the insider added.

Entertainment Tonight reported Shepherd had been promoted from assistant to COO this year.

"They both quickly realized that the new role and responsibilities were not the right fit for Stephanie to take on," a source said. "Kim and Stephanie made the decision to part ways amicably and remain friends."

Kardashian and Shepherd have yet to publicly address the change, although Shepherd did attend Kardashian's sister Kendall Jenner's 22nd birthday party this month. She said she loved Kardashian "like a sister" while celebrating the star's birthday in October.

"HBD KIMBERLY LYLAS," Shepherd wrote Oct. 21.

The change comes as Kardashian is gearing up to welcome another child with husband Kanye West via surrogate. She confessed last week that it was a "weird" decision to not invite her surrogate to her lavish baby shower.