diff --git a/lib/kernel/src/net_kernel.erl b/lib/kernel/src/net_kernel.erl
index a3d983d310c0..fa1c60192ede 100644
--- a/lib/kernel/src/net_kernel.erl
+++ b/lib/kernel/src/net_kernel.erl
@@ -1279,7 +1279,10 @@ generate_node_name(Host, State0) ->
 %% -----------------------------------------------------------
 
 handle_exit(Pid, Reason, State) ->
-    catch do_handle_exit(Pid, Reason, State).
+    try do_handle_exit(Pid, Reason, State)
+    catch
+        _:_ -> {noreply, State}
+    end.
 
 do_handle_exit(Pid, Reason, State) ->
     listen_exit(Pid, Reason, State),