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The Kardashian‑Jenner family is grieving the death of Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon, Kris Jenner's mother and grandmother to Kim, Kourtney, Khloé, Rob, Kendall, and Kylie. MJ passed away on July 16 at the age of 91.
Kris announced the news in an emotional Instagram tribute, writing, "Today, we said goodbye to my beautiful Mommy MJ. There are no words that could ever capture what she has meant to me or the heartbreak of having to say goodbye. My mom was the heart of our family."
She went on to thank her mother for teaching her to love fiercely, show kindness, and cherish every moment together.
"To love your family fiercely, to be kind, to show up for the people you love, and to never take a single moment together for granted. She taught us that family is everything. She showed us how to love unconditionally and how to find joy in the little moments. She showed me how to face life's challenges with resilience and faith."
Born Mary Jo Campbell in 1934, MJ lived a full life marked by resilience and entrepreneurship. After divorcing her high school sweetheart, she married Kris's father, Robert Houghton, before later marrying businessman Harry Shannon, who remained a father figure until his death in 2003.
MJ ran a children's boutique in San Diego, Shannon & Co., which became a family hub. Kris once recalled, "Kim would sit on the floor counting money, singing, 'Money is my name and counting is the game.'"
MJ was a familiar presence on Keeping Up With the Kardashians and its Hulu successor The Kardashians. She appeared in memorable episodes, including one where Kim joked about honoring her grandmother's advice to "live life" by having sex in front of a fireplace.
MJ's health struggles were also candidly shared on the show, with Kris describing her mother as "frail" and deeply affected by the loss of her younger daughter, Karen Houghton, in 2025.
She was a great‑grandmother to 13 and continued to be celebrated by her children and grandchildren for her wisdom and unconditional love.
Kris's tribute captured the depth of her grief and gratitude: "My heart is broken into a million pieces... Thank you for giving me the greatest childhood and oh what a beautiful blessed life. I love you forever Mommy. Thank you for giving us everything."
