Kris Jenner’s Mother Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Shannon Dies at 91

The Kardashian-Jenner family is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved members after Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon, the mother of Kris Jenner, died at the age of 91.

Kris announced the heartbreaking news on Thursday, July 16, through an emotional Instagram tribute, revealing that the family’s matriarch had passed away just days before what would have been her 92nd birthday on July 26.

Although the family did not disclose an official cause of death, tributes quickly poured in from relatives, friends and fans who remembered MJ as the warm, witty and resilient grandmother who became a fan favourite through the Kardashian family’s reality television empire.

Sharing a series of family photos, Kris reflected on the profound impact her mother had on her life and described her passing as one of the hardest moments she has ever experienced.

“Today, we said goodbye to my beautiful Mommy MJ.”

The Kardashian-Jenner matriarch said her heart had been “broken into a million pieces” as she paid tribute to the woman she called the foundation of their family.

Kris credited her mother with instilling values that have guided multiple generations, including resilience, kindness and unconditional love.

She also thanked MJ for teaching her children and grandchildren that family should always come first, saying her mother’s wisdom shaped the close-knit bond the Kardashian-Jenner clan is known for today.

While Mary Jo Shannon largely stayed out of the spotlight during her younger years, she became a household name after making regular appearances on Keeping Up with the Kardashians and later The Kardashians on Hulu.

Fans affectionately referred to her as “Grandma MJ,” praising her quick wit, sharp humour and calm presence amid the family’s often chaotic reality television moments.

Whether offering relationship advice, celebrating birthdays or sharing heartfelt conversations with her grandchildren, MJ consistently won viewers over with her authenticity.

Long before the Kardashian-Jenner family built a global entertainment empire, MJ was an entrepreneur in her own right. She owned and operated Shannon & Company, a children’s clothing boutique in La Jolla, California, where she spent years building a successful business.

Her entrepreneurial spirit would later influence Kris Jenner, who has often credited her mother with teaching her the value of hard work, independence and determination. Those lessons ultimately helped shape Kris into one of the entertainment industry’s most successful managers and businesswomen.

Beyond her television appearances, MJ inspired many through her resilience. She was a two-time cancer survivor, overcoming both breast and colon cancer during her lifetime.

Family members frequently praised her unwavering optimism and ability to face adversity with grace, qualities they said became defining characteristics of the Kardashian-Jenner family. Her perseverance also served as a source of inspiration for her children and grandchildren as they navigated public life and personal challenges.

Among the first family members to publicly honour MJ was Kim Kardashian, who shared an emotional tribute remembering her grandmother as much more than a grandparent.

Kim described MJ as her “sweet Grandma MJ,” calling her one of her closest confidantes, a gossip partner and an inspiration in business.

She recalled spending time working at Shannon & Company during her younger years, crediting those experiences with teaching her valuable lessons about work ethic and entrepreneurship. Kim also thanked her grandmother for the unconditional love and encouragement she gave every member of the family.

She leaves behind daughter Kris Jenner and six grandchildren,Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Rob Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner as well as numerous great-grandchildren.

Her passing comes just over two years after another devastating loss for the family. MJ’s younger daughter, Karen Houghton, died in March 2024, making her death another deeply emotional chapter for the Jenners.

Despite these losses, Kris said her mother’s values will continue to live on through the generations she helped shape.

Following Kris Jenner’s announcement, social media quickly filled with messages of condolence from fans around the world.