Kris Jenner's mom Mary Jo 'MJ' Campbell dies at 91
Kris Jenner's mother, Mary Jo "MJ" Campbell — also known as MJ Shannon — has died at 91. The Kardashians star confirmed the news on Instagram on July 16, 2026, calling her mom "the heart of our family" and saying there were "no words" for the heartbreak of saying goodbye.
According to Page Six, Jenner shared a lengthy tribute with a photo of her mother. She wrote that MJ taught her "everything that truly matters," including loving family fiercely, kindness, and never taking time together for granted.
Key Takeaways
- Mary Jo "MJ" Campbell (Shannon), mother of Kris Jenner, has died at age 91.
- Jenner announced the death on Instagram on July 16, 2026, calling MJ "the heart of our family."
- MJ was days away from her 92nd birthday and was grandmother to the Kardashian-Jenner siblings.
- She appeared on Keeping Up With the Kardashians and The Kardashians; her health declined after daughter Karen Houghton died in 2024.
What did Kris Jenner say about her mom's death?
In her Instagram caption, Jenner wrote, "Today, we said goodbye to my beautiful Mommy MJ." She thanked her mother for every sacrifice, piece of wisdom, and moment of complete love.
Jenner said she will miss their daily talks, smile, and laughter. She promised MJ's love "will live on" in family traditions and that she will forever see pieces of her mother in her kids and grandkids.
"My heart is broken into a million pieces … thank you for giving me the greatest childhood," she concluded, adding, "I love you forever Mommy. Thank you for giving us everything."
Who was Mary Jo 'MJ' Campbell Shannon?
Born Mary Jo Campbell on July 26, 1934, in Arkansas, MJ had already been married and divorced before wedding Kris's father, Robert True "Bob" Houghton, in 1954. She welcomed Kris in 1955.
After splitting from Bob, she married businessman Harry Shannon, Kris's stepfather. MJ was also mother to Kris's younger sister, Karen Houghton. She made many appearances on Keeping Up With the Kardashians from 2007 to 2021 and on Hulu's The Kardashians.
Page Six noted she turned 91 in July 2025, with Jenner celebrating over lunch at The Ivy. The outlet also reported she was days away from her 92nd birthday.
How does this affect the Kardashian-Jenner family?
MJ was grandmother to Kim, Kourtney, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian, plus Kendall and Kylie Jenner. Kylie Jenner and Kourtney Kardashian "liked" Kris's tribute post; as of early reports, Kim, Khloé, Rob, and Kendall had not yet shared their own statements.
The family is still grieving Karen Houghton, who died unexpectedly of cardiac arrest in March 2024 at 65. MJ's declining health had been discussed on The Kardashians after Karen's death. Follow more celebrity updates in our celebrity breaking news section.
Deadline and KATU also reported the news, confirming Jenner's July 16 Instagram announcement that her mother had died at 91.