Mary Jo "MJ" Campbell, the beloved matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner family and mother of Kris Jenner, has died at the age of 91. Kris shared the heartbreaking news on July 16 through an emotional Instagram tribute, remembering her mother as the heart of their family and the woman who shaped generations with her love, resilience, and unwavering support.
Known simply as "MJ" to fans of Keeping Up With the Kardashians and The Kardashians, Campbell became a familiar face over the years, earning admiration for her warmth, humor, and close bond with her famous family.
© Kris JennerKris Jenner Shares Emotional Tribute to Her Mom
Kris Jenner revealed the news of her mother's passing in a heartfelt social media post, saying there were no words to describe the pain of losing her. She remembered MJ as the foundation of the family, crediting her with teaching unconditional love, kindness, resilience, and the importance of cherishing every moment together. Kris also reflected on the daily conversations they shared and thanked her mother for every sacrifice she made throughout her life.
The touching tribute included a vintage photo of MJ and highlighted the lasting influence she had on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. “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 taught me everything that truly matters… 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 began.
Adding: “She showed me how to face life’s challenges with resilience and faith. Mom, thank you for every sacrifice you made, every piece of wisdom you shared, and every moment you loved us so completely. I will miss our daily talks, your smile, your laughter… Our hearts are broken, but we find comfort knowing that love like yours never truly leaves us. Your love will live on in our family, in our traditions, in every moment we are together, and in every life you touched. When I look at my kids and my grandkids, I will forever see pieces of you in all of us. There is not a part of me that isn’t shaped by you. And if I have done anything right in this world, it’s because I spent my life trying to live in a way that would make you proud. Every memory, every moment, every blessing, it was all because of you, and I will forever thank God every single day for making you my mommy. 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."
Who Was Mary Jo "MJ" Campbell?
Mary Jo Campbell, also known as Mary Jo Shannon after marrying businessman Harry Shannon, was born on July 26, 1934. Before becoming known worldwide through reality television, she built a career as a businesswoman.
© Kris JennerShe owned Shannon & Company, a children's clothing boutique in San Diego, where Kris Jenner also worked before becoming a flight attendant and later rising to fame alongside her family. MJ's entrepreneurial spirit became one of the qualities Kris often credited for inspiring her own work ethic.
A Familiar Face on the Kardashians
While MJ preferred staying out of the spotlight compared to her famous daughters and grandchildren, she frequently appeared on both Keeping Up With the Kardashians and Hulu's The Kardashians.
Viewers loved watching her playful conversations with Kris, Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, and the rest of the family. Her appearances often showcased her wit, elegance, and close relationship with every generation of the Kardashian-Jenner clan.
© Kris JennerHer birthday celebrations regularly became featured family events, with grandchildren sharing photos and tributes celebrating their beloved "Grandma MJ." Just last year, the family marked her 91st birthday with an elaborate garden-themed celebration.
MJ Endured Personal Tragedy
MJ's passing comes just over two years after the death of her younger daughter, Karen Houghton, who died unexpectedly in March 2024 at age 65. Despite facing personal loss and health challenges in recent years, MJ remained a central figure in the Kardashian-Jenner family.
Kris had previously spoken on The Kardashians about the emotional difficulty of watching her mother grow older and worrying about her health.
Fans Remember the Kardashian Family Matriarch
Following Kris Jenner's announcement, fans flooded social media with condolences and memories of MJ's appearances on the family's reality shows. Many remembered her as a calming, loving presence who seemed to genuinely enjoy spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
© Kris JennerOthers praised the close family bond she helped create, saying her influence was evident in the values Kris passed down to her own children. “Praying for comfort & strength. I’m so sorry Kris 🤍 Sending you all so much love,” wrote Rob Kardashian’s ex, Adrienne Bailon.
“Im so sorry Kris sending you and your family all my love ❤️,” Kris’s hairstylist, Caprice Torres, said.
“She was beautiful to watch, so glad you had all that you had with her and her spirit will live on through you all profoundly 🕊️🤍,” another person added.
“Thinking of sweet MJ. She will be deeply missed 🙏🏼❤️,” Travis Barker said. “Kris, my heart is with you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss.. I can’t get you out of my mind. What a blessing it was to know MJ and glam her. Such a beautiful person. Sending you so much love,” Khloe Kardashian’s makeup artist said.
© Kris Jenner“Im so sorry…praying for you & the family. Wrapping you in love and prayers. Love you so much ❤️,” LaLa Anthony added.
