Kris Jenner is mourning the loss of her mother, Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon, who died on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the age of 91.
The Kardashian-Jenner matriarch shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram with an emotional tribute honoring the woman she called the heart of her family.
“Today, we said goodbye to my beautiful Mommy MJ,” Jenner wrote. “There are no words that could ever capture what she has meant to me or the heartbreak of having to say goodbye.”
Jenner reflected on the values her mother instilled in her throughout her life, saying MJ taught her to cherish family, show kindness, and never take time with loved ones 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.”
The emotional post quickly drew an outpouring of condolences from fans, friends, and celebrities who have watched MJ become a familiar face over the years through the Kardashian family’s reality television shows.
Kris Jenner Says Her Mother Shaped Everything She Became
In her lengthy tribute, Jenner credited her mother for shaping her life as both a parent and grandmother.
She shared that every sacrifice MJ made and every lesson she taught helped define the woman she is today.
“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.”
Jenner ended the tribute with one of its most emotional moments.
“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.”
Who Was Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon?
Longtime fans of Keeping Up with the Kardashians knew MJ as the warm, witty grandmother who frequently appeared alongside Kris, Kim, Khloé, Kourtney, Kendall, Kylie, and the rest of the family.
Beyond television, MJ was a successful businesswoman. In 1980, she founded the San Diego children’s boutique Shannon & Co., where several of her grandchildren spent time growing up.
In a 2012 interview with The Daily Beast, MJ fondly recalled a young Kim Kardashian helping around the store by counting money and singing playful songs about it—an early memory that fans have often revisited as Kim’s business empire grew.
A Life Marked by Family and Resilience
Kris Jenner has previously spoken about her childhood and her close relationship with her mother.
Her biological father, engineer Robert Houghton, separated from MJ when Kris was seven years old. A few years later, MJ married businessman Harry Shannon, who became an important father figure in Kris’ life. The couple remained married for four decades until Harry died in a car accident in 2003.
Despite life’s hardships, Kris often credited her mother with creating a loving home centered on resilience, faith, and family traditions.
Fans Remember a Beloved Kardashian Family Member
Although she was never one to seek the spotlight, MJ became one of the most beloved extended members of the Kardashian-Jenner family. Her appearances on reality television showcased her humor, warmth, and close bond with her children and grandchildren.
Following Kris Jenner’s announcement, thousands of fans flooded social media with messages remembering MJ’s kindness and offering condolences to the entire Kardashian-Jenner family.
As one generation says goodbye, Kris’ tribute made clear that her mother’s legacy will continue through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
“Your love will live on in our family, in our traditions, in every moment we are together, and in every life you touched.”
Sources
- People: https://people.com/kris-jenner-announces-death-of-mom-mary-jo-mj-shannon-at-91-11778843
- Kris Jenner’s official Instagram announcement
- The Daily Beast interview with Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon (2012) discussing Shannon & Co. and Kim Kardashian’s childhood memories.
Photo: Manug06, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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