The Kardashian-Jenner family is mourning a heartbreaking loss. Mary Jo “MJ” Campbell, the mother of Kris Jenner and the beloved grandmother of Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner, has died at the age of 91.Kris Jenner shared the news on Instagram on July 16, posting a heartfelt tribute to the woman fans came to know as “Grandma MJ” through Keeping Up With the Kardashians and The Kardashians.
Kris Jenner remembers her mother as ‘the heart of our family’
Sharing a vintage photograph of her mother, Kris spoke of the immense pain of losing someone who had been the family’s greatest source of strength.“We said goodbye to my beautiful mom MJ today. No words can ever capture what she has meant to me or the heartbreak of having to say goodbye,” Kris wrote.He went on to describe his mother as the person who held the family together through unwavering love, compassion and support.“My mom was the heart of our family. She taught me everything that really matters: love your family fiercely, be kind, show the people you love, and never take a single moment together for granted. She taught us that family is everything,” she wrote.Kris also thanked her mother for the sacrifices she made and the lessons she imparted at every stage of life.“Mom, thank you for every sacrifice you’ve made, every piece of wisdom you’ve shared and every moment you’ve loved us so completely. I’ll miss our daily talks, your smile, your laugh,” he added.
Who was Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Campbell?
Long before she became a household name on reality television, Mary Jo Campbell built a successful career as a businesswoman.Born July 26, 1934, she owned Shannon & Company, a children’s clothing store in San Diego. Kris Jenner worked at the store before becoming a flight attendant and then building the Kardashian-Jenner media empire.Over the years, Kris often credited her mother’s entrepreneurial mindset and determination as major influences on her own career.
A fan favorite of The Kardashians
Although she preferred to stay out of the limelight, MJ Campbell became a much-loved presence on Hulu’s Keeping Up With the Kardashians and The Kardashians.Whether she was sharing candid conversations with Kris or spending time with her grandchildren, including Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner, viewers admired her warmth, humor and elegance.Celebrations of her birthday regularly pop up on social media, with family members posting heartfelt tributes to ‘Grandma MJ’. Last year, the Kardashian-Jenner family celebrated their 91st birthday with a themed garden party.
His death comes after another family tragedy
Mary Jo Campbell’s death comes just over two years after the death of her youngest daughter, Karen Houghton, who died unexpectedly in March 2024 aged 65.In recent episodes of The Kardashians, Kris Jenner had spoken emotionally about watching her mother age and the concerns she had for her health.