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 passed away 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 opened up about the immense grief of losing someone who had been the family’s biggest source of strength.“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,” Kris wrote.She went on to describe her mother as the person who held the family together through love, compassion and unwavering support.“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 wrote.Kris also thanked her mother for the sacrifices she made and the lessons she passed on through every stage of life.“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,” she added.
Who was Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Campbell?
Long before becoming a familiar face on reality television, Mary Jo Campbell built a successful career as a businesswoman.Born on July 26, 1934, she owned Shannon & Company, a children’s clothing boutique in San Diego. Kris Jenner worked at the store before becoming a flight attendant and later 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 favourite on The Kardashians
Although she preferred staying away from the spotlight, MJ Campbell became a much-loved presence on Keeping Up With the Kardashians and Hulu’s 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, humour and elegance.Her birthday celebrations regularly featured on social media, with family members posting heartfelt tributes to “Grandma MJ.” Last year, the Kardashian-Jenner family celebrated her 91st birthday with a garden-themed party.
Her passing comes after another family tragedy
Mary Jo Campbell’s death comes a little over two years after the passing of her younger daughter, Karen Houghton, who died unexpectedly in March 2024 at the age of 65.In recent episodes of The Kardashians, Kris Jenner had spoken emotionally about watching her mother grow older and the worries she had about her health.