Kardashian-Jenner Family Faces Heartbreak: Remembering Mary Jo 'MJ' Campbell

A Family in Mourning

The Kardashian-Jenner clan is grieving the loss of Mary Jo "MJ" Campbell, the beloved matriarch and mother of Kris Jenner, who passed away at the age of 91. Kris shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram on July 16, honoring her mother, affectionately known to fans as "Grandma MJ" from the hit reality series Keeping Up With the Kardashians and its follow-up, The Kardashians.

In her emotional tribute, Kris reflected on the immense loss, describing MJ as the foundation of their family. "Today, we bid farewell to my beautiful Mommy MJ. Words cannot express what she meant to me or the sorrow of saying goodbye," Kris wrote, highlighting the love and support MJ provided throughout their lives. She portrayed her mother as the heart of their family, instilling values of love, kindness, and the importance of treasuring family moments.

Kris expressed her gratitude for the sacrifices MJ made and the wisdom she shared, stating, "Mom, thank you for every sacrifice, every piece of advice, and every moment of love you gave us. I will miss our daily conversations, your smile, and your laughter." This heartfelt tribute underscores the profound bond between mother and daughter, showcasing MJ's significant impact on Kris's life and career.

Mary Jo Campbell, born on July 26, 1934, was not only a cherished family member but also a successful entrepreneur. She owned Shannon & Company, a children's clothing store in San Diego, where Kris worked before starting her career as a flight attendant and later building the Kardashian-Jenner media empire. Kris has frequently credited her mother's entrepreneurial spirit as a major influence on her own professional journey.

Although MJ preferred a private life, she became a beloved figure on the family’s reality shows, where her warmth and humor won over viewers. Her birthday celebrations were often shared on social media, with family members posting loving tributes. Tragically, her passing comes shortly after the unexpected death of her younger daughter, Karen Houghton, in March 2024. In recent episodes of The Kardashians, Kris had voiced her worries about her mother's health, making this loss even more poignant for the family.