Kris Jenner's mother, Mary Jo 'MJ' Shannon (née Campbell), has died at the age of 91. The announcement was made by Jenner on her social media accounts on July 16.
Heartfelt Tribute from Kris Jenner
In her emotional post, Jenner wrote: '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.'
Jenner continued: 'She taught us that family is everything. She showed us how to love unconditionally and how to find joy in the little moments. 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…'
A Life Remembered
Born Mary Jo Campbell on July 26, 1934, in Arkansas, MJ had a divorce from her high school sweetheart before marrying Kris' father, Robert True 'Bob' Houghton, in 1954. She gave birth to Kris in 1955 and separated from Bob seven years later. She later married businessman Harry Shannon, who became a father figure to Kris and her younger sister Karen Houghton until his death in 2003.
Jenner's tribute concluded: '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.'
Impact on Family and Legacy
MJ Shannon is survived by her daughter Kris, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The family has requested privacy during this time of grief.
