Summary (tl;dr)

Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon, Kris Jenner's mother and the beloved matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner family, has passed away at the age of 91. Kris Jenner announced her mother's death on social media in an emotional tribute.

Essential Background

Mary Jo Shannon, affectionately known as "MJ," was a familiar face to fans of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" and "The Kardashians," often appearing alongside her daughter Kris Jenner and her grandchildren. Born on July 26, 1934, she was a two-time cancer survivor, having battled both breast and colon cancer. MJ was known for her independent spirit and close bond with her family, often sharing wisdom and humor on the reality shows.

The Full Story

On July 16, 2026, Kris Jenner shared the heartbreaking news of her mother's passing in a poignant Instagram post. MJ died at 91 years old, just days before what would have been her 92nd birthday on July 26. Kris Jenner's tribute described her mother as "the heart of our family," emphasizing the profound impact MJ had on her and her children. She praised MJ for teaching the family the importance of fierce love, kindness, resilience, and cherishing every moment together. While the family mourns her loss, the cause of death has not yet been publicly revealed.

Why It Matters

MJ's death is a significant event for the Kardashian-Jenner family and their extensive fanbase. As the matriarch, she was a quiet yet influential force, admired for her strong personality, unwavering support, and the values she instilled in her highly visible family. Her passing has led to an outpouring of condolences from fans who considered her a beloved figure, remembering her warmth and humor from her many appearances on their reality television series. This trend highlights the deep connection the public has with the Kardashian-Jenner family, extending to even its older generations.

Geographic Location

• Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (where Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon resided and Kris Jenner made her social media announcement)
• La Jolla, San Diego County, California, United States (where Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon also spent part of her time)