Summary (tl;dr)

Mary Jo "MJ" Campbell, the beloved mother of Kris Jenner and matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner family, has passed away at the age of 91, leading to widespread public attention and tributes from her famous family.

Essential Background

Mary Jo "MJ" Campbell, also known as Mary Jo Shannon, was a prominent and much-loved figure who frequently appeared on the reality television shows "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" and its successor, "The Kardashians". Known for her warmth, humor, and strong bond with her famous family, MJ was the mother of Kris Jenner and grandmother to her six children: Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian, and Kendall and Kylie Jenner. Recent seasons of "The Kardashians" had touched upon MJ's declining health.

The Full Story

On Thursday, July 16, 2026, Kris Jenner announced the heartbreaking news of her mother Mary Jo "MJ" Campbell's passing at 91 years old. Jenner shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, remembering her mother as the "heart of our family" and crediting her with instilling values of fierce family love, kindness, resilience, and cherishing every moment. MJ, who would have celebrated her 92nd birthday just ten days later, had been a constant presence on television screens globally and was admired for her mental sharpness and family involvement. While the family has publicly expressed their grief, the exact cause of death has not been disclosed. This loss comes two years after Kris Jenner also lost her younger sister, Karen Houghton, in March 2024.

Why It Matters

The passing of Mary Jo "MJ" Campbell is a significant event for the Kardashian-Jenner family and their vast global fanbase, leading to a surge in online searches for related keywords. As a frequently featured and adored personality on their reality shows, MJ's death marks the loss of a foundational figure in one of the world's most recognizable celebrity families. The public's interest stems from her endearing presence on television, her role as the family matriarch, and the emotional tributes shared by Kris Jenner and other family members, highlighting the deep personal impact of her loss.

Geographic Location

• La Jolla, San Diego County, California, United States (Mary Jo "MJ" Campbell's known residence and presumed location of passing)