Kris Jenner Announces Death of Mom Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon at 91

Kris Jenner’s mom, Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon, has died at the age of 91. Jenner announced the news on July 16 through an emotional Instagram tribute, where she spoke on the impact her mother had on her life and family.

“Today, we said goodbye to my beautiful Mommy MJ,” Jenner wrote. “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.”

In the tribute, Jenner expressed how difficult the loss has been, noting that their hearts are broken but that her mother’s love will continue to live on through the family. Jenner also thanked her for the sacrifices she made, the lessons she shared, and the love she gave throughout her life, adding, “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.”

Photo: Instagram

Before the Kardashian-Jenner family became widely known, MJ founded a children’s boutique called Shannon & Co. in San Diego in 1980. She also worked as an etiquette teacher, model, and entrepreneur.

MJ was married to engineer Robert Houghton, with whom she welcomed Kris Jenner in 1955. The couple later separated when Jenner was 7. She later married businessman Harry Shannon, who helped raise Jenner and her sister in San Diego. The couple stayed together for about 40 years until Harry died in a car crash in 2003.

Photo: Instagram

Over the years, MJ also made appearances on Keeping Up with the Kardashians and the family’s follow-up Hulu series. In one episode, Kim Kardashian spoke about her grandmother’s health journey, including how she survived colon cancer and breast cancer, while later dealing with health challenges linked to her cancer treatments.

Photo: Instagram

Following the news of her passing, tributes also came in from other family members. Kim Kardashian shared a heartfelt message, describing her grandmother as her “best friend” and someone who played a major role in shaping her values. She also revealed that MJ gave her first job at the family store, teaching her lessons about work ethic and confidence that stayed with her.