Kris Jenner has announced the death of her mother, Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Shannon, who passed away on July 16 at the age of 91.
Sharing the news on social media, Jenner paid an emotional tribute to the woman she described as the foundation of her family.
In her heartfelt message, Jenner said her mother was the heart of the family and credited her with teaching the values that shaped her life, including unconditional love, kindness, resilience and the importance of putting family above everything else.
She reflected on their close relationship, saying she would deeply miss their daily conversations, her mother’s laughter and the wisdom she shared throughout her life.
Jenner also expressed gratitude for the sacrifices her mother made and said every success she has achieved was inspired by a desire to make her proud. She added that although her family is grieving, they take comfort in knowing that Mary Jo’s love and legacy will continue through her children, grandchildren and future generations.
Born Mary Jo Campbell on July 26, 1934, in Arkansas, Shannon experienced several significant chapters in her personal life before becoming known to millions through the Kardashian-Jenner family’s television appearances.
She first married her high school sweetheart before the marriage ended in divorce. In 1954, she married Robert True “Bob” Houghton, and the couple welcomed daughter Kris Jenner in 1955. Their marriage ended seven years later.
Shannon later married businessman Harry Shannon, who became a father figure to Kris Jenner and her younger sister, Karen Houghton. The couple remained together until Harry Shannon’s death in 2003.
Although she largely stayed out of the spotlight, Mary Jo Shannon became a familiar face to fans through appearances on the family’s reality television series, where she was admired for her warmth, humor and close relationship with her children and grandchildren.
Tributes have continued to pour in from family members and admirers following the announcement, as they remember a woman whose influence extended across multiple generations of the Kardashian-Jenner family.
Mary Jo Shannon is survived by her family, who say her love, values and traditions will continue to live on through those she leaves behind.
