Kris Jenner's Mother Mary Jo "MJ" Campbell Dies at 91

16 July 2026

The Kardashian Jenner family is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved members. Mary Jo "MJ" Campbell, the mother of Kris Jenner and the cherished matriarch of the famous family, has died at the age of 91. Known to millions of television viewers through her appearances on Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Kardashians, MJ was remembered not only for her wit and warmth but also for the steady presence she provided across four generations of her family.

Kris Jenner announced her mother's passing through an emotional Instagram tribute, sharing heartfelt family photographs and reflecting on the profound influence MJ had throughout her life. Describing her as "the heart of our family," Kris wrote that her mother taught her children and grandchildren the importance of love, kindness, resilience and being present for one another. She expressed gratitude for every lesson and memory they shared, adding that MJ's legacy would continue through the generations she helped shape.

Mary Jo became a familiar face to reality television audiences after making regular appearances on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which aired from 2007 until 2021, before continuing to appear on the Hulu series The Kardashians. Although she was never the focus of the family's reality empire, fans grew to appreciate her dry sense of humor, gentle personality and close relationship with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her appearances often provided some of the show's most heartfelt and humorous family moments.

Born in Arkansas in 1934, MJ experienced a life filled with both challenges and accomplishments. Before becoming widely recognized through reality television, she worked as a model and later owned a successful children's clothing boutique called Shannon & Company. Kris has often credited her mother's entrepreneurial spirit as one of the inspirations behind her own business mindset, which eventually helped build the Kardashian Jenner family's global brand.

MJ also demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout her life. She survived both breast cancer and colon cancer, experiences that strengthened her outlook and deepened her appreciation for family. Even as she grew older, she remained active in family celebrations and milestones, attending birthdays, weddings and holidays while maintaining close relationships with each of her grandchildren.

In previous interviews, Kris Jenner frequently spoke about her mother's fierce independence. Despite living only a short distance away, MJ insisted on maintaining her own home and lifestyle. Kris revealed that she communicated with her mother every day through phone calls and messages, describing their bond as exceptionally close. Even when encouraged to move in with family, MJ preferred remaining in her own space, something Kris admired deeply.

Tributes quickly poured in following the announcement. Family members, friends and fans remembered MJ as a loving grandmother, trusted confidante and positive influence whose guidance touched everyone around her. Many viewers recalled her calm demeanor and timeless wisdom, qualities that often stood out amid the fast paced drama that surrounded the family's television success.

Her passing comes during another emotional period for the Kardashian Jenner family, who have experienced several personal losses in recent years. Despite the heartbreak, Kris emphasized that her mother's lessons about compassion, generosity and family unity will continue to guide everyone she leaves behind. Those values, she wrote, remain the greatest gift MJ ever gave them.

Beyond television fame, those closest to Mary Jo remember her as someone who found joy in life's simple moments. Whether spending time with grandchildren, celebrating family traditions or offering advice during difficult times, she remained a constant source of encouragement and unconditional love. Her influence extended far beyond the cameras, helping shape one of the most recognizable families in modern entertainment while always placing family first.

As loved ones gather to celebrate her remarkable life, Mary Jo "MJ" Campbell is being remembered not simply as the grandmother of a famous family but as a woman whose kindness, resilience and unwavering devotion left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy will continue through the generations she nurtured and the memories they will carry with them for years to come.