Kris Jenner Announces Death of Mother Mary Jo Campbell at 91
Kris Jenner is mourning the loss of her mother, Mary Jo Campbell, affectionately known to fans as MJ, who has died at the age of 91.
The Kardashian-Jenner family matriarch passed away just days before her 92nd birthday. While the family confirmed her death on Thursday, they did not reveal the cause.
MJ became a beloved figure among fans through her regular appearances on Keeping Up with the Kardashians and later The Kardashians, where her humor, wisdom, and strong family values made her one of the franchise’s most admired personalities.
Kris Jenner Shares Emotional Tribute
Kris Jenner announced the heartbreaking news on social media, paying tribute to the woman she described as the foundation of her family.
“Today, we said goodbye to my beautiful Mommy MJ.”
She reflected on the life lessons her mother passed down over the years, saying MJ taught the family the true meaning of unconditional love, resilience, faith, and cherishing life’s smallest moments.
Jenner also wrote that every success in her own life was shaped by the example her mother set.
“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.”
A Beloved Figure in the Kardashian Family
Mary Jo Campbell was more than just Kris Jenner’s mother, she was the grandmother of some of the world’s most recognizable celebrities, including:
| Family Member | Relationship to Mary Jo Campbell |
|---|---|
| Kris Jenner | Daughter |
| Karen Houghton | Daughter (died in 2024) |
| Kim Kardashian | Granddaughter |
| Kourtney Kardashian | Granddaughter |
| Khloé Kardashian | Granddaughter |
| Kendall Jenner | Granddaughter |
| Kylie Jenner | Granddaughter |
MJ was also a proud great-grandmother and remained closely involved with her extended family throughout her life.
Her younger daughter, Karen Houghton, died in March 2024 after suffering cardiac arrest at the age of 65, making the family’s latest loss even more emotional.
From Family Matriarch to Reality TV Favorite
Born in 1934, Mary Jo Campbell gained worldwide recognition after appearing on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which premiered in 2007.
Although never the central star of the show, she quickly built a loyal fan following thanks to her witty remarks, candid personality, and grounded perspective amid the family’s glamorous lifestyle.
Fans often praised her for bringing warmth and authenticity to the reality series.
Throughout the years, MJ also spoke openly about surviving cancer twice, becoming an inspiration to both viewers and her family.
A Birthday Celebration the Family Will Never Forget
One of MJ’s most memorable television moments came during The Kardashians when the family celebrated her 90th birthday with an elegant floral-themed party at a hotel in San Diego, California.
During the celebration, she described her greatest achievement in life as raising her two daughters.
“How wonderful life is when you’re in my world… that’s all of you.”
The emotional episode also featured Kris Jenner breaking down while imagining life without her mother.
Calling MJ her “best friend,” Kris admitted she couldn’t imagine losing her, while MJ comforted her daughter by joking that everyone would simply have to wait until the next birthday celebration.
The family later honored her 91st birthday with another garden-themed gathering.
Kim Kardashian Honors Her Grandmother
Kim Kardashian also shared an emotional tribute, describing MJ as someone who played an enormous role in both her personal life and professional journey.
She called her grandmother:
“My best friend, my gossip buddy, my forever twin.”
Kim revealed that MJ gave her first job at her San Diego retail store, where she learned valuable lessons about business, discipline, confidence, and maintaining a strong work ethic.
According to Kim, those early experiences helped shape the entrepreneur she would later become.
