Passing Announced: Kris Jenner confirmed her mother Mary Jo "MJ" Campbell died on July 16, 2026, at age 91 — just 10 days before her 92nd birthday on July 26.
Family Matriarch: MJ was a familiar presence on *Keeping Up with the Kardashians* (2007–2021) and *The Kardashians* on Hulu, often offering wisdom and warmth to her famous grandchildren.
Previous Loss: Campbell lost her other daughter, Karen Houghton, who died unexpectedly of cardiac arrest in March 2024 at age 65.
Why This Matters: MJ represented the grounding force behind one of the most famous families in pop culture. Her passing marks the end of an era for the Kardashian-Jenner clan and resonates with fans who grew up watching her on screen.
Historical Context: Born Mary Jo Campbell on July 26, 1934, in Arkansas, she married Robert True Houghton in 1954 and later businessman Harry Shannon. She was a steady presence through the family's rise to global fame.
Mary Jo "MJ" Campbell was far more than just Kris Jenner's mother — she was a beloved grandmother to Kim, Khloé, Kourtney, Rob Kardashian, and Kendall and Kylie Jenner. Born in Arkansas in 1934, MJ appeared in countless episodes of *Keeping Up with the Kardashians*, offering a relatable, down-to-earth counterbalance to the family's glamorous lifestyle.
In her Instagram post, Kris Jenner wrote: *"There are no words that could ever capture what she has meant to me or the heartbreak of having to say goodbye."* She promised that Campbell's love "will live on in our family, in our traditions, in every moment we are together." The tribute highlighted MJ's teachings: to love fiercely, be kind, show up for loved ones, and find joy in small moments.
Campbell's death follows the loss of her daughter Karen Houghton in March 2024. Kris shared at the time that Karen's passing was "a reminder that life is so short and precious." The back-to-back losses have undoubtedly been devastating for the family, with Kris noting in her tribute that her "heart is broken into a million pieces."
As of the announcement, Kylie Jenner and Kourtney Kardashian have "liked" the Instagram post, though no other family members have released individual statements. The collective silence suggests the family is processing the loss privately before speaking publicly.
How old was Mary Jo Campbell when she passed?
Mary Jo "MJ" Campbell was 91 years old. She was just 10 days away from her 92nd birthday.
How did Kris Jenner announce the news?
Kris Jenner shared a lengthy, emotional tribute on Instagram alongside photos of her mother, calling her "the heart of our family."
Did Mary Jo Campbell appear on the family's reality shows?
Yes, MJ made regular appearances on *Keeping Up with the Kardashians* from 2007 to 2021 and also appeared on the Hulu reboot *The Kardashians*.
Did MJ have other children besides Kris Jenner?
Yes, MJ was also the mother of Karen Houghton, who passed away unexpectedly in March 2024 at age 65 due to cardiac arrest.
Celebrate Family Bonds: MJ's life reminds us to cherish daily moments with loved ones — something Kris emphasized in her tribute.
Grief Is Personal: The Kardashian-Jenner family's quiet response shows that even public figures need space to mourn privately.
Legacy Lives On: For fans, MJ's legacy is woven into the fabric of pop culture history. Revisiting old episodes of *Keeping Up with the Kardashians* offers a chance to remember her warmth and wit.
How to Prepare: Use moments like these as reminders to reach out to family members, express gratitude, and create lasting memories.
Mary Jo "MJ" Campbell was a grounding presence in the Kardashian-Jenner universe — a grandmother who reminded millions of viewers about the importance of family and resilience.
Do you have a favorite MJ moment from *Keeping Up with the Kardashians*? Share your memories below!
*Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!*
Spread the word:
Usher quickly ended an onstage seductive performance during his Nashville concert on July 25 after noticing the fan he brought onstage appea...
Aubrey Plaza is giving fans a glimpse into her journey to motherhood. The 42-year-old *Parks and Recreation* star shared a bare baby bump mi...
Chris Anne Affleck, the mother of Academy Award-winning actors Ben and Casey Affleck, has passed away at the age of 83 after a battle with p...
Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi's relationship has taken a serious turn. According to multiple insiders, the 28-year-old model and reality s...
⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer