Kris Jenner took to Instagram on Thursday to confirm that her mother, Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Shannon, has passed away at the age of 91. In a moving caption, Jenner called MJ “the heart of our family,” crediting her with instilling love, kindness, and resilience in the Kardashian clan.

Family’s Emotional Response

The post triggered an outpouring of grief from relatives and fans alike. Kim Kardashian shared a heartfelt Instagram story, referring to her grandmother as “my best friend, my gossip buddy, my forever twin.” Kim added that MJ taught her the value of hard work and confidence, recalling the first job she gave her at her San Diego boutique.

MJ Shannon’s Life and Legacy

Beyond being the matriarch, MJ was a frequent presence on the family’s reality shows, including “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” and its successor “The Kardashians.” Her calm demeanor offered a grounding force amid the often‑dramatic on‑screen moments. As a businesswoman, she founded the children’s boutique Shannon & Co., a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit.

Personal History and Challenges

MJ first married Robert Houghton, Kris Jenner’s father, but divorced when Kris was seven. She later wed Harry Shannon, a partnership that lasted four decades until his tragic death in a 2003 car crash. The family also endured the loss of Kris’s sister Karen Houghton, who died of cardiac arrest in March 2024.

Enduring Impact

Kris wrote that her heart is “broken into a million pieces,” yet she finds solace in the belief that MJ’s love will continue to guide the family’s traditions. Kim echoed this sentiment, joking that MJ is probably watching the family’s Instagram posts from a “sneaky finsta account” in heaven. The legacy of MJ Shannon—both as a nurturing grandmother and a savvy entrepreneur—will remain a cornerstone of the Kardashian narrative.