Mary Jo “MJ”, the mother of Kris Jenner, has died at age 91. Kris Jenner confirmed the passing of her mother on Thursday, July 16, 2026, through a statement posted to social media, describing her mother as the “heart of our family” and expressing the profound heartbreak of the loss.
The Legacy of MJ in Reality Television
MJ became a fan favorite through her appearances on the family’s various reality TV shows. According to the family, she was known for her quick wit, warm personality, and close bond with her grandchildren, including Kim, Khloé, Kourtney, Kendall, and Kylie.
In a 2018 interview for the series OBJECTified, Kris Jenner highlighted the influence her mother had on the family’s brand. Jenner characterized her mother as a mogul and an icon, noting that the values MJ instilled—specifically the importance of showing up for the people you love and to love your family fiercely—formed the foundation of the family’s brand.
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MJ appeared on the Kardashian family’s various reality TV shows, where viewers got to know her quick wit, warm personality and close bond with all of her grandkids.
Family Dynamics and the Value of Private Moments
In her tribute, Kris Jenner emphasized the personal lessons she learned from her mother, specifically the need to never take a single moment together for granted. Jenner wrote that she would miss the daily conversations, the laughter, and the smiles that defined their relationship. While the public knew MJ through the lens of entertainment, Jenner’s statement focused on the private, formative influence her mother had on her childhood and her adult life.
As of July 16, 2026, the family has not released a cause of death or additional details regarding funeral arrangements. The family has historically used their social media platforms to address major milestones, and Jenner’s post serves as the primary official communication regarding this loss.
Trends in Multi-Generational Family Branding
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was MJ? MJ was the mother of Kris Jenner and the grandmother of the Kardashian-Jenner siblings.
- How old was MJ when she passed? Mary Jo was 91 years old.
- Where did the family announce her passing? Kris Jenner announced the news via an official social media post on July 16, 2026.
- What was the cause of death? The family has not disclosed the cause of death or any further details at this time.
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