Mary Jo Campbell, the mother of Kris Jenner and a prominent figure in the Kardashian family, has died at the age of 91. Campbell passed away on Thursday, according to an announcement made by Jenner on Instagram.
In a touching tribute, Jenner described her mother as the "heart" of their family. "Today, we said goodbye to my beautiful Mommy MJ," Jenner wrote. "There are no words that could ever capture what she has meant to me or the heartbreak of having to say goodbye."
Campbell was a regular presence on the family's reality television show, "Keeping Up With The Kardashians," which starred her daughter Kris and grandchildren Kim, Khloe, Kourtney, and Rob Kardashian. Her appearances on the show and social media helped introduce her to a wider audience.
Jenner shared that her mother taught her the importance of family, kindness, and showing up for loved ones. "She taught us that family is everything. She showed us how to love unconditionally and how to find joy in the little moments," Jenner stated. "She showed me how to face life’s challenges with resilience and faith."
Campbell also owned and operated Shannon & Co., a children's clothing store in San Diego, where she lived hundreds of miles from the family's Calabasas home. She spoke in a 2012 interview about the store being a source of personal fulfillment and a place where her grandchildren played when they were young.
Campbell's life included three marriages. She was previously married to Robert Houghton, with whom she had daughters Kris Jenner and Karen Houghton. Her marriage to Harry Shannon lasted 40 years until his death in 2003. Campbell was married to her high school sweetheart for two months before their marriage ended.
Jenner expressed deep grief over the loss, stating, "My heart is broken into a million pieces… thank you for giving me the greatest childhood and oh what a beautiful blessed life… I love you forever Mommy."