Kim Kardashian standing closely with her grandmother Mary Jo MJ Shannon
Kim Kardashian honors her late grandmother, Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Shannon, who passed away at age 91.
A Family Matriarch Passes Away
The Kardashian family is grieving the loss of their foundational matriarch. On July 16, Kris Jenner announced that her mother, Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon, died at the age of 91.
Following the tragic announcement, Kim Kardashian took to Instagram to honor the woman she described as her “best friend” and “gossip buddy.” Kardashian shared a carousel of nostalgic family photographs spanning several decades of their lives together.
“My sweet Grandma MJ, my best friend, my gossip buddy, my forever twin,” Kardashian wrote in the emotional post. “You taught all of us the importance of family, and those values are something we’ll carry with us forever!!!!!”
Business Lessons from Grandma MJ
Beyond their personal bond, the SKIMS founder credited Shannon with shaping her early professional drive. Kardashian highlighted the crucial business skills she absorbed from her grandmother long before achieving global fame.
“You were the woman who showed me what it meant to be a hardworking businesswoman. You gave me my very first job at your store in San Diego and taught me lessons about work ethic, strength, and confidence that I’ve carried with me ever since,” Kardashian stated.
Shannon served as a steadfast anchor for the high-profile family. Through decades of relentless media attention, she remained a quiet but powerful force behind her famous daughter and grandchildren.
“You always believed in me, championed in me, and were my safe place. You truly were the matriarch of our family, and your love is woven into all of us. I know you are at peace now,” Kardashian concluded.
