Kim Kardashian is mourning the loss of the woman she says helped shape both her family and her career.
After Kris Jenner announced that her mother, Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon, had died at age 91, Kim shared an emotional tribute remembering her grandmother as her “best friend,” biggest supporter, and one of the earliest influences on her work ethic.
The SKIMS founder reflected on the lessons MJ taught her while working at her San Diego store, crediting the family matriarch with helping mold the businesswoman she would eventually become.
In her tribute, Kim recalled working for MJ at her San Diego boutique, describing the experience as one of the most important foundations of her career.
“You were the woman who showed me what it meant to be a hardworking businesswoman,” Kim wrote. “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.”
The reality star added that MJ always believed in her and served as both a mentor and safe place throughout her life. “You truly were the matriarch of our family, and your love is woven into all of us,” Kim wrote.
MJ’s Influence Reached Far Beyond Reality Television
Long before the Kardashian family became a global brand, MJ was running her own business and instilling those values in her daughter and grandchildren.
Over the years, members of the famous family have repeatedly credited MJ for inspiring their entrepreneurial spirit. Kris Jenner previously worked alongside her mother in retail, an experience that helped shape her own business instincts before eventually managing her children’s careers and helping build one of the most recognizable family brands in entertainment.
Kim’s tribute highlighted that legacy, emphasizing that MJ’s impact extended far beyond family gatherings and television appearances.
Kim Kardashian Asks MJ To Reunite With Family Members In Heaven
Along with celebrating MJ’s life, Kim reflected on the loved ones who passed before her. The reality star asked her grandmother to “give Papa Harry, Aunt Karen and my dad a hug” on her behalf, referencing her late father, Robert Kardashian Sr., Kris Jenner’s sister Karen Houghton, who died in 2024, and MJ’s late husband Harry Shannon.
Kim ended her message by joking about MJ’s rumored secret social media habit. “I know you are up in heaven, looking at all of our Instagram posts of you from your sneaky finsta account you would always use lol,” she wrote.
Kim’s emotional tribute quickly drew thousands of responses, including messages from family members, close friends, and celebrities who knew MJ over the years.
Sister Khloé Kardashian kept her response simple, commenting with a string of red heart emojis, while longtime family friend Allison Statter wrote, “ONE OF ONE. Going to miss her SO much. RIP MJ. Love you so much.”
Reality star Lala Kent added, “Love you so much, forever MJ,” while model Olivia Pierson shared a series of hearts and dove emojis in remembrance.
Others reflected on MJ’s lasting impact, including celebrity life coach Coach Alando, who described her as “A sweet soul,” and influencer Isabel Alysa, who wrote, “Loved MJ so much. Sending you so much love and light. She is now resting with the kings of all kings. Love you guys so much.”
Kris Jenner Says Goodbye To The ‘Heart Of Our Family’
Earlier in the day, Kris announced her mother’s death in a lengthy tribute of her own. “My mom was the heart of our family,” Jenner wrote, praising MJ for teaching her the importance of resilience, faith, and unconditional love.
“There is not a part of me that isn’t shaped by you,” Jenner continued. “And if I have done anything right in this world, it’s because I spent my life trying to live in a way that would make you proud.”
While MJ Shannon’s death marks the end of an era, the values she passed down continue to shape one of pop culture’s most famous families.
