Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon, the beloved matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner family, passed away on July 16 at the age of 91. The news of her death was shared by her daughter, Kris Jenner, via an emotional tribute posted on Instagram.
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MJ Shannon had recently been featured in a heartwarming family photograph shared by her granddaughter, Kylie Jenner, in honour of Mother’s Day, just two months prior to her passing. The picture captured the essence of family bonds within the Kardashian-Jenner clan, showcasing MJ alongside Kris, Kylie, and Kim Kardashian, all smiling together.
In her heartfelt message, Kris expressed her profound sorrow at the loss of her mother, describing MJ as the heart and soul of their family. She lamented that words could hardly convey the depth of her mother’s impact on their lives: “Today, we said goodbye to my beautiful Mommy MJ,” Kris wrote. She reflected on the invaluable lessons MJ imparted, emphasising the importance of fierce familial love, kindness, and cherishing every moment spent together.
“Our hearts are broken, but we find comfort knowing that love like yours never truly leaves us,” Kris continued, highlighting the enduring legacy of MJ’s love within the family and the countless lives she touched. She expressed her gratitude for every sacrifice and piece of wisdom her mother shared, reinforcing the sentiment that MJ’s influence would continue to resonate in their family traditions.
MJ Shannon was not just a cherished family member; she also made her mark in business. In 1980, she established a children’s boutique in San Diego called Shannon & Co., which became a foundation for some of her grandchildren’s early work experiences. In 2012, she recounted amusing memories of a young Kim Kardashian, who would playfully count money while singing cheerful tunes about finances in the store.
Kim, now a prominent figure in her own right, took to Instagram to share her own tribute, describing MJ as “the best of us.” She reminisced about their close bond, referring to MJ as her “best friend” and “gossip buddy.” Kim acknowledged the values of hard work and family unity that her grandmother instilled in all her grandchildren, highlighting how MJ played a pivotal role in shaping their character and work ethic.
Moreover, Kim expressed how MJ’s unwavering support helped her navigate her own challenges, making her feel believed in and cherished. “You were the woman who showed me what it meant to be a hardworking businesswoman,” Kim wrote, reflecting on the invaluable life lessons learned from her grandmother. She ended her tribute with a touching note, requesting MJ to pass on her love to family members who had already passed away.
The loss of MJ Shannon marks a significant moment in the lives of her family, who have always highlighted the importance of their strong familial ties. MJ’s legacy will undoubtedly endure through the traditions and values she instilled in her children and grandchildren.
As the Kardashian-Jenner family mourns the passing of their matriarch, they continue to celebrate her life and the profound impact she had on their lives. MJ Shannon’s warmth, resilience, and love will remain etched in the hearts of those she leaves behind, serving as a reminder of the enduring power of family connection.