Kim Kardashian Pays Tribute to Grandmother Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon After Her Death at 91

Kardashian-Jenner family mourns beloved matriarch remembered for her love, wisdom and influence

Kim Kardashian is mourning the loss of her grandmother, Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon, who has died at the age of 91.

The reality star and businesswoman shared an emotional tribute to MJ, describing her as her “best friend,” “gossip buddy” and “forever twin” following the announcement of her grandmother’s passing by Kris Jenner.

Kim posted a series of photos capturing memories with MJ throughout the years, reflecting on the important role her grandmother played in shaping her life, values and career.

“My sweet Grandma MJ, my best friend, my gossip buddy, my forever twin… You taught all of us the importance of family, and those values are something we’ll carry with us forever,” Kim wrote.

The Skims founder also credited her grandmother with introducing her to business from a young age and helping develop the work ethic that contributed to her success.

Kim revealed that MJ gave her her first job at her children’s boutique in San Diego, where she learned valuable lessons about dedication, confidence and responsibility.

“You were the woman who showed me what it meant to be a hardworking businesswoman,” Kim said, highlighting her grandmother’s influence on her entrepreneurial journey.

She added that MJ was always one of her biggest supporters and someone who consistently believed in her.

“You always believed in me, championed me, and were my safe place. You truly were the matriarch of our family, and your love is woven into all of us,” Kim wrote.

The Kardashian family matriarch also remembered MJ with love, with Kris Jenner sharing her own tribute after announcing her mother’s death.

Kris described her mother as the heart of their family and praised her for teaching generations of relatives the importance of kindness, love and putting family first.

Other members of the Kardashian-Jenner family also honoured MJ following the news.

Khloé Kardashian and Kylie Jenner shared throwback videos and memories of their grandmother on social media, celebrating the woman who played a central role in their family.

Before becoming widely known through the family’s reality television shows, MJ had built a successful life and career of her own.

She reportedly worked as a model before opening Shannon & Company, a children’s boutique in San Diego, in 1980.

The store became an important part of Kim Kardashian’s early life, providing her first experience in business and helping inspire the entrepreneurial path she later followed.

Born on July 26, 1934, in Arkansas, MJ became a familiar and much-loved figure among fans of the Kardashian-Jenner family through appearances on reality shows including “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” and “The Kardashians.”

Her humour, warmth and close relationship with her children and grandchildren made her a favourite among viewers.

As the family continues to grieve, they are also celebrating MJ’s lasting impact and the values she passed down through generations.

The Kardashian-Jenner family remembers her as a woman whose love, strength and guidance helped shape the family legacy she leaves behind.