The family is processing their grief privately, with Kim choosing to honor her grandmother publicly by sharing cherished memories and celebrating Mary Jo's life rather than dwelling in sorrow.
Sources close to the family say this loss hits particularly hard because Mary Jo was a constant presence throughout the Kardashian empire's rise—present for every major milestone from KUWTK's launch to Kim's law school graduation. Her passing marks the end of an era.
Mary Jo Campbell, known as 'MJ' to her famous grandchildren, passed away on July 16, 2026. Kris Jenner announced the death on social media before Kim shared her own lengthy tribute post calling her grandmother her 'forever twin.'
When you build an empire on family values, losing the original matriarch hits different. Mary Jo wasn't just grandma—she was the connective tissue of a billion-dollar brand. Her absence will be felt in every holiday gathering and every business decision for years to come.
Kim Kardashian is gutted. The reality TV queen took to social media on July 16, 2026, to share a lengthy and deeply personal tribute following the death of her grandmother Mary Jo Campbell—affectionately known as 'MJ' in family circles. The post, which appeared just hours after Kim's mother Kris Jenner broke the devastating news, revealed the profound bond between granddaughter and matriarch.
'I lost my forever twin,' Kim wrote in part, a phrase that instantly went viral as fans flooded her comments with messages of condolence and support. The SKIMS founder described Mary Jo not merely as a grandmother but as a confidante, a source of wisdom, and quite literally her mirror image—both in appearance and spirit. Sources close to the family tell Celebrity Bytes that Mary Jo had been battling health issues in recent months, though details remain private out of respect for the grieving clan.
The matriarch was reportedly surrounded by loved ones when she passed, a small comfort during an otherwise devastating time. Mary Jo Campbell was more than just Kris Jenner's mother—she was the bedrock upon which the Kardashian-Jenner empire was built. Present for every milestone from the earliest days of 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' to Kim's triumphant law school graduation, she served as both witness and keeper of the family's remarkable transformation from local Los Angeles royalty to global entertainment phenomenon.
The outpouring of grief has been overwhelming. Khloe Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Kylie Jenner all shared their own tributes within hours of Kris's initial announcement, painting a picture of a family united in sorrow but bound tighter than ever by loss. Even ex-husband Kanye West—never one to publicly engage with the Kardashian orbit these days—reportedly reached out privately. Funeral arrangements have not been announced as of publication time.
