Mary Jo Campbell’s official cause of death has now been confirmed, nearly two weeks after she died at the age of 91.
The Kardashian-Jenner family matriarch, who was also Kris Jenner’s mother, died on July 16, 2026, just days before what would have been her 92nd birthday. A death certificate obtained by Us Weekly lists her immediate cause of death as acute cardiopulmonary arrest.
The certificate also names metastatic lung cancer and acute respiratory failure as contributing conditions. Reports said the illness had affected her for months before her death, and no autopsy was carried out.
Mary Jo, widely known to fans as MJ, was a familiar presence to viewers through appearances on Keeping Up With the Kardashians and The Kardashians. Her sharp sense of humor and close bond with her daughter and grandchildren made her one of the family’s most beloved off-screen figures.
Before that public profile, she was first and foremost a mother. She welcomed Kris in 1955 with Robert True “Bob” Houghton.
After that marriage ended seven years later, MJ married Harry Shannon, who helped raise Kris and her sister, Karen Houghton. MJ later became a grandmother to Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, Rob, Kendall and Kylie, and was often shown as the family’s steadying force.
She also appeared in storylines where her health challenges were acknowledged. Kris previously spoke about how difficult it was to watch her mother struggle as the family dealt with Karen’s death in 2024.
MJ’s death marked a deeply painful loss for Kris, who shared an emotional tribute reflecting on how much her mother influenced both her life and the wider family.
“She taught us that family is everything. She showed us how to love unconditionally and how to find joy in the little moments. She showed me how to face life’s challenges with resilience and faith.
“Mom, thank you for every sacrifice you made, every piece of wisdom you shared, and every moment you loved us so completely. I will miss our daily talks, your smile, your laughter…
‘Our hearts are broken, but we find comfort knowing that love like yours never truly leaves us. Your love will live on in our family, in our traditions, in every moment we are together, and in every life you touched. When I look at my kids and my grandkids, I will forever see pieces of you in all of us. “
She added:
“There is not a part of me that isn’t shaped by you. 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.
“Every memory, every moment, every blessing, it was all because of you, and I will forever thank God every single day for making you my mommy. My heart is broken into a million pieces… thank you for giving me the greatest childhood and oh what a beautiful blessed life… I love you forever Mommy. Thank you for giving us everything.”