KUWTK: Everything to Know About Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Shannon, Kris Jenner’s Mom

Kris Jenner’s mother Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon has made quite a few appearances on Keeping up with the Kardashians. Even though she does not appear in many episodes, MJ is someone that Kris and her children adore. The family has a special bond with Mary Jo. MJ is more than just a loving mother to Kris (Jenner cried because she missed MJ during lockdown) and a grandmother to Kris’s six children. She is a trusted confidante to Kris and her grandchildren. She’s passed her brave and bold spirit down to younger generations, and this has helped the Kardashian-Jenners to become the big successes that they are today.

Kar-Jenner family members look up to Mary Jo. MJ has a fiery personality. She’s blunt, hilarious, and one of the most lovable people on the show. On KUWTK, MJ definitely shows her star quality, so it’s no surprise that her daughter and grandkids also shine in the spotlight. MJ was born under the sign of Leo, which means that she has a natural charisma that makes her popular. Kylie Jenner, who’s enjoying amazing Instagram follower growth, is also a Leo. MJ has certainly gathered plenty of fans due to her KUWTK appearances.

Mary Jo “MJ’ Shannon was born on July 26, 1934, in Arkansas. She married her first husband when she was only 18. The two were married for just two months. MJ and her mystery first husband dated for four years and got engaged right after they finished high school. She later got married a second time, to an engineer named Robert True Houghton. MJ and Robert share two daughters, Kris and Karen. After seven years of marriage, MJ and Kris’s biological father decided to get a divorce. MJ then met the man of her dreams, Harry Shannon. They were married for over 40 years. They were together until he died in a car crash in 2003. Even though Harry was not Kris’s biological father, they did have a good relationship.

She has experience with relationships and she also built an impressive professional career. At the age of 15, the now 87-year-old enrolled in a charm school that taught women proper etiquette. It was called Fashionality. She then modeled until she opened up a children’s boutique called Shannon & Company in 1980. This was a venture she shared with her late husband, Harry. The store was originally located in San Diego and is now closed. MJ was a successful business owner, and she also beat cancer twice. She has been diagnosed with breast cancer and colon cancer. This brave cancer survivor has tenacity, and so does her daughter Kris.

MJ may not have social media accounts, but she does keep her presence alive through the Kardashian-Jenner sisters. Her youngest granddaughter Kylie Jenner even got a tattoo of MJ’s name in her grandfather’s writing. MJ has been an integral part of Kris and grandkids’ lives and they love her dearly. She has provided the family with great advice over the years, which the Kardashian-Jenners will never, ever forget.

Keeping up with the Kardashians airs Thursdays at 8 pm EST on E!

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