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Kim Kardashian Breaks Silence on Grandmother Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Shannon’s Death: ‘My Forever Twin’

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Original Story by Us Weekly
July 16, 2026
Kim Kardashian Breaks Silence on Grandmother Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Shannon’s Death: ‘My Forever Twin’

Context:

Kim Kardashian is mourning her grandmother Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon, who died at 91, in a heartfelt Instagram tribute calling her her forever twin and best friend. The posts recount MJ’s influence on family values, work ethic, and business lessons, including giving Kim her first job and serving as the family matriarch. Kris Jenner also publicly honored Shannon, emphasizing the matriarch’s impact on love, resilience, and family unity. The tributes weave through family memories and emphasize the lasting imprint Shannon left on multiple generations, as the family processes the loss and looks to carry forward her legacy. The timeframe centers on the July 16 announcements and related tributes from Kardashian and Jenner.

Dive Deeper:

  • Kim Kardashian publicly honored her grandmother Mary Jo Shannon, describing her as her ‘forever twin’ and best friend, and noting her role as a hardworking businesswoman who instilled family values.

  • Kim recalled MJ gave her first job at an San Diego store and credited her with lessons on work ethic, strength, and confidence that shaped Kim’s career.

  • The post included a call for MJ to be hugged by family members Kimberly mentions, signaling a close, intimate family bereavement and a wish to acknowledge MJ’s presence beyond death.

  • Kris Jenner issued her own tribute, calling Shannon the heart of the family and highlighting the lessons of unconditional love, resilience, and prioritizing family, while acknowledging the heartbreak of the loss.

  • Jenner’s message expanded on how Shannon influenced daily family life, traditions, and the way the family copes with life’s challenges, emphasizing intergenerational impact.

  • The coverage also references earlier tributes to other relatives, such as Aunt Karen Houghton, illustrating a broader pattern of familial grief and public remembrance surrounding multiple losses.

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