Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon, widely recognized by fans as M.J. Kardashian, lived to be 91 years old. Born on July 26, 1934, in Arkansas City, Arkansas, she passed away on July 16, 2006—just ten days before her 92nd birthday. As the matriarch of the famous Kardashian-Jenner family and the mother of Kris Jenner, her life spanned nearly a century of rapid cultural and media evolution.
Understanding her exact age and birth timeline anchors the history of one of reality television's most influential dynasties. Beyond the numbers, her longevity allowed her to witness the rise of her children and grandchildren into global pop culture figures, bridging the gap between mid-century America and the modern digital era.
Early Life and Birth Details
Mary Jo Houghton entered the world during the height of the Great Depression on July 26, 1934. Growing up in Arkansas, she developed an early appreciation for fashion, often designing clothes that her mother would sew. This creative foundation later influenced her career path as a business owner.
When she was a teenager, her family environment shaped a strong work ethic. She didn't grow up in the lap of luxury associated with her grandchildren today; instead, she experienced a traditional upbringing that preceded her move to California. Her birth date places her astrological sign squarely in Leo, a detail frequently referenced by family members during birthday tributes on social media.
Marriages and Family Milestones
M.J.'s timeline of relationships shaped the blended family tree we see today. Right out of high school at age 18, she married her high school sweetheart. That first marriage famously lasted only two months before she realized it wasn't the right path.
- First Marriage: A brief two-month union right after high school.
- Second Marriage: Wed Robert True Houghton, with whom she had two daughters: Kris (born when M.J. was 20) and Karen. They divorced when Kris was seven years old.
- Third Marriage: Married businessman Harry Shannon, a relationship that lasted 40 years until his tragic passing in a car accident in 2003.
Raising her daughters as a single mother for a period required resilience. By the time her grandchildren—including Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian—were born, she had established a stable, loving matriarchal presence that anchored the entire family.
Entrepreneurial Career and Independent Years
Long before reality television captured her sharp wit, M.J. was a dedicated entrepreneur. She ran several retail ventures in California, including an antique shop, a candle store, and her most enduring enterprise: a children's clothing boutique called Shannon & Co.
Operating that store for 30 years, she balanced business ownership with family life. Kim Kardashian and her siblings famously spent their childhood afternoons playing and counting money on the shop floor. This business background instilled practical financial independence long before the family achieved mainstream fame through Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
Cancer Survival and Health Milestones
Reaching her nineties wasn't without physical hurdles. M.J. was a two-time breast cancer survivor, battling and overcoming the disease on separate occasions. Kris Jenner frequently utilized her mother's health victories to advocate for preventative screenings, urging the public to schedule regular mammograms.
Her ability to recover from major health scares well into her later decades amazed fans. She maintained a sharp mind, frequently offering blunt, humorous commentary on family television episodes regarding fashion, relationships, and modern internet culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was M.J. Kardashian born?
She was born on July 26, 1934.
How old was M.J. when she passed away?
She passed away at the age of 91, just ten days shy of turning 92.
Who are M.J.'s children?
She shared two daughters, Kris Jenner and Karen Houghton, with her second husband, Robert Houghton.
Was M.J. Kardashian a businesswoman?
Yes, she owned and operated multiple retail shops, including a children's clothing boutique named Shannon & Co that remained open for three decades.
