If you’ve spent any time keeping up with the world’s most famous family, you’ve definitely seen her. Usually tucked away in a corner of a Calabasas mansion or sharing a quiet, witty moment with Kim, Mary Jo Campbell—affectionately known as MJ—is the undisputed "Queen" of the Kardashian-Jenner empire. But while we know every detail about her granddaughters' lives, a lot of people are still scratching their heads over one basic fact: how old is MJ Kardashian?
Honestly, she’s older than you might think, but her energy would tell you otherwise. As of early 2026, Mary Jo Campbell is 91 years old.
Born on July 26, 1934, MJ has become a symbol of longevity and "cool" for a family that is often criticized for being superficial. She isn't just a guest star on a reality show; she is the blueprint. Before Kris Jenner was a "momager," MJ was a self-made businesswoman running a children’s clothing store called Shannon & Company for over four decades.
How Old Is MJ Kardashian and Why Does Everyone Ask?
The fascination with MJ’s age usually stems from how great she looks. We’re talking about a woman who survived both breast cancer and colon cancer, yet she still shows up to family parties in rose-covered pantsuits and a signature bob that hasn't aged a day since the 90s.
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In 2024, the family went all out for her 90th birthday. It was a massive milestone. Fast forward to her 91st birthday in July 2025, and the celebration was just as lavish. Kris Jenner frequently posts tributes to her "rock," and let’s be real—the math is pretty simple once you realize Kris herself is pushing 70.
A Timeline of MJ’s Life
To understand her place in the family, you have to look at where it all started. MJ was born in Arkansas City, Arkansas, but she’s a California girl at heart.
- 1934: Mary Jo Campbell is born.
- 1955: She gives birth to her first daughter, Kristen Mary Houghton (Kris Jenner).
- 1958: Her second daughter, Karen Houghton, is born.
- 1980: MJ opens her boutique, Shannon & Company, in La Jolla.
- 2007: Keeping Up With The Kardashians premieres, and the world meets Grandma MJ.
- 2024-2025: MJ hits the big 9-0 and continues to live independently despite Kris’s best efforts to move her into the "compound."
The Secrets to MJ's Longevity
It’s one thing to know how old is MJ Kardashian, but it’s another to understand how she’s stayed so sharp. On a 2025 episode of Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast, Kris Jenner admitted that MJ still refuses to move in with her. Why? Because she’s fiercely independent. She lives about a mile away from Kris but splits her time between Los Angeles and her beloved La Jolla.
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Most people her age are slowing down, but MJ is still the family's "truth-teller." She’s known for giving the most "real" advice, often delivered with a dry wit that leaves Kim or Khloe speechless. She’s the anchor. When the world is talking about filters and fillers, MJ is the reminder of where the family actually came from.
Health Challenges She Overcame
It hasn't been all glitz and garden parties. MJ is a two-time cancer survivor. She’s battled the disease with the same quiet resilience that she used to raise her daughters as a single mom after her first divorce. During the pandemic, the family was famously protective of her, with Kim even bringing beignets to her window because she was "high risk."
Seeing her thrive at 91 is a bit of a miracle, honestly. It’s a testament to the "strong woman" DNA that Kris always talks about.
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Why MJ Is More Than Just a Number
When people search for "how old is MJ Kardashian," they are usually looking for more than a birthdate. They want to know if the legend is still with us and how she’s doing.
The truth is, MJ is the secret sauce of the Kardashian brand. She represents the "before" times—the era of hard work in a brick-and-mortar store before social media existed. She provides a sense of grounding. While the rest of the family is busy launching billion-dollar brands, MJ is usually the one reminding them of their roots in San Diego.
Actionable Insights from MJ’s Life
If we can learn anything from a 91-year-old who still wears better suits than most 20-year-olds, it's these three things:
- Independence is a Muscle: Don't let others do everything for you. MJ’s refusal to move into Kris’s mansion is likely what keeps her mind so sharp.
- Health is a Long Game: Surviving cancer twice and reaching your 90s requires a mix of good medical care and a positive, "get-on-with-it" attitude.
- Family First, Always: Despite the fame, MJ has stayed close to her grandkids. She isn't just a figurehead; she’s an active participant in their lives, from Stormi’s birthdays to Kim’s fashion launches.
The next time you see her on The Kardashians, remember you’re looking at nearly a century of history. At 91, MJ Kardashian isn't just "old"—she's a living legend who has seen it all and still isn't finished.