You’ve seen her on the screen, usually tucked away in a corner of a massive marble kitchen or offering a dry, witty remark that puts the "Momager" herself in her place. Mary Jo Campbell—or MJ, as the world knows her—is the undisputed matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner empire. But every time she pops up on The Kardashians, the internet starts buzzing with the same question: how old is she, really?
The fascination with Kris Jenner mother age isn't just about a number. It’s about the fact that she’s survived things that would break most people, all while maintaining a style that rivals her billionaire granddaughters.
The Real Number: How Old is MJ?
Let’s get the math out of the way first. Mary Jo Campbell was born on July 26, 1934. As of early 2026, MJ is 91 years old.
She’ll be hitting the big 92 this coming July. Honestly, seeing her on social media, you’d never guess it. In 2025, the family threw her a massive, floral-heavy bash for her 91st, and the photos basically broke the "grandma" stereotype. She was rocking an orange sheet cake celebration like she was decades younger.
It's kinda wild when you think about the timeline. MJ was already in her 20s when the 1960s started. She raised Kris as a single mom for a chunk of time in San Diego after her divorce from Bob Houghton. She’s seen the world change from black-and-white TV to TikTok fame, and she’s still the one the family looks to for the "real" truth.
👉 See also: Gladys Knight Weight Loss: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
Why Everyone is Obsessed With Her Longevity
It’s not just about the birthdays. People are genuinely floored by her resilience. MJ isn't just "aging gracefully"; she’s a literal medical marvel in the eyes of her family.
- Two-Time Cancer Survivor: She has successfully beaten both breast cancer and colon cancer.
- The Retirement Factor: Kris recently mentioned on a podcast that MJ didn’t even retire until she was 82. She owned a children’s boutique called Shannon & Company in La Jolla for ages.
- The Work Ethic: Kris credits her mother’s long life to her "purpose." MJ constantly tells her that having a job kept her young, which explains why Kris is so terrified of slowing down herself.
There’s this famous story Kris tells about MJ’s work ethic. Even after she "retired," she was still talking about business every day. It’s that Arkansas-born grit. MJ was born in Arkansas City during the Great Depression—a far cry from the Hidden Hills mansions she frequents now.
The Generational Gap
What makes the Kris Jenner mother age conversation so interesting is the sheer span of the family tree.
Kris is currently 70. Kourtney, the eldest grandchild, is 46. Then you have the great-grandchildren like Mason Disick, who is 16, and the younger ones like Chicago West and Stormi Webster. MJ is a great-grandmother to 13 kids.
✨ Don't miss: George W Bush Jr Net Worth: Why He’s Not as Rich as You Think
Think about that for a second. There are four living generations of this family, and MJ is the bridge to a pre-reality-TV world. She’s the only one who remembers Kris before the fame, before the marriages, and before the "Momager" brand was a thing.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception? That she’s just a "sweet little old lady." If you watch the old episodes of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, MJ is actually the one with the sharpest tongue. She’s famously blunt.
People also tend to forget her romantic history. Like her daughters, MJ’s love life was... complicated. She was married three times. Her first marriage lasted only two months (sound familiar, Kim?). Her longest and most influential marriage was to Harry Shannon, who Kris viewed as a father figure.
Staying Young the MJ Way
If you’re looking for the "secret sauce" to MJ’s longevity, it’s not just the high-end skincare or the Calabasas air. It’s the engagement.
🔗 Read more: Famous People from Toledo: Why This Ohio City Keeps Producing Giants
She stays active on social media—yes, she has her own Instagram—and she stays involved in the business side of the family. She’s often the "voice of reason" when the drama gets too high.
Practical takeaways from MJ’s 91 years:
- Keep a routine: Even at 91, she’s "getting up, getting dressed, and presenting herself to the world."
- Early detection works: Kris uses MJ’s cancer battles as a platform to push for regular mammograms and health checks. It saved MJ, and it's a huge part of their family health advocacy.
- Stay busy: Whether it’s a boutique or just keeping up with 13 great-grandkids, mental stimulation is her fountain of youth.
So, next time you see her on your feed, remember she isn't just a background character. She’s a 91-year-old pioneer who started the whole "glamorous matriarch" vibe long before the cameras started rolling.
Next Steps for You:
If you’re interested in the health side of the Kardashian-Jenner longevity, you should look into the specific preventative screenings Kris Jenner advocates for based on MJ’s history. You can also follow MJ’s rarely-updated but iconic Instagram for a look at her vintage modeling photos from the 1950s, which prove the "glam" gene is definitely hereditary.