Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner give thanks to family matriarch Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Shannon for being ‘best example of strength and independence’ on her 90th birthday
Kris Jenner and her daughter Kim Kardashian both posted heartfelt tributes to family matriarch Mary Jo āMJā Shannon on their Instagram pages on the occasion of her 90th birthday.
The so-called momager’s post includes several photos of herself with her mother, both old photos and more recent ones. The post also includes photos of MJ with her grandchildren through the years.
“Thank you my beautiful mommy for teaching me to be a strong, independent woman,” the proud daughter wrote in the caption. “Grateful for everything, expecting nothing, but willing to work as hard as I can for everything while being kind to everyone and extremely generous.”
Jenner, 68, shared how her mother was her “teacher by example” and went on to say how grateful she is that “God blessed us with 90 years of your beautiful life, and I thank Him every day for another beautiful day with my best friend.”
She concluded, “Thank you for everything you do for all of us and for every amazing moment and memory I cherish. You are truly my role model and hero and I love you more than you will ever know. I love you, Kristen xo.”
Kris Jenner, 68, thanked her mother, Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Shannon, for teaching her to be a ‘strong, independent woman’ in her heartfelt tribute on her 90th birthday
Kim Kardashian, 43, also reportedly shared on Instagram how her grandmother is “the best example of strength and independence”
In the cover photo, the birthday girl posed with her daughter Kris and granddaughter Kim last year, all three with blond hair.
From there, the tribute goes back years, showing Kris, who has six children of her own, seemingly sitting next to MJ in the ’80s. There’s also a photo of her ice skating with Kim and Kourtney when they were young girls.
Top model Kendall Jenner, 28, is also seen with her grandmother, dressed in identical witch outfits, looking like she was in her formative years on Halloween.
There are more photos of family members with MJ, all decked out in Halloween costumes. The last photo shows MJ helping Kris put the finishing touches on her wedding dress and veil in preparation for her 1978 wedding to Robert Kardashian.
Later on Friday, granddaughter Kim also shared her thoughts and emotions about her beloved MJ on her Instagram page.
“My sweet and stylish MJ turns 90 today! I don’t know what I would do without you, Grandma. We have the best memories that are forever burned into my soul!” Kim, 43, raved, before revealing some of the moments they shared.
“From staying with you during the summers when I was growing up and you taking us to the beach to our long Sunday chats and tea sessions, you truly are the best example of strength and independence,” she wrote, alongside two photos of herself with her mother and grandmother.
Jenner called her mother her ‘best friend’ in her sweet social media tribute
There were throwback photos of MJ with Kris, including one that appeared to be from the 80s
Kim and Kourtney were spotted getting an ice skating lesson from MJ in the late 80s
MJ is shown getting into the Halloween spirit with a young Kendall Jenner in the early 2000s
Kris would also join her mother in a Wizard of Oz theme for Halloween
There is also a roller skating flashback in the birthday tribute
Kris and her mother MJ in the picture
MJ is also seen showing off her water skills to a male friend.
The last image shows MJ helping Kris with her bridal outfit in preparation for her wedding to Robert Kardashian in 1978.
Kim also reportedly highlighted her grandmother’s “strength and independence” in the caption of her Instagram post on her 90th birthday.
The Skims founder then gave examples of how her grandmother has been an example of strength by ‘beating cancer twice’
“It was so inspiring to see you start a business and run your store! But watching you beat cancer twice without complaining and showing us what it takes to fight has set the tone for all of us and our outlook on life.”
She ended, ‘I just can’t even describe here how much you mean to me and all of us. Forever the voice of reason and the best advice giver best friend safe in the whole wide world! Happy birthday grandma. I love you so much! ‘
MJ was married to Kris’ father, Robert Houghton, until his death in 1975 at age 43 in a drunk-driving accident.
She would later remarry for the third time to Harry Shannon, a well-known businessman, but sadly he died in a car accident in 2003, after almost 40 years of marriage.