Kim Kardashian has stated her “heart is completely with family” after facing criticism for posting holiday photos shortly after her grandmother’s death.
The passing of the reality star and businesswoman’s grandmother, Mary Jo “MJ” Campbell, was announced by Kris Jenner.
Ms Jenner paid tribute to her mother, saying her heart was “broken into a million pieces”.
However, within the same hour, Kardashian shared a series of “lake life” snaps on Instagram.
Following questions about the timing, she posted a follow-up comment an hour later.
She wrote: “This post was scheduled a few days ago before we lost MJ, so its timing came right alongside her passing.
“I’ve been by my mom and grandma’s side this past week, and my heart is completely with my family right now.
“We love and miss her so deeply, and in the days ahead, we’ll be focusing on celebrating her beautiful life.”
Kardashian then went on to share a post paying tribute to her grandmother.
Alongside a series of photographs of them throughout the years, she wrote: “My sweet Grandma MJ, my best friend, my gossip buddy, my forever twin… you taught all of us the importance of family, and those values are something we’ll carry with us forever!!!!!
“You were the woman who showed me what it meant to be a hardworking businesswoman. You gave me my very first job at your store in San Diego and taught me lessons about work ethic, strength, and confidence that I’ve carried with me ever since. You always believed in me, championed me, and were my safe place.
“You truly were the matriarch of our family, and your love is woven into all of us. I know you’re at peace now. Give Papa Harry, Aunt Karen, and my dad a hug for me. You will always be a part of me, I love you soooooo much and I will miss you forever and ever. YOU ARE THE BEST OF US!!! I know you are up in heaven, looking at all of our Instagram posts of you from your sneaky finsta account you would always use lol.”
MJ was also grandmother to Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian and Kendall and Kylie Jenner.
When announcing the news of her mother’s death, Kris Jenner had said: “There are no words that could ever capture what she has meant to me or the heartbreak of having to say goodbye.
“My mom was the heart of our family. She taught me everything that truly matters… to love your family fiercely, to be kind, to show up for the people you love, and to never take a single moment together for granted.
“She taught us that family is everything. She showed us how to love unconditionally and how to find joy in the little moments. She showed me how to face life’s challenges with resilience and faith.”
She went on to thank her mother for “every sacrifice she made” and every “piece of wisdom” she shared.
Kris continued: “Our hearts are broken, but we find comfort knowing that love like yours never truly leaves us. Your love will live on in our family, in our traditions, in every moment we are together, and in every life you touched.
“If I have done anything right in this world, it’s because I spent my life trying to live in a way that would make you proud.
“My heart is broken into a million pieces… thank you for giving me the greatest childhood and oh what a beautiful blessed life.”
MJ had appeared in the original Keeping Up With The Kardashians series, which ran from 2007 to 2021, and also featured in its follow-up series, The Kardashians.
