Kim Kardashian responds to criticism over holiday photos after family tragedy

Kim Kardashian has spoken out after facing criticism for sharing holiday snaps just hours after news broke that her beloved grandmother, Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon, had died aged 91.

The 45-year-old reality star sparked confusion when she posted a carousel of family holiday photos on Instagram, captioned simply: “Lake life.” 

The images appeared around the same time her mother, Kris Jenner, announced the heartbreaking loss of the Kardashian family matriarch.

As questions mounted online, Kim returned to the comments section to explain that the post had been scheduled days before MJ's passing and insisted her focus had been entirely on her family.

She revealed she had spent the past week by the side of both Kris and her grandmother, writing that her "heart is completely" with her loved ones. 

The SKIMS founder added that the family would now be concentrating on celebrating MJ's remarkable life and the legacy she leaves behind.

Not long afterwards, she shared an emotional tribute dedicated to the woman she described as her "best friend", "gossip buddy" and "forever twin".

Posting a collection of treasured family photographs, Kim reflected on the lessons MJ taught her throughout her life, praising her grandmother's work ethic, strength and determination. 

She also revealed that MJ gave her her very first job at her San Diego store, shaping the business mindset that has helped build her global empire.

All's Fair actress called MJ the family's "matriarch" and thanked her for always believing in her, describing her grandmother as a constant source of love, encouragement and comfort.

She ended the heartfelt message with a light-hearted memory, joking that MJ would probably be watching the family's Instagram tributes from heaven using the "sneaky finsta account" she was famous for keeping.

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