Jill Smokler, founder of Scary Mommy and a New York Times bestselling author, has died at the age of 48 after a more than two-year battle with glioblastoma.
She passed away on June 22, 2026, at her home in Baltimore, surrounded by family. Her loved ones said she faced her illness with the same humor, honesty, and authenticity that defined her life and work.
Smokler launched Scary Mommy in 2008 while raising three young children, turning it into a global parenting platform that resonated with millions of mothers. Her candid writing about the realities of motherhood helped create a space where women felt seen and understood.
Over time, she expanded her work into bestselling books, charitable initiatives, and new media projects, all centered on honest conversations about parenting and life.
Even after her diagnosis in 2024, she continued sharing her journey openly, maintaining the voice that made her so influential.
She is survived by her three children, and her legacy lives on through the community she built and the millions of parents she empowered to speak openly about their lives.