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Today we have sad news to report from the world of online media.
Jill Smokler, founder of leading parenting platform Scary Mommy, has died at the age of 48.
The best-selling author and mother of three died this week after battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, which she publicly disclosed in 2024.
A social media post announcing Jill’s passing read, “With broken hearts we share that Jill passed away this morning after a more than two-year battle with glioblastoma. She faced it the same way she faced everything – funny, fierce, and completely herself.”
“She was many things: a New York Times best-selling author, a founder, a truth-teller. But the thing she was always most proud of was being a mother to Lily, Ben, and Evan.”
The Scary Mommy brand also shared a statement on Monday:
“Jill spent her life telling the truth about motherhood – that it can be wonderful and impossible in the same breath – and in doing so, she allowed millions of women to stop pretending and feel a little less alone,” read the statement.
“She was funny, fearless, generous and completely herself. More than anything she created, Jill was proud of her three children, Lily, Ben and Evan. We are saddened to lose her, and extremely proud of the mark she left on the world.”
Smokler launched Scary Mommy in 2008 while staying at home raising three young children.
What started as a personal blog quickly became one of the Internet’s most influential parenting communities.
Her candid, often hilarious view of motherhood appealed to readers, who appreciated her refusal to gloss over the realities of parenting.
Smokeler later wrote two books, Confessions of a Scary Mother And Motherhood Comes Naturally (And Other Vicious Lies)Also made appearances in shows like Today And good morning america.
In May 2024, Smokeler revealed that he was diagnosed with glioblastoma after suffering seizures. At the time, he addressed the news with the same honesty and dark humor that had made him famous.
“Glioblastoma wasn’t on my 2024 bingo card, alas here we are,” he wrote. “Life changes fast, friends.”
Despite the devastating diagnosis, Smokeler continued to share updates with followers and speak openly about the realities of living with terminal cancer.
In an interview after his diagnosis, he explained that he was focused on spending time with his children.
“I just want to spend time with my kids,” she said. “It’s so ridiculously bittersweet.”
Our thoughts are with Jill’s loved ones during this extremely difficult time.
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