Jill Smokler, the creator of the popular parenting platform Scary Mommy, has died at the age of 48.
Smokler, a Baltimore, Maryland-based mother of three and influential voice in the parenting blog world, died on June 22 after a two-year fight with glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain cancer.
Her death was confirmed Monday in posts shared on Instagram and on the Scary Mommy website.
In an emotional tribute, her family said Smokler confronted her diagnosis “the way she faced everything — funny, fierce, and completely herself.”
“Jill spent her life telling the truth about motherhood — that it could be wonderful and impossible in the very same breath — and in doing so, she gave millions of women permission to stop pretending and feel a little less alone,” the statement said.
“She was funny, fearless, generous, and entirely herself.
“More than anything she built, Jill was proudest of her three children, Lily, Ben, and Evan. We are heartbroken to lose her, and endlessly proud of the mark she left on the world.”
Smokler founded Scary Mommy, a motherhood and lifestyle blog, in March 2008.
Scary Mommy founder Jill Smokler has died aged 49 following a battle with glioblastoma
The founder and acclaimed author died on the morning of June 22 according to her family
Four years later, she published a companion book titled Confessions of a Scary Mommy, which became a New York Times bestseller.
Scary Mommy is described as a site for ‘millennial moms who crave unfiltered and honest advice, opinions and news about motherhood and women’s daily life.’
‘We don’t sugarcoat; we’ve got your back on the days you can only laugh, cry, or laugh so you don’t cry,’ its description reads.
‘We celebrate and support every journey to and in motherhood. As parents, we’re deeply aware of our responsibility to the next generation, and how our children will shape the future.
‘So if your parenting MO is just to keep it real, you’re in the right place.’
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Following its launch, the website exploded and in 2015 was acquired by Some Spiders Studios.
Smokler served as chief content officer for three years until 2018.
At the time of writing, Scary Mommy is owned by Bustle Digital Group, which acquired Some Spider Studios in 2021.
Smokler launched the Scary Mommy blog from her home in Baltimore in 2008
She was interviewed by Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford on the Today show in 2013
Tributes have poured in for Smokler from her devastated followers following the news of her death.
‘I am heartbroken,’ one said on Instagram. ‘Jill gave me my first real writing job and the years I spent writing for Scary Mommy remain my fondest memories.
‘The blogging community she built was filled with badass writers who were so lucky to be in her orbit. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities she sent my way. May her memory be a blessing always.’
‘Oh, this hurts,’ another penned. ‘Jill was powerful and soft combined.
‘She changed the parent writing corner of the internet in such a formidable way. I’m forever honored to be in this alumni of the era before podcasts and algorithms.
‘I send my love to those closest to her. Peace. Rest easy now Jill.’
A third wrote: ‘Thank you, Jill. I will always remember you as a pioneer, a hysterical storyteller, the realest.
‘I wish I would’ve gotten to spend more time with you, but I appreciate that your legacy is one we all can revisit.’
Glioblastoma, which originates in the brain’s glial cells, strikes around 12,000 Americans every year and is considered one of the most lethal forms of cancer.
Even with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, most patients die within 12 to 18 months of diagnosis.
