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We have tragic news to report from the world of online media today.
Jill Smokler, the founder of the pioneering parenting platform Scary Mommy, has passed away at the age of 48.
The bestselling author and mother of three died this week after battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer she publicly revealed in 2024.
“It is with broken hearts that we share that Jill passed away this morning after a more than two-year battle with glioblastoma. She faced it the way she faced everything – fun, fierce and completely herself,” reads a social media post announcing Jill’s passing.
“She was so many things: a New York Times bestselling author, a founder, a truth teller. But what she was always proudest 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 could be wonderful and impossible in the same breath—and in doing so, she gave millions of women permission to stop pretending and feel a little less alone.” the statement read.
“She was funny, fearless, generous and completely herself. More than anything she built, Jill was proudest of her three children, Lily, Ben and Evan. We are devastated to lose her and infinitely proud of the mark she left on the world.”
Smokler launched Scary Mommy in 2008 while raising three young children as a stay-at-home mom.
What began as a personal blog quickly evolved into one of the Internet’s most influential parenting communities.
Her outspoken, often hilarious views on motherhood resonated with readers who appreciated her refusal to gloss over the realities of parenthood.
Smokler later wrote two books, Confessions of a Terrifying Mother and Motherhood Comes Naturally (and Other Vicious Lies)while also appearing in shows like Today and Good morning America.
In May 2024, Smokler revealed that she had been diagnosed with glioblastoma after having a seizure. At the time, she addressed the news with the same honesty and dark humor that had made her famous.
“Glioblastoma was not on my 2024 bingo card, unfortunately here we are,” she wrote. “Life changes fast, friends.”
Despite the devastating diagnosis, Smokler continued to share updates with followers and speak openly about the realities of living with terminal cancer.
In an interview after her diagnosis, she explained that her focus remained on spending time with her children.
“All I want to do is spend time with my kids,” she said. “It’s so ridiculously bittersweet.”
Our thoughts go out to Jill’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time.
