Jill Smokler, Founder of Scary Mommy, Dies at 48 After Glioblastoma Battle

Jill Smokler, the founder of the parenting website and blog Scary Mommy, died on June 22, 2026, at the age of 48. Her death occurred more than two years after she was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Founding of Scary Mommy

Smokler launched Scary Mommy on March 21, 2008, while at home with three children under the age of 4. The platform was created to share honest experiences of motherhood and grew into a community for millions of mothers.

She authored a New York Times bestselling book and appeared on television programs including Good Morning America and Today.

Family Statements

Smokler's brother, Matt Epstein, confirmed her passing and provided a family statement.

The family noted that Smokler was proudest of her three children: Lily, Ben, and Evan, who are now in their late teens and early 20s.

The family obituary described Scary Mommy as a platform that gave permission "to laugh, to admit it was hard, to tell the truth, and to be a great mother without pretending to enjoy every single second of it."

Health and Diagnosis

Smokler was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2024. Glioblastoma has no cure, with a life expectancy of 12 to 18 months; approximately 7% of patients live beyond five years.

In an interview after her diagnosis, Smokler stated she felt "not great. I keep alternating between feeling so profoundly sad and so pissed off."

On May 3, 2024, Smokler posted on social media:

"Glioblastoma was not on my 2024 bingo card, alas here we are. Life changes fast, friends."

She described her stage 4 cancer as "an octopus with tentacles" that keeps returning. She expressed a desire to spend time with her children, ideally on a beach.

Memorial Request

The family requested that donations in her memory be made to The Brain Tumor Network, in lieu of flowers.