Founder of Scary Mommy parenting website dies at 48, company says

June 23, 2026 - 11:38

The founder of the popular parenting website Scary Mommy has died at the age of 48, the company confirmed in a statement. Jill Smokler launched the site in 2008 as a raw and honest outlet for mothers, quickly building a loyal following by sharing unfiltered stories about the chaos and humor of raising children.

The company announced her death with a heartfelt tribute, writing, "We are all here because of Jill." The statement described her as the heart of the community and praised her for creating a space where parents could drop the facade of perfection. "She gave us permission to be messy, to be real, and to laugh at the insanity of it all," the tribute continued.

Smokler started Scary Mommy as a personal blog from her home in Baltimore, Maryland. The site grew into a major digital media brand, known for its candid essays, viral lists, and a tone that rejected the polished, Pinterest-perfect image of motherhood. In 2019, the company was acquired by the digital media firm Evolve Media.

No cause of death has been publicly released. Smokler is survived by her husband and three children.