At a Glance
- Eldridge Toney reveals he and fiancée Jessie English are expecting their first child.
- The announcement follows the tragic death of his late wife, Anna Cardwell, in December 2023.
- Toney, who has been caring for his stepdaughters, vows to stay involved in their lives.
- Why it matters: The news highlights a new chapter for a family that has endured loss and transition.
Eldridge Toney has shared that he and his fiancée, Jessie English, are expecting their first child together, a joyous announcement that comes two years after the death of his late wife, Anna Cardwell. The couple celebrated the news on Instagram, sharing a baby onesie, a positive pregnancy test, and a sonogram strip. Toney’s announcement marks a significant milestone for a family that has faced profound loss.
A New Beginning
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Toney’s fiancée, Jessie English, posted a photo that included a baby onesie, a positive pregnancy test, and a sonogram strip. She also added a selfie of the expectant parents. The caption read, “We are extremely excited to announce!! Baby Toney due September!!!🩷💙👶🏼 Eldridge Toney.” The couple had been engaged since December, and the smiles in the photo underscore the couple’s optimism.
Pregnancy Details
- Baby onesie in the photo
- Positive pregnancy test
- Sonogram strip
- Selfie of the couple
The announcement on Instagram is the first public confirmation that Toney is expecting. The baby is due in September, marking the first pregnancy for the couple.
Remembering Anna Cardwell
Anna Cardwell, the daughter of “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” star Mama June Shannon, died at the age of 28 in December 2023. She had been diagnosed with stage 4 adrenal carcinoma in January of that year. Her death left a void in the lives of her family and friends.
Family Connections
- Anna was the daughter of Mama June Shannon
- She had two stepdaughters, Kylee (9) and Kaitlyn (12)
- Her death prompted a reevaluation of family dynamics
Toney’s grief has been evident in his public statements. He has spoken about staying close to his stepdaughters, saying, “The main thing that’s really kept me going is my relationship with stepdaughters Kylee, 9 and Kaitlyn, 12.” He added, “If I have any opportunity to kind of make their lives better, even if it’s just a little bit, I’m going to do my best to do that.”
Custody and Family Dynamics
Mama June Shannon gained custody of her granddaughter Kaitlyn in September 2024. Kylee lives with her father, Michael Cardwell, in Alabama. Toney has expressed that there are no strict stipulations regarding visits.
> “They don’t keep me from Kaitlyn at all. I could call them up right now. If I wanted to come over, I could just ride over or I could just show up. They don’t mind that at all,” he said.
He added, “There’s no strict stipulations or anything when it comes to seeing Kaitlyn or hanging out with her.” He also noted that the family keeps him updated on Kaitlyn’s schoolwork, behavior, and social life.
Visiting Rights
| Child | Custody | Visiting Details |
|---|---|---|
| Kaitlyn | Mama June Shannon | No restrictions, open visits |
| Kylee | Michael Cardwell | Toney calls but limited visits |
Toney’s commitment to his stepdaughters is clear. He said, “I want to be a part of their lives. Yeah, I’m not going anywhere. I want to stay in their lives until I’m gone.” He further explained that his late wife’s memory motivates him to keep the family together.
Emotional Impact
When Toney reflects on his stepdaughters, he says, “Every time I see them, I feel like she would be so proud of the stuff they’ve accomplished and how they’re growing and just learning more every day.” His words reveal the deep emotional bond he maintains with his stepfamily, despite the loss.
Looking Ahead
The announcement of a new baby brings a hopeful outlook for the Toney family. The combination of new life and ongoing family commitments illustrates the resilience of a family that has navigated significant loss and change. As the due date approaches, the family’s focus will likely shift to preparing for the arrival of Baby Toney.
Key Takeaways
- Eldridge Toney and Jessie English are expecting their first child.
- The news follows the death of Anna Cardwell in December 2023.
- Toney remains actively involved in his stepdaughters’ lives.
- Mama June Shannon has custody of Kaitlyn; Kylee lives with her father.
- The family’s future will center on welcoming Baby Toney while honoring Anna’s memory.
