> At a Glance
> – Mama June Shannon is repairing relationships with her four daughters after years of addiction, arrests, and family estrangement
> – Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell died in December 2023 at age 29 from stage 4 adrenal carcinoma
> – Lauryn “Pumpkin” Efird gained custody of younger sister Alana in 2022 after June’s drug arrest
> – Why it matters: The family’s public struggles highlight the long-term impact of addiction and trauma on reality TV families
From pageant mom to scandal-ridden reality star, Mama June Shannon has spent years rebuilding the family bonds shattered by addiction, arrests, and estrangement. Now, with one daughter gone and custody battles behind her, the 44-year-old is focused on healing relationships with her surviving children.
The Road to Redemption
June’s fall from grace began in 2014 when Here Comes Honey Boo Boo was canceled amid reports she was dating convicted sex offender Mark McDaniel. The relationship fractured her family, particularly with eldest daughter Anna, who accused McDaniel of molesting her as a child.
The family’s troubles escalated in 2019 when June was arrested on drug possession charges. Three years later, she lost custody of then-14-year-old Alana to sister Lauryn, who was awarded full guardianship.
> “At the time Alana went to go live with Pumpkin at the beginning, I couldn’t even take care of my own self,” June told News Of Los Angeles in June 2022.
Anna’s Final Chapter
In January 2023, Anna received a devastating diagnosis: stage 4 adrenal carcinoma. She died 10 months later at age 29, leaving behind daughters Kaitlyn, 12, and Kylee, 9.
The family reunited for June’s February 2023 wedding to Justin Stroud, with all four daughters walking her down the aisle. It marked one of their final moments together before Anna’s death.
> “She gave one hell of a fight for 10 months,” June wrote on Instagram after Anna’s death. “She passed away in my home last night peacefully.”
Custody and Complications
Following Anna’s death, a custody battle erupted over Kaitlyn. In September 2024, June was awarded custody after the 12-year-old expressed fear of being removed from her grandmother’s home.
Meanwhile, Lauryn continues raising Alana, now 20, while navigating her own divorce from Josh Efird after six years of marriage and four children together.
Where They Stand Now
The family’s current dynamics reflect both progress and ongoing challenges:
- June and Lauryn are rebuilding their relationship post-divorce
- Alana appears to have reconciled with her mother after years of estrangement
- Jessica, 29, has maintained the most stable relationship with June
- The family continues filming Mama June: Family Crisis for WE tv
June told News Of Los Angeles she’s committed to keeping Anna’s memory alive: “We just want people to remember Anna… whether it’s this year or next year or three years from now, we want her to be remembered, always.”
Key Takeaways
- June Shannon lost custody of Alana in 2022 due to drug addiction but maintains a relationship with her daughters
- Anna Cardwell died at 29 after a 10-month battle with stage 4 cancer, reuniting the family before her death
- Lauryn Efird gained custody of Alana and is now divorcing while raising four children
- The family’s reality TV journey has chronicled 15 years of triumphs, scandals, and redemption attempts
As the family moves forward without Anna, June focuses on being present for her surviving daughters while the cameras continue rolling on their complicated lives.
