In a devastating turn of events, Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell, known for her role in the reality TV series “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo,” has passed away at the age of 29 after a relentless 10-month cancer battle with stage 4 adrenal carcinoma. The tragic news was shared by her mother, Mama June Shannon, through a heartfelt Instagram post on Sunday.
“With a breaking heart, we are announcing that (Anna) is no longer with us. She passed away in my home last night peacefully at 11:12 PM,”
Shannon wrote alongside a family photo.
“She gave one hell of a fight for 10 months. She passed away with her family around her…and we will be updating y’all with more information as we get it today. We love y’all and continued prayers and thoughts for our family (during) this difficult time.”
Anna Cardwell’s representative, Erin Santucci, confirmed the heartbreaking news in an email to USA TODAY on Sunday. WE tv and Thinkfactory Media, the networks behind “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo,” also extended their condolences in a statement, recognizing Anna as a “loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend.”
Diagnosed with stage 4 adrenal carcinoma in January, Anna faced the daunting challenge with resilience and determination. She documented her journey on social media, providing updates on her treatment and expressing gratitude for the support she received from fans.
In May, Cardwell shared a hopeful Instagram post, stating,
“Chemo is working, so things are looking good.”
The reality-TV star rose to fame on the TLC series “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo,” which aired from 2012 to 2014, offering viewers a glimpse into the unconventional family life of child beauty pageant contestant “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson.
Anna also appeared on the reality TV show “Toddlers & Tiaras” alongside her younger sister from 2012 to 2013. Honey Boo Boo, whose real name is Alana Thompson, expressed her grief in a poignant Instagram post on Sunday.
“Watching my 29-year-old sister this last year battle this horrible disease hasn’t been easy. Anna was a fighter (and) still is,” she wrote.
“I’m so glad that you waited until I was home to take your last breath! We will always love you, Anna.”
The family had recently come together to celebrate Mama June’s wedding to Justin Stroud in February. The oceanside ceremony in Panama City, Florida, marked a joyous family reunion, with Mama June expressing the significance of the event as the first time the entire family had gathered since 2014. Anna Cardwell is survived by her husband, Eldridge Toney, and their two daughters, Kaitlyn Elizabeth and Kylee Madison.
The untimely passing of Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell has left an indelible mark on fans and the reality TV community as they mourn the loss of a courageous soul who faced adversity with strength and grace. Her legacy as a beloved personality and fighter will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of those who knew and admired her.
