Mama June has spoken out for the first time since the devastating death of her 29-year-old daughter Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell.
The 44-year-old reality star, best known for her appearances in Toddlers and Tiaras and later Here Comes Honey Boo-Boo, opened up to about her tragic loss and described her harrowing final days Daughter – and how her children are coping with her death.
Anna, who survived her daughters Kaitlyn, 11, and Kylee, 8, died of adrenal cancer on December 10, aged just 29.
Mama June, real name June Shannon, and the rest of the family have now detailed the day of her death, speaking from the home where her daughter spent her final days.
Mama June has spoken out for the first time since the death of her daughter Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell
Anna, who survived her daughters Kaitlyn, 11, and Kylee, 8, died of adrenal cancer on December 10, aged just 29
Speaking exclusively to , Mama June revealed that Anna had been staying at her house in the days leading up to her death.
“She died in mine and Justin's house.” Eldridge and the girls lived there for three weeks and one day.
'[I was] “I heard her screaming my name at night, heard her little oxygen cable twisting… She didn't leave her oxygen on for anything or anyone.”
The loving mother continued, “The day before she died, Kaitlyn helped us donate.” [Anna] Medicine – and she would only take it for Kaitlyn.
“The last things we've all said in the last few days… I can't tell you how many times I've said I love you.”
Anna's sister Lauryn “Pumpkin” Efird, 24, added: “She fought until the end.” In the end you could tell she was ready. She was finished.
“She fought as much as she could, so I told her, 'It's okay, everyone's here.'”
The mother of two died as the rest of her family “were all standing around her in the living room.”
In January 2023, Anna was diagnosed with stage four adrenal cancer after complaining of stomach pain
Mama June, real name June Shannon, and the rest of the family have now detailed the day of her death
Lauryn continued, “It definitely happened very quickly. It went from one to five years to ten months very quickly.”
When asked how Anna's children were doing, Mama June explained, “I think Kaitlyn is still in shock. Unlike Kylee, Kaitlyn was there when Anna took her last breath.”
Lauryn added, “Everyone was screaming because we just didn't really know what to do or anything.”
“I can’t imagine this keeping me up at night. I'm sure it must keep Kaitlyn awake sometimes, but teenagers wouldn't say that.” “We always ask her how she's doing. If she’s okay, we’ll tell her it’s okay to cry.”
Speaking about the impact of the loss, June said: “I have my good days, I have my bad days – certain things that I will do remind me of them…”
“We talk about her quite a bit. We all carry them with us.'
Lauryn added: “It sucks. “Moving on in life and…her not being here really takes a toll on you at the end of the day.”
But she said her focus now is on “keeping her memory alive for her children.”
“We always remind them: “Your mommy loved you, your mommy is always with you.”
The family said their focus is now on “keeping her memory alive for Anna’s children.” Pictured: Mama June with husband Justin and Anna's daughter Kaitlyn
Anna underwent chemotherapy and immunotherapy to beat her cancer, but over the summer the From Not to Hot star revealed that Anna's cancer was terminal (pictured with husband Eldridge).
Mama June first announced Anna's death in a heartbreaking Instagram post that said, “It is with broken hearts that we announce that @annamarie35 is no longer with us.”
Mama June first announced Anna's death in a heartbreaking Instagram post that said, “It is with broken hearts that we announce that @annamarie35 is no longer with us.”
“She passed away peacefully in my house last night at 11.12pm. She fought hard for 10 months and died surrounded by her family…
“We love you all and continue to pray and think for our family.” [during] “In these difficult times,” she added.
The caption included a photo of Mama June and her family, including Anna, who sported short hair during her cancer treatment.
In January 2023, Anna was diagnosed with stage four adrenal cancer after complaining of stomach pain.
The Mayo Clinic reports that adrenal carcinoma is a rare cancer that affects the adrenal glands in the kidneys.
The adrenal glands produce hormones that transmit instructions to virtually every organ and tissue in the body.
She underwent chemotherapy and immunotherapy to beat her cancer, but over the summer the From Not to Hot star revealed that Anna's cancer was fatal.
Mama June previously sat down with to discuss the efforts she and Justin made to help Anna during her treatment
The TV personality also confirmed that the mother-daughter duo had put their previous grievances aside to focus on Anna's health battle
Mama June previously sat down with to discuss the lengths she and Justin went to to help Anna during her treatment.
She explained: “During the weeks that she has chemotherapy, we take her to Atlanta.” We stay there all week from Monday to Saturday to make sure she is close to the hospital in case something important happens, as it is two hours away.
“So we'll say it there and then bring her home. “Then the next week will be pretty tough for her, so we'll stay in Georgia to make sure she doesn't need anything.”
“Honestly, the people who have been there for her since she was diagnosed are me and Justin, Eldridge and the girls,” the mother said. “There is no other family that comes there and sits with her during her treatments.”
The TV personality also confirmed that the mother-daughter duo had put their previous grievances aside to focus on Anna's health battle.
The couple had endured an extremely broken relationship – after Mama June publicly battled her alcohol and cocaine addictions in recent years.
But Mama June said the family dealt with arguments and underwent counseling as they worked to repair their relationship with their daughters.