Anna Chickadee Cardwell was the oldest daughter of June “Mama June” Shannon, who stars in reality TV shows like Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. Anna’s younger sister is the sassy child star Honey Boo Boo. Anna, who was 29 years old when she died, also appeared on some episodes of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo with her family.
On December 9th, 2023, Mama June announced the very sad news that Anna had died the night before at home. Anna had been fighting stage 4 adrenal carcinoma cancer for 10 months. This type of cancer starts in the adrenal glands near the kidneys and is very rare and aggressive. Mama June wrote that Anna “passed away peacefully at 11:12 PM” surrounded by family. Anna’s death at only 29 years old was tragic news that left her family and fans grieving.
Anna Cardwell's Early Life and Career
Anna Cardwell grew up in front of TV cameras as the first daughter born to Mama June Shannon. Her mom later became the star of reality shows like Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. Anna’s younger sister Alana Thompson is the outspoken child pageant contestant known as Honey Boo Boo.
Since her family was always on television, Anna’s childhood was far from normal. As a little girl, she first appeared on TLC’s Toddlers & Tiaras alongside her sister Alana. This series follows the lives of kids competing in beauty pageants.
A few years later when Anna was a teenager, she starred with her family on their popular reality show Here Comes Honey Boo Boo from 2012 to 2017. The playful program let viewers watch Shannon and Thompson families’ everyday adventures in the small town of McIntyre, Georgia. Along with her mom, sisters, and niece Alana, Anna Cardwell became a familiar face to fans across America during her 5 seasons on Honey Boo Boo.
Growing up in entertainment reality television made Anna’s young life very unusual compared to other kids her age
Anna Cardwell's Cancer Diagnosis & Battle
When Anna was just 29 years old, she found out some very scary news – she had a rare kind of cancer called stage 4 adrenal carcinoma. This type of cancer starts near the kidneys before spreading to other parts of the body. For Anna, the doctors said the cancer cells had already reached her lungs, liver and kidneys.
To try to kill the cancer, Anna’s doctors started treating her with chemotherapy. These super strong medications are used to get rid of cancer. Anna had to go to the hospital or clinic frequently to get chemo through an IV. In total, she bravely finished 3 rounds of chemo during 2023. That means getting the medications injected into her body every few weeks.
While going through cancer treatment, Anna used Instagram and Facebook to keep all her friends and supporters updated. She posted selfies of herself at medical appointments and after losing her hair due to chemo. She wrote about how the cancer made her feel sick or very tired at times. In May, Anna told followers her chemo was working based on tests, but the cancer continued to spread in the coming months.
Even though she was so young, Anna faced the cancer with astounding courage. She let people follow her tiring battle on social media right up until her passing in December at just 29 years old. Her cancer fight was very difficult but inspired many.
Anna Cardwell's Death and Family Mourning
On December 9th, 2023, Anna Cardwell died at home at just 29 years old, surrounded by her loving family. Her mother Mama June shared that Anna passed away peacefully at 11:12 pm that night after bravely fighting cancer for 10 tough months.
Both Mama June and Anna’s younger sister Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson posted very emotional messages on social media about losing Anna. They talked about how heartbroken they felt looking at family photos with Anna, but how they have faith she is in heaven. Anna’s family members said that even though Anna had to leave them too soon, her bright spirit will never fade away.
Anna had two young daughters named Kaitlyn and Kylee who lost their mother. Their father and Anna’s husband, Eldridge Toney, is now raising them alone. Anna also leaves behind her grandmother who helped raise her, nicknamed “Mama”. And her sisters Lauryn “Pumpkin”, Jessica “Chubbs”, and Alana “Honey Boo Boo” are suffering from this tragedy in their family.
Losing someone so young after a battle with cancer is extremely painful. Anna Cardwell’s family will mourn her death for a long time while trying to keep her memory alive.
Anna Cardwell's Legacy & Remembrance
Even though she died young, Anna Cardwell leaves behind an inspiring legacy. She will be remembered for starring in 5 seasons of the popular reality show Here Comes Honey Boo Boo with her lively family. Anna also earned admiration for bravely sharing her fight against a rare adrenal gland cancer online starting at age 29.
After Anna died, the TV network she worked with on Honey Boo Boo released a statement. They said that while losing her is extremely sad, Anna’s joyful spirit and personality will stay alive.
Anna’s family, including her mom Mama June and sister Honey Boo Boo, stressed that they will ensure Anna’s legacy never fades away. They plan to keep telling stories about her fun-loving life and incredible strength. That way, she will stay an inspirational person who touched many hearts. Anna’s unforgettable appearances on reality TV and during her tough cancer battle will always be remembered.
Wrapping Up
Anna Cardwell, who was known as “Chickadee”, lived an extraordinary life in the spotlight before dying too soon at 29 years old. She grew up starring in reality shows like Here Comes Honey Boo Boo with her family. As a child, she competed in beauty pageants with her little sister Honey Boo Boo. Later, when Anna was just 29, she was faced with a devastating stage 4 adrenal cancer diagnosis. She bravely shared her difficult cancer journey with the world via social media. After 10 months of treatment, Anna passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loving family in December 2023.
Losing someone so young is incredibly hard. Anna’s family members, as well as her fans who felt connected to her through TV, have been mourning her death while trying to focus on positive memories. While cancer tragically cut Anna’s adventures short, the uplifting spirit she showed while battling illness and on camera will remain with her loved ones forever. Her legacy lives on.
