Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell, known for her appearances on the reality TV show “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo,” has tragically passed away at the young age of 29, following a valiant battle with cancer. Her mother, June Shannon, commonly recognized as Mama June, shared the heartbreaking news of her daughter’s demise on Sunday through an Instagram post.
Shannon revealed in her emotional post that Cardwell passed away peacefully at around 11 p.m. on Saturday, surrounded by her family and loved ones during her final moments. The news has deeply affected the family, with Cardwell’s younger sister, Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson, expressing her profound grief on social media. Thompson described her heart as “completely broken” and recounted the difficulty of witnessing her sister’s courageous fight against the disease over the past year.
In a heartfelt tribute, Thompson reflected on the future moments they would miss sharing, such as her college graduation. She vowed to honor Cardwell’s memory and legacy, ensuring that her spirit would continue to be celebrated. Thompson promised to cherish their shared birthday every year as if her sister were still there.
Cardwell’s cancer diagnosis, which was first reported by PEOPLE in January, revealed that she had stage 4 adrenal carcinoma, also known as adrenocortical cancer. This rare and aggressive form of cancer originates in the outer layer of the adrenal gland, as explained by the National Cancer Institute (NIH). The disease is characterized by malignant cells and often presents symptoms such as abdominal pain. While the exact causes of adrenal carcinoma are unknown, the NIH notes that certain genetic conditions can increase the risk of developing this cancer.
In a statement to Entertainment Tonight in May, Shannon described her daughter’s illness as “very aggressive,” detailing that it had spread to various organs, including Cardwell’s liver, spleen, and lungs. The family has been open about the challenges faced during Cardwell’s illness, with Shannon previously sharing updates on her daughter’s condition and treatment.
Following the loss of her daughter, Shannon requested the public for continued prayers and thoughts for their family during this extraordinarily difficult time. Cardwell, who also made appearances on the reality show “Toddlers and Tiaras,” is survived by her two children. Her untimely passing has left a profound impact on her family, friends, and fans who followed her journey through reality television.