Over the weekend, heartbreaking news reached fans of Mama June as it was announced that Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell, the daughter of June Shannon, had passed away. In late November, Anna’s sister, Lauryn “Pumpkin” Efird, shared that they were taking a final trip with Anna due to her deteriorating health. Now, with her passing, fans naturally worry about the well-being of Anna’s two daughters, Kaitlyn and Kylee.
Before her passing, Anna knew that her stage 4 adrenal carcinoma was terminal. On social media, she expressed her thoughts about her children, aged 11 and 7, stating that if she were to pass away, she wanted people to tell her children “every day” how much she loved them. As Anna had largely avoided reality TV throughout her life, fans didn’t have the opportunity to know her daughters well.
Anna Cardwell married her long-term boyfriend, Eldridge Toney, in March. While he cared for Kaitlyn and Kylee, he wasn’t their biological father. Michael Cardwell, whom she married after her divorce, is Kylee’s father, but it remains unclear who Kaitlyn’s father is. Regardless, he has never been involved in their lives. For now, fans can only hope that the two girls will remain together in a loving environment.
In addition to the devastating loss of their mother, Kylee experienced the passing on her eighth birthday. According to People Magazine, she started first grade in September 2022 and cherished the time spent with her mom. At the young age of five, she even had her first pedicure on a special mother-daughter date. Anna described Kylee as having a fiery temper, which she believed came from her father, Michael.
Anna Cardwell’s older daughter, Kaitlyn, who is 11 years old, also has a temper, according to reports. Although Anna denied her children inheriting it from her, it may be a generational trait, as fans of Mama June know that all of June Shannon’s daughters can be outspoken. Kaitlyn, who was born in 2012, had her extra digit (thumb) mentioned during the family’s time on Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, and it was later removed when she was four years old. Described as smart and sassy, Kaitlyn graduated from elementary school this year. Both girls are reportedly very active and outgoing.
The passing of Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell is a tragic loss, leaving her daughters without their mother. Fans continue to express their concern for Kaitlyn and Kylee, hoping that they find solace and support during this difficult time.