Reality television has suffered a deep loss. Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell, the oldest child of TV personality Mama June Shannon, has passed away at the age of 29 after a long and courageous fight against cancer. A former child beauty pageant contestant herself, Anna was the big sister of Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson who had her series on TLC.
On December 10, Mama June disclosed Anna’s death on her Instagram page, posting, “With the breaking heart, we are announcing that @annamarie35 is no longer with us. She passed away in my home last night peacefully at 11:12 PM.” followed by, “She gave one hell of a fight for 10 months she passed away with her family around her like she won’t and we will 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 doing this difficult time.”
This is a tragic moment for Mama June, who has previously spoken to Entertainment Tonight about Anna. June revealed in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, calling cancer a “rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the outer layer of the adrenal gland,” according to the National Cancer Institute. Shannon shared to the outlet in July, “She’s not gonna go into remission,”, “We’ve all accepted that, so I just tell people one day at a time ‘cause you never know.”
At first diagnosed with cancer in March,the 29-year-old was able to attend a major family event in May – Alana’s high school graduation. Following her passing, all her siblings shared their personal tributes to her on social media.
June and Anna’s younger daughter, Alana, poignantly posted on social media, “Watching my 29 year old sister this last year battle this horrible disease hasn’t been easy. Anna was a fighter & still is.”
Anna is survived by sisters Jessica “Chubbs” Shannon, 27, and Lauryn “Pumpkin” Efird, 23, partner Eldridge Toney and daughters Kaitlyn, 11, and Kylee, 7. Alana addressed the sad loss with the following words, “I’m so glad you waited until I was home to take your last breath! I would’ve loved for you to get to see me graduate college, but I know you will forever cheer me on in heaven! We will all make sure your legacy lives forever.”
Following Anna Cardwell’s passing, their mother June Shannon has confirmed the news on Instagram. It’s a sad day for the family, who are encouraging their sympathizers to respect their privacy during this time. It’s a sad loss to fans as well, who will always remember Anna as Chickadee from the reality series.
