Anna ‘Chickadee’ Cardwell, known for her role in the reality TV show “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo,” died at the age of 29 on December 9. Cardwell’s family confirmed her passing.
She succumbed to stage 4 adrenal carcinoma, an uncommon and aggressive cancer that begins in the adrenal glands. Despite undergoing chemotherapy for around 10 months following her diagnosis in January 2023, the disease had spread to her liver, spleen, and lungs at the point of diagnosis. Cardwell’s final moments were spent peacefully at her mother’s home in Georgia, in the company of her family
Cardwell, born on August 28, 1994, in McIntyre, Georgia, rose to prominence as the eldest daughter on the TLC reality show, which aired from 2012 until 2014. The series focused on her younger sister, Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson, a child beauty pageant contestant, and their family life. Cardwell was recognized for her honest and frank presence on the show.
Following the show’s end in 2014, Cardwell maintained a low profile, occasionally appearing in media stories about her family. Her mother, June Shannon, also known as “Mama June,” shared a heartfelt statement mourning the loss and requesting privacy.
Social media has been flooded with tributes to Cardwell, reflecting on her impact on reality television and her role in “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.” The show, which drew millions of viewers, was a topic of debate regarding its portrayal of child beauty pageants and family life, ultimately carving a unique niche in the reality TV landscape of the early 2010s.
Cardwell is survived by her husband Eldridge Toney and her daughters, Kaitlyn and Kylee. Her family shared her struggle with cancer and her final days on social media, attracting support from fans and well-wishers throughout her battle with the illness.