After years in the spotlight, Alana Thompson — known to millions as Honey Boo Boo — has grown up, faced backlash, endured loss, and taken control of her story.
Alana Thompson burst into the public eye as the wild and witty pageant queen on “Toddlers & Tiaras,” a child star so unforgettable she landed her own hit series, “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.”
But fame came at a cost. In the years since, Alana has experienced more than most her age. From facing intense criticism over her appearance, weathering controversy over a high-profile relationship, and enduring the devastating loss of her sister, this is what really happened to Honey Boo Boo.
From Reality TV Darling to Family Upheaval
Alana rose to fame in 2012 when “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” became an unexpected ratings juggernaut. The show followed her and her self-described redneck family, capturing their chaotic home life, offbeat humor, and unfiltered affection.
Viewers were instantly drawn to the outspoken young girl and her unapologetically loud household. The series averaged 2.4 million viewers per episode in 2012 and quickly ranked as TLC’s third-highest-rated program of the year. TLC General Manager Amy Winter said at the time:
“‘Here Comes Honey Boo Boo’ has become a pop-culture phenomenon. What you see is what you get, and we are excited to share even more of Alana and her family’s unbridled hilarity, sincerity and love with our viewers.”
But behind the scenes, the family’s once-tight bond began to unravel. The group had long been known for doing everything as a unit — filming together, eating together, and presenting themselves as a strong front.
That changed when Alana’s mother, June Shannon’s reported drug use escalated. Thus, in June 2022, a judge in Georgia granted full custody of Alana to her sister, Lauryn “Pumpkin” Shannon.
The court documents revealed that June would only be allowed phone contact with her daughter and would have to pay Lauryn $800 per month in child support until Alana turned eighteen.
Her mother’s downward spiral forced Alana to grow up quickly. She later admitted, “When my mama got real bad with her [drug use], I didn’t know where I was going to end up.”
Despite everything, she chose to focus on growth — both hers and her mother’s. “I’m proud of myself for how far I’ve come,” Alana said, adding that she was also proud of June for working to get “back on track.”