The Complicated Relationship Between Mama June and Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell

Mama June and her daughter, Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell, had a terribly complicated relationship prior to Cardwell’s untimely death. The 29-year-old passed away on December 9 from adrenal cancer, according to her mother. The reality star took to Instagram to inform their fans of the heartbreaking news, and the post featured Cardwell and Mama June posing with family members — including reality star Alana Thompson, who’s better known as Honey Boo Boo. According to Mama June, Cardwell died at her home, surrounded by their family.

Accusations of Abuse

Anna Cardwell’s complicated relationship with her mother, Mama June, dates back to her childhood. According to Cardwell, Mama June ignored the sexual abuse she endured at the hand of her then-boyfriend, Mark McDaniel. Cardwell said that McDaniel abused her when she was only eight years old (via People). Unfortunately, Mama June didn’t take her side. “A week or so after it happened, I talked to Mama and she was upset, crying and saying, ‘I don’t believe you, I don’t believe you, why would you do this to me?'” Cardwell shared with the outlet. “And I was like, ‘Mama, he did that to me and I can’t do anything about it. You were never there to see it. You were always at work.” Mama June also reportedly returned to McDaniel, prompting Cardwell’s comments.

Reconciliation and Tragedy

Even though Anna Cardwell accused Mama June — of ignoring her childhood abuse, they sporadically reconciled before Cardwell’s cancer forced them to work on their relationship. Cardwell temporarily made up with Mama June when the family’s first solo reality show, “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo,” was picked up to put up a united familial front. “Me and Mama realized we needed to put this behind us and get our relationship back on track and that’s what we did and that’s what we have been doing,” Cardwell shared with People.

Unfortunately, Anna Cardwell’s life was cut short by cancer, but her reconciliation with Mama June allowed them to work on their relationship before her passing. Their journey together was complicated, but their efforts to mend their relationship in the face of tragedy are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.