Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson’s family surrounded her during one of her proudest life moments.In PEOPLE' exclusive sneak peek at this week’s episodeMama June: Family Crisis, the formerToddlers and Tiarasstar, 18, overcomes hermixed feelings about her high school graduationwhen her loved ones — including motherJune Shannonand sisterLauryn “Pumpkin” Efird— are able to support her during the milestone moment.Pumpkin reflects onhow much they’ve all gone through together, sharing what Alana’s graduation means for her asher sister’s legal guardian. “I’ve had to be her mom, I’ve had to be her sister, I’ve had to be her mentor,” she says. “We’ve shared a lot of memories together, and she was the cutest kid.”Noel Vasquez/Getty Images; Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images; Alana Thompson/InstagramA montage of some of Alana’s most memorable moments flashes across the screen, including classic Honey Boo Boo moments from her pageant days (and even her sassy standup era) that made her a household name.“She may be America’s Honey Boo Boo, but she’ll always be my little Lani in my heart,” affirms Pumpkin, 24.When it’s finally time for Thompson to walk the graduation stage, her family members and boyfriendDralin Carswell— who are decked out in matching T-shirts to celebrate the 2023 graduate — stand up and cheers.“Watching Alana walk across the stage is a major accomplishment,” says Mama June, 44. “There’s been times I know she could have just gave up, but she decided to say, ‘Hell no, I’m not giving up, I’m going to do this.’ And like, that’s a huge accomplishment — not just for her, but for everybody else who looks up to her.”Alana takes a moment to pat herself on the back: “I’ve literally been going at this for 13 years, so I am proud of myself ‚ like, ‘Dang, I really graduated.'“The family members join Thompson for some post-grad photos, which featured Thompson’s late sisterAnna ‘Chickadee’ Cardwell, whose health journey will be chronicled on this season of the show, which filmed between the time she wasdiagnosed with stage 4 adrenal carcinomain January 2023 anddiedthis past December at age 29.Next up, Alana is turning her focus toward college. “I am ready,” she previouslytold PEOPLE. “I think that it is definitely going to be a different journey, but I think I’m ready for it.“Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Mama June: Family Crisisairs Fridays at 9 p.m. ET on WE tv.
Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson’s family surrounded her during one of her proudest life moments.
In PEOPLE’ exclusive sneak peek at this week’s episodeMama June: Family Crisis, the formerToddlers and Tiarasstar, 18, overcomes hermixed feelings about her high school graduationwhen her loved ones — including motherJune Shannonand sisterLauryn “Pumpkin” Efird— are able to support her during the milestone moment.
Pumpkin reflects onhow much they’ve all gone through together, sharing what Alana’s graduation means for her asher sister’s legal guardian. “I’ve had to be her mom, I’ve had to be her sister, I’ve had to be her mentor,” she says. “We’ve shared a lot of memories together, and she was the cutest kid.”
Noel Vasquez/Getty Images; Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images; Alana Thompson/Instagram
A montage of some of Alana’s most memorable moments flashes across the screen, including classic Honey Boo Boo moments from her pageant days (and even her sassy standup era) that made her a household name.
“She may be America’s Honey Boo Boo, but she’ll always be my little Lani in my heart,” affirms Pumpkin, 24.
When it’s finally time for Thompson to walk the graduation stage, her family members and boyfriendDralin Carswell— who are decked out in matching T-shirts to celebrate the 2023 graduate — stand up and cheers.
“Watching Alana walk across the stage is a major accomplishment,” says Mama June, 44. “There’s been times I know she could have just gave up, but she decided to say, ‘Hell no, I’m not giving up, I’m going to do this.’ And like, that’s a huge accomplishment — not just for her, but for everybody else who looks up to her.”
Alana takes a moment to pat herself on the back: “I’ve literally been going at this for 13 years, so I am proud of myself ‚ like, ‘Dang, I really graduated.'”
The family members join Thompson for some post-grad photos, which featured Thompson’s late sisterAnna ‘Chickadee’ Cardwell, whose health journey will be chronicled on this season of the show, which filmed between the time she wasdiagnosed with stage 4 adrenal carcinomain January 2023 anddiedthis past December at age 29.
Next up, Alana is turning her focus toward college. “I am ready,” she previouslytold PEOPLE. “I think that it is definitely going to be a different journey, but I think I’m ready for it.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Mama June: Family Crisisairs Fridays at 9 p.m. ET on WE tv.
source: people.com
