WARNING: The following article contains language that may not be suitable for younger readers. Viewer discretion is advised.
In 2011, viewers were introduced to a little firecracker named Alana Thompson on Toddlers and Tiaras. Thompson — nicknamed Honey Boo Boo — and her family quickly became fan favorites, which resulted in their very own spinoff show. Here Comes Honey Boo Boo ran for four seasons on TLC, making Honey Boo Boo and her family household names.
Sadly, on December 10, Mama June — Alana’s mother — announced that her oldest daughter, Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell, had died at the age of 29.
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. 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 #mamajune #prayers #cancersucks #family
View this post on Instagram
For 10 months, Cardwell had been battling stage 4 adrenal carcinoma. According to the National Cancer Institute, adrenal carcinoma is when malignant cancer cells form on the outside of the adrenal glands.
Just weeks after the death of their daughter and sister, the family took a trip to Walt Disney World Resort. It was shared that the family had rented a house in Orlando, and they were planning on bringing Cardwell’s ashes with them, so she could go on the trip.
Sadly, rumors began to spread that the family was going to attempt to spread some of Cardwell’s ashes in the theme park. This isn’t incredibly unusual, as many Disney fans know that guests will try to spread the ashes of their loved ones on the magical grounds. The Haunted Mansion is one of the most popular places people attempt this.
This rumor allegedly caused Disney security to stop the family before they entered the Magic Kingdom.
Later that day, Mama June shared a video on TikTok, calling out those who spread the rumor. She said that the family never intended to spread Anna’s ashes, they just wanted her with them. She then said that, because of what the “bad apples” had done, they would no longer be sharing videos from their vacation.
“Unfortunately, due to some of the negativity, people that have tried to ruin our vacation, but baby you’re not, that are f–king calling Disney and lying and saying that we’re here with Anna and we’re spreading her ashes all over Disney.”
“Are you f–king kidding me right now? Her daughter and us, her kids are going through something and for the park people to stop us in security and management to take time out of their day to stop us and be like, ‘Hey, you know, we’re getting all these calls.’ That’s stupid guys.”
“But baby, it’s OK, we are stronger because of it, but just know that we won’t be making daily videos sharing our vacation at this time. We love you guys. Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. We’re gonna enjoy our week. We love you.”
@officialmamajune Stargaze Ruby enjoying our vacation as a family I know y’all love these come along with me videos as we go on vacation and spend time with the family but right now we will no longer be doing that with y’all #mamajune #honeybooboo #disney
Fans flooded the comment section on Mama June’s video, sharing their messages of condolences for her loss. They were shocked that people would actually reach out to Disney for something that was nothing more than a rumor. They couldn’t believe that people would try to target the family so soon after Cardwell’s death.
It is important to note that spreading ashes is not allowed at Walt Disney World Resort. Cast members have also said that should you choose to do so, there is a high likelihood that the ashes will end up in the garbage. That is especially true if you spread them on rides and attractions, since they are cleaned and vacuumed on a regular basis.
Have you ever seen someone spreading ashes at a Disney Park? Let us know in the comments!