Honestly, if you still picture Alana Thompson as the six-year-old in a frilly pink tutu shouting about "go-go juice," you’re living in a time capsule. It’s 2026. The world has moved on, and so has the girl everyone knows as Honey Boo Boo.
She isn't just a meme anymore. She’s a twenty-year-old woman navigating a life that is, frankly, a lot more complicated than any TLC scriptwriter could have dreamed up. People keep searching for a "reboot" or some explosive comeback, but the reality is much more grounded.
Alana is currently living in Denver, Colorado. She’s been there for a while now, having traded the humidity of Georgia for the mountain air to pursue a nursing degree at Regis University. It’s a massive pivot. Going from reality TV royalty to a neonatal nursing student? That’s not a path most child stars take.
The Nursing Dream and the Colorado Move
The transition wasn't just about getting an education. It was an escape. After years of family drama—including her sister Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird gaining sole custody of her in 2022—Alana needed distance.
In early 2024, there was all this tension with Mama June (June Shannon) about the move. June didn't think she was ready. She basically told the cameras she thought Alana would "crash" if she left the nest. But Alana didn't crash.
As of early 2026, Alana is still deep in her studies. She’s been vocal about wanting to work with "little babies" because of the impact nurses had on her late sister, Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell, during her terminal cancer battle. It’s a heavy motivation. It’s real.
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What’s the Deal with Dralin Carswell?
You can't talk about Honey Boo Boo today without mentioning Dralin. They’ve been together since 2021. Yeah, that's five years now.
People lost their minds when they first went public because of the age gap. He’s about five years older than her. Then there was the 2023 car chase incident in Georgia where he was arrested for a DUI and fleeing police. Alana was in the car. It was a mess.
Despite the "interracial couple" backlash and the legal drama, they are still a unit in 2026. They live together in Denver. While the engagement rumors fly every time she wears a ring on that finger, Alana has been pretty clear: college comes first. Marriage can wait until the degree is in her hand.
The Money Mystery: Where Did the Millions Go?
This is where things get ugly. You’d think a kid who carried a hit show for years would be set for life. You’d be wrong.
In 2024 and 2025, a huge plot point in their lives (and their WE tv show Family Crisis) was the "missing" money. Alana claimed she had almost nothing in her Coogan account—a type of trust fund for child actors. She accused June of "stealing" or mismanaging upwards of $35,000 to $150,000, depending on which episode or interview you’re watching.
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June’s defense? She spent it on "housing" and "life" during their various transitions.
By 2026, Alana's net worth is estimated to be around $400,000. That sounds like a lot until you realize how much she actually earned for the network. She’s been supplementing her income with social media deals and appearing on the latest seasons of Mama June: Family Crisis, which was still filming in Colorado as recently as late 2025.
Her Relationship with Mama June
Is it fixed? Sorta. Is it broken? Also sorta.
It’s complicated. That’s the only way to describe it. Alana has said they are in a "good spot" and that June has stayed sober for several years now. But the scars are deep.
Remember the 19th birthday drama in 2025? Alana literally disinvited her mom from the celebration because she wanted a "peaceful day" to honor her late sister Anna. June showed up in the area anyway. That’s the dynamic: Alana setting boundaries, and June trying to find a way around them.
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Why the Public Still Cares
There’s a weirdly protective vibe around Alana now. People who used to mock her for the "redneck" stereotypes on TLC are now rooting for her to finish school.
She recently narrated a Lifetime biopic called I Was Honey Boo Boo (released in mid-2025). It wasn't a "glitter and crowns" story. It was a "trauma and survival" story. It helped shift the narrative from her being a punchline to her being a survivor of the reality TV machine.
Actionable Insights: Following Alana’s Journey
If you're trying to keep up with what's actually true versus what's tabloid fodder, here is how to navigate the Honey Boo Boo news cycle in 2026:
- Check the Source: If a headline says she's "pregnant" or "married," look for a direct confirmation on her Instagram. She’s been very open about her "no babies until I’m a nurse" policy.
- Watch the Show with a Grain of Salt: Mama June: Family Crisis is entertainment. The drama is real, but the editing is heavy. The most authentic updates usually come from her long-form interviews with outlets like People.
- Focus on the Education: The real "win" for Alana isn't a TV renewal—it's her graduation. Keep an eye out for her clinical rotation updates, as that’s the career she actually wants.
Alana Thompson has spent fifteen years being what other people wanted her to be. Whether it was a pageant queen or a reality star, she was always "on." In 2026, for the first time, she seems to be the one holding the remote.