If you’ve been keeping up with the Shannons, you know the drama doesn’t just stop when the cameras go dark. It’s a lot. Honestly, seeing Mama June today is like watching a masterclass in chaotic resilience. One minute she’s winning a major custody battle, and the next, she’s back in the emergency room with a health scare that sounds like something straight out of a script. But this isn't scripted—it's just June Shannon’s life in 2026.
People love to judge. They see the headlines about the "Honey Boo Boo" era and assume nothing has changed. That's a mistake. While the dysfunction is definitely still there (it wouldn't be the Shannon family without a little screaming), June has managed to stay sober for over five and a half years now. No alcohol. No drugs. No cigarettes. For someone who hit the absolute rock bottom she did in 2019, that’s a massive win that most people don't give her enough credit for.
The 2026 Health Scare and the "Psychic" Incident
Last summer, things got weird. Even for June. She was at a bachelorette party for her daughter Jessica when a psychic told her she was "losing her health" and at risk for a heart attack. Hours later? She was in the ER.
You can’t make this stuff up. Doctors eventually found out the culprit was severe pain from ovarian cysts. It wasn't a heart attack, but it was enough to remind everyone that the years of stress and previous surgeries have taken a toll on her 46-year-old body. She’s already had a total hysterectomy, yet she keeps hinting that there are other medical issues she’s just not ready to talk about publicly. It’s scary. When you’ve lived your entire life in front of a lens, having a "private" medical crisis feels like the one thing she has left for herself.
💡 You might also like: Bobby Sherman Health Update: What Really Happened to the Teen Idol
Where the Family Stands: The Kaitlyn Custody Win
The biggest update regarding Mama June today involves her late daughter Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell's children. After Anna passed away from adrenal carcinoma in late 2023, the family was fractured. But in a move that surprised some of her harshest critics, a judge recently awarded June permanent custody of Anna’s oldest daughter, Kaitlyn.
- Why it happened: A family therapist actually testified that Kaitlyn wanted to stay with June.
- The conflict: Michael Cardwell, Anna’s ex-husband, fought for custody, but the court leaned toward the biological grandmother.
- The vibe: It’s bittersweet. June is raising her granddaughter while still grieving her daughter.
It's a heavy burden. June has admitted that she’s going to make mistakes. She’s not trying to be the "perfect" parent anymore because, let's be real, that ship sailed a long time ago. She’s just trying to show up.
The Daughter Divide: Pumpkin and Alana
Then there’s the relationship with Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird and Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson. It's... complicated. Alana is 20 now. Twenty! She’s out in Colorado for college, trying to build a life that doesn't involve being a "child star" 24/7.
📖 Related: Blair Underwood First Wife: What Really Happened with Desiree DaCosta
But money is still a sore spot. Last year, Alana called June out for mishandling her earnings, claiming there was barely enough for one year of tuition left in her accounts. June’s defense? She says she’s planning to pay her back in a lump sum. Whether that actually happens or stays a "reality TV promise" remains to be seen. Pumpkin, meanwhile, has been the backbone of the family, but even she’s had a rough year after filing for divorce from Josh Efird.
Marriage, Justin, and the Controversy
Is June still with Justin Stroud? Yes.
They’ve been married for nearly four years now, which is a lifetime in "reality TV years." Justin has been a polarizing figure, to say the least. Some fans think he’s a stabilizing force who helped her get clean; others think he’s just along for the ride and the paycheck. June doesn't care. She credits him with helping her mend fences with her girls, even if those fences still need a lot of paint.
👉 See also: Bhavana Pandey Explained: What Most People Get Wrong About the Original Bollywood Wife
They recently went through a rough patch where June’s "lies" (his words, not mine) threatened the marriage. They even talked about counseling, though they haven't actually signed up yet. It’s a work in progress. Sorta like June herself.
The Career: Is "Family Crisis" Still On?
The show has rebranded more times than a failing startup. From Not to Hot to Road to Redemption to Family Crisis. As of 2026, the cameras are still rolling. Why? Because people can't look away.
June knows how the game is played. She uses weight loss injections like semaglutide to manage her health and keep her image "TV-ready," openly sharing her struggle with gaining back 130 pounds. It’s that raw—sometimes uncomfortable—honesty that keeps her relevant. She isn't a polished influencer. She’s Mama June.
What’s Next for the Shannons?
If you want to keep up with June without getting lost in the tabloid noise, here is the realistic outlook for the rest of the year:
- Monitor the Health Updates: June is still dealing with "undisclosed" issues. Keep an eye on her official socials rather than the clickbait sites; she usually spills the truth on TikTok Live when she’s frustrated.
- The Kaitlyn Transition: Raising a pre-teen in the spotlight is a recipe for disaster. Watch for how June handles Kaitlyn’s privacy (or lack thereof) as she grows up.
- The Financial Restitution: The real test of June’s growth will be whether she actually pays Alana back. That will be the definitive proof of her "redemption."
The story of Mama June today isn't a fairy tale. It’s a messy, loud, and often painful look at a family trying to survive their own fame. She’s still the same woman who loves "sketti," but she’s also a grieving mother and a recovering addict trying to keep a roof over her head. Whether you like her or not, you have to admit: she’s still standing.