Alana Thompson, also known as Honey Boo Boo, became a celebrity at a young age due to her lively character and outspoken personality, along with her family’s interesting lifestyle. She wasn’t your typical contestant on TLC’s Toddlers & Tiaras, and it was only a matter of time before she became the star of her own show, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. The TLC show followed the life of Thompson and her family from 2012 to 2017, when it was abruptly canceled. Reports suggested this was due to Mama June Shannon’s association with a convicted felon.
In the years that followed, Alana Thompson grew up a lot and is now in her teenage years. Not having her show also means that her life is no longer documented in the same way it used to be. But that doesn’t mean Thompson has completely disappeared from the spotlight. Here’s what she has been up to.
How is Alana Thompson changing her lifestyle for the better?
Alana Thompson grew up in a family that faced many financial difficulties and is also known for making poor decisions regarding food and nutrition. In recent years, Thompson has been trying to maintain a healthier lifestyle. It’s believed that she’s making better food choices and has increased her exercise.
It’s no secret that Thompson has struggled with her weight since childhood, and in 2022 it was reported that she intended to undergo surgery to help her lose weight. Her manager, Gina Rodriguez, revealed the news to TMZ, explaining that the surgery, believed to be an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty performed by Dr. Steven Batash, was scheduled for shortly after her 17th birthday.
It’s not just her health that has been Thompson’s focus. No longer wanting to be called Honey Boo Boo, she is also concentrating on her education. She has been working hard to achieve good grades. In a 2021 interview with Teen Vogue, she discussed her future goals, saying: “I want to be the best I can be, I want to earn my money, and I also want to get straight A’s, so I’m just trying my best.”
Thompson’s life hasn’t been easy, and her mother’s struggles with substance abuse have had a profound effect on her. “It’s very, very hard. It’s something I wouldn’t wish on anyone, really,” she told Teen Vogue. She added: “I’m proud of myself for how far I’ve come.”
Why did Mama June lose custody of Alana Thompson?
Alana Thompson has made significant changes in her life. She no longer lives with her mother, June Shannon, who lost custody after a series of poor decisions, her arrest, and personal struggles.
Thompson is now under the care of her sister, Lauryn “Pumpkin” Shannon, who recently received sole custody of her until she turns 18. According to People Magazine, Mama June can still have daily phone contact with Thompson, and her daughter Lauryn can determine visitation. June will continue to pay $800 in child support.
Is Alana Thompson in a relationship?
Another change in Alana Thompson’s private life is that she now has a boyfriend and is dating a man named Dralin Carswell, who is a college student and several years older than her. It’s a relationship that makes Thompson happy, and she spoke about it in an interview with E! News. “He’s very loving, for sure,” she explained. “He’s very affectionate at certain times. There are many things about him that I like. I’m very, very happy.”
Things seem to be going well for Thompson, and she is now in her final year. She reflected on this time and shared her thoughts with fans on social media. “I’ve had so many setbacks along the way, but I never let that stop me. I have so many people to thank for pushing me and making sure my head was in the right place.” She also explained how there were moments in her life when she felt like giving up but kept pushing forward, and she’s very happy she did. Thompson is incredibly proud of herself and her achievements. She also has big plans for the future and wants to become a neonatal nurse.
Despite a challenging childhood and being in the spotlight from a very young age, Alana Thompson has managed to find herself away from the fame of her TLC show. She has grown into a young woman she is proud of, and with the help and support of her sister, she appears to be focused on becoming the best version of herself that she can be.