Alana Thompson, known to the world as Honey Boo Boo, is a 20-year-old neonatal nursing student at Regis University in Denver, Colorado. In May 2025, she released her Lifetime biopic I Was Honey Boo Boo to reclaim her narrative and reveal the real-life story behind her childhood fame.
The biopic covers her childhood on Toddlers & Tiaras, the years of her reality show Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, her mother Mama June’s drug use and sobriety, and the emotional toll of growing up in the spotlight. Today, she is focused on academic excellence, personal growth, and escaping the “caricature” of her childhood persona.
Her life now is a deliberate departure from reality TV. She is building a new identity centered on education, a long-term relationship, and a future in healthcare.
What is Honey Boo Boo Doing Now? Alana Thompson’s Life in 2025
- Honey Boo Boo is now a 20-year-old college student and junior at Regis University.
- She is studying to become a neonatal nurse, a career choice inspired by the nurses who cared for her late sister.
- She earned no money from her early reality TV appearances despite the shows’ success.
- She remains unmarried, though she has been in a relationship with Dralin Carswell for nearly five years.
- Her 2025 biopic, I Was Honey Boo Boo, is narrated by Alana herself and premiered on May 17.
- Her physical appearance has changed significantly, with a noticeable slim transformation in 2025.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alana Frances Thompson |
| Born | August 28, 2005 (McIntyre, GA) |
| Age | 20 |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Height | 4′ 6″ (1.37 m) per IMDb (likely childhood height) |
| Mom | June “Mama June” Shannon |
| TV Debut | Toddlers & Tiaras (2011) |
| Spin-off | Here Comes Honey Boo Boo (2012–2014) |
| Recent Doc | I Was Honey Boo Boo (May 2025) |
| Education | Regis University, Neonatal Nursing (Junior) |
How Much is Honey Boo Boo Worth? Net Worth and Career
Financial Reality of Child Stardom
No official net worth figure is publicly available for Alana Thompson. Sources confirm she earned nothing from her early fame on Toddlers & Tiaras or Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, despite the significant success of those shows. She relies on residual TV income to pay for tuition and living costs.
Career Transition from Reality TV to Nursing
She is no longer actively pursuing acting. Her primary career focus is becoming a neonatal nurse, a path motivated by the nurses who cared for her late sister Anna during her cancer battle. She started at Regis University in fall 2023 and is now a junior, aiming to be the only family member with a college degree.
Despite earning $0 from her early reality TV shows, Alana Thompson is funding her education through residual TV income and the biopic project. Her exact net worth remains unconfirmed by any reliable source, though estimates suggest it is limited.
Who is Honey Boo Boo’s Mom? The Role of Mama June in Her Life
Mama June Shannon’s Transformation
Mama June Shannon, who lost 300 lbs by 2017 and is now sober, has a positive relationship with Alana. The couple has been able to rebuild their bond after the family’s public struggles with addiction and controversy.
Family Dynamics and Siblings
Alana’s family includes her late sister Anna Cardwell, who died of cancer, Lauryn “Pumpkin” Efird, and Jessica Thompson. The family has faced significant public scrutiny over the years, with Mama June: Family Crisis returning on WE tv on May 30, 2025.
Alana’s sister Anna Cardwell passed away from cancer. The experience heavily influenced Alana’s decision to pursue a career in neonatal nursing, inspired by the nurses who cared for Anna during her battle.
Who is Honey Boo Boo Married To? Relationship and Husband Updates
Current Relationship Status
Alana Thompson is not married. She has been dating Dralin Carswell since 2021, making it nearly a five-year relationship by 2025. The couple moved to Colorado together for college and are navigating dorm life and apartment hunting.
Controversies and Legal Issues
The couple began dating when Alana was 16 and Dralin was 21. Dralin was arrested for DUI and fleeing police in a three-mile car chase; Alana was in the car but only he was charged, facing up to 10 years in prison. Despite this, the couple is reportedly in “a really good spot” regarding marriage plans, though no timeline is set.
As of 2025, Alana Thompson is not married. She has been in a relationship with Dralin Carswell for nearly five years. They are reportedly in a “really good spot” regarding marriage, though no specific timeline has been publicly set.
What Happened to the Cast of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo?
- 2005: Alana Frances Thompson is born in Georgia.
- 2011: Appears on Toddlers & Tiaras.
- 2012: Here Comes Honey Boo Boo premieres.
- 2014: Show is canceled after family controversies.
- 2017: Mama June loses 300 lbs.
- 2021: Alana begins dating Dralin Carswell.
- 2023: Alana starts at Regis University in the fall.
- May 17, 2025: I Was Honey Boo Boo premieres on Lifetime.
- May 30, 2025: Mama June: Family Crisis returns on WE tv.
What is the Honey Boo Boo Meme? Cultural Impact and Controversy
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Alana was born in 2005. | Exact net worth (sources range or are unconfirmed). |
| She starred in Toddlers & Tiaras and Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. | Exact adult height (most sources cite 4′ 6″ but this is likely childhood height). |
| She is currently a college student at Regis University. | Future TV plans (none currently announced beyond the biopic). |
| She earned $0 from her early shows. | Marriage timeline (no specific plans confirmed). |
What is the Honey Boo Boo Documentary About? Examining the Biopic
The Lifetime original movie I Was Honey Boo Boo premiered on May 17, 2025. It is narrated by Alana Thompson herself and covers her childhood on Toddlers & Tiaras, her reality show, her mother Mama June’s drug use and sobriety, and the emotional toll of child stardom.
Alana’s trajectory reflects the challenges of child fame. The documentary examines her transition and the family’s struggles with financial instability and public scrutiny. Her social media presence shows a deliberate pivot toward a normal lifestyle in Denver, CO.
Where Did the Information Come From? Key Sources and Quotes
“This film tells my story, the real one… Beyond the glitter, the pageants, and the catchphrases, there was a lot going on behind the scenes. I’m narrating the film myself because nobody can tell it like I can.”
— Alana Thompson, via People.com
“Just living life, figuring it out, & taking y’all with me.”
— Alana Thompson’s Instagram bio
Information in this article is sourced from People.com, Wikipedia, IMDB, Newser, and Woman’s World. These sources provide verified details on her education, relationship, and career transition.
What is Alana Thompson’s Life Like Now?
Alana Thompson is focused on a life defined by her education rather than reality TV. She is a junior at Regis University studying neonatal nursing, aiming to be the only family member with a college degree. She continues to navigate personal growth, her relationship with Dralin Carswell, and her new life in Colorado. For more on similar stories, check out our article on Child stars where are they now: 2025 edition and TLC reality shows that defined a generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Honey Boo Boo’s real name?
Alana Frances Thompson.
How tall is Honey Boo Boo?
Approximately 4′ 6″ (1.37 m) as listed on IMDb, though this is likely her childhood height; adult height is not confirmed.
Is Honey Boo Boo married?
No, as of 2025, she is not married. She has been dating Dralin Carswell since 2021.
What is the Honey Boo Boo documentary about?
I Was Honey Boo Boo (2025) follows Alana’s journey from child stardom to adulthood, narrated by Alana herself.
How old is Honey Boo Boo now?
She is 20 years old (born August 28, 2005).
What happened to Mama June?
Mama June Shannon lost 300 lbs and is now sober. She and Alana have a positive relationship.
Did Honey Boo Boo make money from her show?
No, she received no money from Toddlers & Tiaras or Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.
What is Honey Boo Boo doing now?
She is a junior at Regis University in Denver, Colorado, studying to become a neonatal nurse.
Sophie Larkin is Music News Editor at PlaylisterUK.co.uk, covering artist announcements, releases, charts, labels, streaming platforms and the UK music industry.