Mama June Shannon reveals taking daughter Anna ‘Chickadee’ Cardwell’s ‘urn’ of ashes wherever she goes

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: After sharing that she continues to text her late daughter Anna 'Chickadee' Cardwell’s phone number to feel connected, Mama June Shannon has embraced another heartfelt way to honor her memory.

Since Cardwell's death in December 2023 following a courageous battle against stage 4 adrenal carcinoma, Mama June has kept her daughter close — literally — by "taking her urn with her everywhere" she goes, except on flights.

Mama June Shannon takes Anna Cardwell's ashes on road trips but not on flights

"People might think I’m crazy, but we’re talking about the whole urn. We’re not talking about the little baby urn," Mama June Shannon, 45, said in an interview, OK Magazine reported.

"If we’re driving somewhere, she goes with us."

For Mama June, the urn isn’t just a memento; it’s a way for the family to ensure Cardwell remains a part of their lives.

Cardwell was 29 when she died. She was diagnosed with stage 4 adrenal carcinoma in early 2023, fought the disease with courage before passing away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

Mama June had taken to her Instagram to share a heartfelt message on Cardwell's one-year death anniversary on December 9.

When it comes to traveling by plane, Mama June and her family reportedly wear jewelry containing Cardwell's ashes to avoid any issues with airport security confiscating the urn.

"If we're flying, no, she's not left in the house," June said.

However, that doesn’t stop them from bringing Cardwell along in spirit, ensuring she’s a part of their journey in every way possible, for instance road trips to Colorado and Alabama.

Mama June noted, "What we normally do is we take her in the car, we'll leave her in the car parked at a parking lot and then she stays there for a week."

Mama June Shannon reveals why she travels with daughter Anna Cardwell's ashes

Mama June Shannon also spoke of recent travels, including a visit to her husband Justin’s mother in Alabama, where Anna Cardwell's urn joined them.

"So just keeping that part like, 'Okay, Anna’s in the car.' Or we went to Justin’s momma this past week in Alabama, and I was like, 'Well, shoot, we brought Anna here,'" she explained.

For June, this act isn’t just about coping with loss; it’s about ensuring Cardwell's memory remains alive. Cardwell is survived by her two daughters: Kaitlyn, 10, and Kylee, 7.

"We just want people to remember Anna and stuff like that," said Mama June.

"Whether it’s this year or next year or three years from now, we want her to be remembered, always."

June’s devotion to her daughter’s memory extends to their visits to others' homes.

"When we visit other people’s homes, we leave the urn in the kitchen," she said, explaining her intent to ensure Cardwell remains part of every family moment.

Mama June says family misses 'the hell out of Anna Cardwell'

A few days before Anna Cardwell's first death anniversary, Mama June Shannon had shared an emotional tribute on Facebook, reflecting on her daughter’s death.

She wrote, "It will be a year on Monday, and we miss the hell out of Anna Marie Cardwell. I would give my last penny to just talk to her and [for] her [to] be here for her girls."

She described grief as unpredictable, adding, "Losing Anna has been more difficult than losing any other family member."

Living in the house where Cardwell died has been tough for the family, but Shannon remains committed to keeping her memory alive.

"We have kept our promise—we take her everywhere with us like she wanted."

"I just can’t and won’t delete any text and won’t ever take her out of the chat," Shannon wrote.

"I always go to her TikTok and watch her videos all the time and search her name to see all the video people made for her," the 'Mama June: From Not to Hot' star concluded. 

Cardwell's death has been a heavy emotional burden for Mama June and her family, including her other daughters Jessica 'Chubbs' Shannon, Lauryn 'Pumpkin' Efird, and Alana 'Honey Boo Boo' Thompson.