The Unexpected New Life Of Alana 'Honey Boo Boo' Thompson: 5 Major Updates For 2025

Alana Thompson, the former child beauty pageant contestant known globally as "Honey Boo Boo," has completely traded in the glitz of reality television for the demanding world of academia and a quiet, adult life. As of December 2025, the 19-year-old is no longer the rambunctious, catchphrase-spouting kid audiences first met on Toddlers & Tiaras, but a determined college nursing student charting a course far away from the family drama that defined her childhood. This article dives into the most current and surprising details of her life, including her recent revealing documentary and her stable, yet complicated, personal relationships.

The biggest news surrounding Alana Thompson today is her commitment to education and her recent, candid look back at her reality TV past. She is currently focused on her studies to become a registered nurse, a professional path that marks a profound shift from her life in front of the cameras. Her journey of self-discovery and independence is further detailed in a new, revealing Lifetime documentary, proving that the former star is ready to take control of her own narrative.

Alana Thompson: Full Biography and Profile

Alana Thompson rose to fame at the age of six, quickly becoming a pop culture sensation for her spirited personality and quotable one-liners on the TLC series Toddlers & Tiaras. Her undeniable chemistry with her mother, June "Mama June" Shannon, led to the successful spin-off series, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.

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• Full Name: Alana Thompson
• Nickname: Honey Boo Boo
• Date of Birth: August 28, 2005
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 20
• Place of Birth: McIntyre, Georgia, USA
• Parents: June "Mama June" Shannon (Mother) and Mike "Sugar Bear" Thompson (Father)
• Siblings: Three half-sisters: Anna Cardwell, Jessica Shannon, and Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird.
• Known For: Toddlers & Tiaras, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, Dancing with the Stars: Juniors.
• Current Occupation: College Nursing Student, Reality TV Personality.
• Net Worth: Approximately $100,000.
• Boyfriend: Dralin Carswell (Dating since 2021).

From Reality TV to Registered Nurse: Alana’s College Life in Denver

The biggest and most significant change in Alana Thompson’s life is her determined pursuit of a college education. She is currently a full-time student, studying to become a registered nurse. This career path is a deliberate choice, signaling a desire for stability and a life outside the often-turbulent world of reality television.

Alana has been vocal about wanting to shed the "Honey Boo Boo" persona. She has repeatedly stated that she is now Alana Thompson, a young woman focused on her future. Her move to a Denver rental home, far from the Georgia base of her family and the constant presence of the cameras, is a clear step towards establishing her independence and escaping what she calls "family drama."

The transition has been challenging, as she balances her studies with her public life, but she remains committed to her goal. She often discusses the pressure of growing up in the spotlight and the desire to build a life on her own terms, free from the constraints of her child star image.

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The financial aspect of her career has also been a point of discussion. Alana has revealed that, despite her years as a reality TV star, she has never personally received any of the money she earned as a child, highlighting the complex financial and legal issues faced by child stars.

The Candid New Documentary: *I Was Honey Boo Boo*

In a major project that has brought her back into the public conversation, Alana Thompson narrated and was the subject of the Lifetime documentary, I Was Honey Boo Boo, which premiered on May 17, 2025. This project offers an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look at her life and career, chronicling her journey from a six-year-old pageant star to a young woman navigating college life.

The documentary serves as a powerful piece of generational storytelling, addressing the highs and lows of her family's reality TV fame, including the difficult periods of her mother's addiction and subsequent sobriety. Alana uses the platform to discuss the concept of "generational trauma" and how her family's struggles have impacted her development and her relationship with her mother.

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This project is significant because it allows Alana to finally control her own narrative. Instead of being a character in a family show, she is the primary voice, offering a mature and reflective perspective on her unique childhood and the challenges of growing up under constant public scrutiny.

Relationship Updates: Dralin Carswell and Mama June Shannon

Alana’s personal relationships are a key part of her current life, and both have seen significant developments recently.

Alana Thompson and Boyfriend Dralin Carswell

Alana has been in a committed relationship with her boyfriend, Dralin Carswell, since 2021. Despite media attention and the significant age gap, the couple has remained together, with Alana providing a recent relationship update in May 2025 confirming that things are going well.

However, the relationship has not been without controversy. Dralin Carswell was involved in a highly publicized police chase in 2023, for which he was indicted on four charges. Alana was present in the car during the incident. While Dralin has faced legal troubles, Alana has maintained her support for him, indicating a stable and devoted partnership despite the external pressures and family's concerns.

Alana Thompson and Mama June

The mother-daughter relationship between Alana and June Shannon has been famously tumultuous, largely due to Mama June's past struggles with addiction. The current status of their relationship is complex but improving. Alana has stated that their connection is in a "better place" now that Mama June is sober.

The two recently collaborated on the documentary, marking one of the first major projects they have undertaken together since Mama June's sobriety. While they are working on repairing their bond, Alana's move to Denver signifies her need for physical and emotional distance to focus on her mental health and her future as a college nursing student.