The question of "What is Pumpkin's real name?" has captivated reality TV fans for over a decade, but the answer is just the beginning of a much more complex and dramatic story. As of December 2025, the reality star known universally as 'Pumpkin' is navigating a major life overhaul that includes a highly public divorce, a controversial new relationship, and the revelation of a shocking monthly income that has stunned viewers of the *Mama June* franchise.
The individual behind the famous nickname is Lauryn Mychelle Efird (née Shannon), a central figure in the tumultuous life of the Shannon family. While her life on screen has always been chaotic, recent court documents and relationship shifts have brought her personal drama—including her role as the guardian of her sister, Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson—into sharper focus than ever before, proving that the reality star's life is anything but quiet.
Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird: Full Biography and Profile
Lauryn Mychelle Efird, known to millions as "Pumpkin," rose to fame as a teenager on the controversial reality television circuit. Her life has been documented since she was 12 years old, transitioning from a quirky side character to a key matriarchal figure in the family's ongoing saga.
- Real Name: Lauryn Mychelle Efird (née Shannon)
- Nickname: Pumpkin
- Born: January 7, 2000
- Age: 25 (as of early 2025)
- Birthplace: Hampton, Georgia, USA
- Parents: June "Mama June" Shannon and Michael Anthony Ford (biological father, though she was raised by Mama June’s long-term partner, Mike "Sugar Bear" Thompson)
- Siblings: Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell (deceased), Jessica "Chubbs" Shannon, and Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson
- Ex-Husband: Joshua "Josh" Efird (Married May 2018; Filed for divorce August 2024)
- Children: Ella Grace Efird, Bentley Jameson Efird, and twins Sylus Ray Efird and Stella Renae Efird
- Current Partner: Darrin Kitchens (reported)
- Occupation: Reality Television Personality, Mother, Legal Guardian
- TV Appearances: *Here Comes Honey Boo Boo*, *Mama June: From Not to Hot*, *Mama June: Family Crisis*
The Shocking $20,000 Monthly Income and Divorce Drama
The most explosive and recent development in Lauryn Efird’s life centers on her August 2024 divorce filing from her husband, Josh Efird. The couple, who married in 2018 and share four children, officially separated, citing irreconcilable differences. This legal process has dragged the family’s financial details into the public eye, revealing a shocking level of income for the reality stars.
In court documents filed for child support, both Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird and Josh Efird reported a massive monthly income. The documents indicated that each parent was bringing in approximately $20,000 per month, resulting in a combined household income of around $40,000 per month while they were together.
This revelation stunned fans, as the sheer amount of money earned from their WEtv reality show, *Mama June: Family Crisis*, far exceeded public expectations. The figure highlights the significant financial success the family has achieved despite their ongoing personal struggles and the controversial nature of their television presence. The divorce proceedings now require the court to address the division of property, debt, and the establishment of a formal co-parenting and child support arrangement for their four young children: Ella, Bentley, Sylus, and Stella.
The split is a central theme in the latest season of the family’s reality show, with Lauryn opening up about the breakdown of the marriage and the challenges of co-parenting during the transition to single motherhood.
From Sister to Guardian: Pumpkin's Role with Honey Boo Boo
While her marriage and finances have dominated recent headlines, Lauryn's most respected role remains her guardianship of her younger sister, Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson. This responsibility began after their mother, Mama June Shannon, faced significant legal and personal troubles, including arrests and struggles with substance abuse.
Lauryn took over the primary care of Alana when the latter was still a minor. In 2022, a Georgia court awarded Lauryn sole custody of Alana, a decision that cemented her role as the family's stable, responsible anchor.
This act of stepping up to raise her sister, effectively becoming a surrogate mother while simultaneously raising her own growing family, earned Lauryn significant praise from fans and observers. It provided a much-needed sense of stability for Alana, who has since graduated high school and continued her reality TV career, including an appearance in a May 2025 Lifetime documentary film titled *I Was Honey Boo Boo*.
Lauryn's dedication to her sister is a core part of her public narrative, showcasing her maturity and resilience in the face of familial chaos. She navigated Alana through her own high-profile relationship and college decisions, all while managing her own life and the demands of reality television.
Who is Darrin Kitchens? The Controversial New Partner
In a dramatic twist that further complicated the family's dynamics, Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird has reportedly moved on from her divorce with a new romantic partner: Darrin Kitchens.
What makes this new relationship a subject of intense media scrutiny and family controversy is Darrin Kitchens' connection to her ex-husband, Josh Efird. Reports indicate that Darrin Kitchens is, in fact, Josh Efird’s cousin.
This development immediately became a major storyline for the reality show, with Mama June Shannon and Josh Efird both reacting publicly to the news. The situation is a classic reality TV bombshell, adding a layer of family betrayal and unexpected drama to an already messy divorce.
The confusion surrounding Lauryn's new love life was briefly complicated by rumors involving her sister, Jessica Shannon. Some initial reports mistakenly linked Lauryn to Shyann McCant, who is actually Jessica Shannon's fiancée. This shows how quickly and inaccurately information can spread, especially within a family as public as the Shannons. The confirmation that Lauryn is dating Darrin Kitchens—her ex-husband’s relative—has provided the family with a fresh source of conflict and content for their WEtv program.
The relationship with Darrin Kitchens marks a significant new chapter for Lauryn, who is now balancing her life as a co-parent, a reality star, a guardian, and a woman exploring a new, albeit controversial, romance. The public will undoubtedly be watching to see how this new dynamic unfolds on screen, particularly how the family navigates the holidays and co-parenting responsibilities with such a complex web of relationships.
Pumpkin’s Legacy: From Reality Star to Family Matriarch
Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird's real name, Lauryn Mychelle Efird, is a name that has become synonymous with resilience and the complexities of growing up in the spotlight. Starting on *Here Comes Honey Boo Boo*, she was a secondary character, but through the years, she has transformed into the primary caregiver and a surprising financial success story.
Her journey—from a young girl on a controversial show to a mother of four and the legal guardian of her famous sister, Alana Thompson—is a testament to her strength. The recent revelations about her $20,000 monthly income and the dramatic divorce from Josh Efird, followed by her relationship with Darrin Kitchens, ensure that her story will continue to be a focal point for reality television audiences. Lauryn has managed to carve out a stable life for her immediate family while navigating the constant drama that follows the Shannon name, solidifying her status as the true matriarch of the family’s next generation.
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