From Pageant Princess To College Life: Where Is Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson Now?
The world first met Alana Thompson, better known as "Honey Boo Boo," as a sassy, energetic pageant darling on TLC's Toddlers & Tiaras, but the child star is now navigating a vastly different reality. As of late 2025, the reality TV veteran has left behind the glitz and go-go juice of her childhood, embracing a new chapter focused on higher education, a serious relationship, and building an identity far removed from her famous nickname. Now 20 years old, Alana’s life is a whirlwind of college classes, documentary narration, and the continued, complex drama of her famous family.
This article provides the most current and comprehensive look into Alana Thompson's life today, detailing her college journey, her long-term relationship with boyfriend Dralin Carswell, her recent professional endeavors, and the ongoing struggles with her mother, June "Mama June" Shannon, all based on the latest news and updates from 2025.
Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson: Biography and Profile
Alana Thompson’s life has been documented on television since she was five, making her one of the most recognizable figures in reality TV history. Her journey from a child pageant contestant to a young adult pursuing a professional career showcases a remarkable evolution.
- Full Name: Alana Frances Thompson
- Nickname: Honey Boo Boo
- Date of Birth: August 28, 2005
- Current Age (December 2025): 20 years old
- Place of Birth: McIntyre, Georgia, USA
- Parents: June "Mama June" Shannon and Mike "Sugar Bear" Thompson (Biological Father)
- Legal Guardian/Sister: Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird
- Siblings: Anna Cardwell (late sister), Jessica "Chubbs" Shannon, and Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird
- Education: Currently a college student pursuing a degree in Nursing.
- Notable TV Appearances: Toddlers & Tiaras (2012), Here Comes Honey Boo Boo (2012–2014), Dancing with the Stars: Juniors (2018), Mama June: From Not to Hot (2017–2021), Mama June: Family Crisis (2021–Present).
The College Life and New Identity of Alana Thompson
The biggest and most defining change in Alana Thompson’s life in 2025 is her unwavering commitment to her education and her future career. She has successfully transitioned from the chaotic world of reality TV sets to the demanding environment of a college campus.
Pursuing a Nursing Degree in Denver
In a move that surprised many fans, Thompson relocated from Georgia to Denver, Colorado, to pursue her dream of becoming a registered nurse. She is currently a college nursing student, a path she chose because of a genuine desire to help people, particularly in the neonatal field.
This pursuit marks a clear intention to shed the "Honey Boo Boo" persona. Thompson has been vocal about the challenges of being a former child star, expressing her wish to be seen as Alana Thompson, the college student, rather than the reality TV caricature. Her focus on academics is a major theme in her life, demonstrating a maturity and drive that fans rarely saw in her earlier television appearances.
Navigating Public Scrutiny and Personal Growth
Thompson’s move to Denver was also a significant step toward independence. She made the cross-country move with her longtime boyfriend, Dralin Carswell, a decision that has been scrutinized by the public and her family. Despite the challenges of balancing a rigorous academic schedule with her public life, Alana has maintained her focus, often sharing glimpses of her new life on social media while keeping the specifics of her college experience private.
Her recent professional work further underscores her transition. In May 2025, Alana premiered her Lifetime documentary, I Was Honey Boo Boo, where she narrates her own story, offering a powerful, unfiltered look at the reality of growing up on camera. The documentary serves as a definitive statement about her past and a clear pivot toward her future, allowing her to take control of her own narrative.
Relationship Update: Alana and Dralin Carswell in 2025
Alana Thompson’s relationship with her boyfriend, Dralin Carswell, remains a central and often controversial part of her life. The couple has been together since 2021, and their relationship has weathered significant public interest, partly due to their age difference and Carswell’s past legal issues.
Moving to Denver Together
The couple took a major step in their relationship by moving to Denver, Colorado, together in 2024 to facilitate Alana’s college enrollment. This decision solidified their commitment to one another, despite the distance from Alana's family in Georgia.
In May 2025, Alana provided a major update on their relationship, confirming that they are still together and happy, pushing back against constant rumors and media speculation about their status. She has consistently defended their bond, emphasizing that Dralin is supportive of her educational and career goals.
Controversies and Family Concerns
The relationship has not been without its drama. Carswell’s legal troubles, including an arrest in 2022, have been a recurring source of conflict, especially with Alana's mother, Mama June, and her sister/guardian, Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird. Despite the external pressures, Alana has stood by Dralin, indicating a deep level of loyalty and commitment.
The couple's future plans are also a topic of discussion. While they are currently focused on Alana's education, Alana has hinted at the possibility of marriage down the line, a prospect that continues to fuel public debate and family tension, which is often featured on the reality show Mama June: Family Crisis.
Family Dynamics and Recent Drama: Mama June and the Car Crash
The Thompson-Shannon family drama continues to unfold on their reality series, with Alana's life milestones often becoming focal points for conflict. The year 2025 brought both personal celebrations and scary incidents for the young star.
The 20th Birthday and Family Feud
Alana celebrated her 20th birthday in August 2025, a significant milestone that was overshadowed by her ongoing strained relationship with her mother, Mama June Shannon. The drama surrounding her 19th birthday, where she reportedly disinvited Mama June to avoid conflict, was a major storyline on Mama June: Family Crisis.
The dynamic between Alana and her mother is complex. While Alana's older sister, Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird, served as her legal guardian for years, Alana's pursuit of independence and her relationship with Dralin have created new rifts. The family's reality show continues to capture the emotional highs and lows, including the financial struggles and custody battles that define their lives.
The September 2025 Car Crash
A shocking piece of news in September 2025 involved Alana Thompson and Dralin Carswell being involved in a horrific car crash. Reports confirmed that Alana was treated at a hospital for her injuries but was thankfully released and able to return home to recover. This incident brought a fresh wave of concern from fans and highlighted the intense scrutiny under which Alana lives her life.
Despite the frightening nature of the accident, Alana’s quick recovery and return to her daily life demonstrated her resilience. The event, coupled with the passing of her sister, Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell, in late 2023, has contributed to a period of intense personal reflection and growth for the young adult.
The Future: Beyond the Reality TV Lens
Alana Thompson's journey is a powerful testament to her desire to forge an authentic path. Her commitment to a nursing career, her move to Denver, and her efforts to manage her public image all point to a young woman determined to define herself outside of the "Honey Boo Boo" brand. While she continues to appear on reality television with her family, her true focus is on her education and her future as a healthcare professional.
For fans who have followed her since the days of beauty pageants and "Redneckognize," Alana's current life is a compelling narrative of maturity, ambition, and the universal struggle to grow up under an intense spotlight. Her story, as told in her own voice through her recent documentary, is a clear signal that the child star is officially a young woman ready for her next, more grounded chapter.
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