Mama June Shannon is navigating a challenging family situation that doesn’t align with her hopes and desires for unity and connection.

Following the tragic passing of her daughter Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell in December 2023, the star of Mama June: Family Crisis successfully secured custody of her granddaughter Kaitlyn. However, this legal victory has turned out to be a bittersweet experience. Mama June revealed that the 12-year-old has not had the opportunity to see her half-sister Kylee, 9, since their beloved mother’s funeral. This separation highlights the emotional turmoil affecting their family during this difficult time.

“Unfortunately not,” the reality star expressed in an interview with People published on June 2. She emphasized, “It’s not due to us,” indicating that the family dynamics are complicated and beyond her control.

Mama June and Kylee’s father, Michael Cardwell, were involved in a contentious court battle concerning the custody of Kaitlyn, who was only 8 months old when he started a relationship with Anna. In a ruling issued in September, a judge sided with Mama June, pointing out that Michael—who maintains custody of his biological daughter Kylee—“never provided any significant financial support,” as detailed in court documents reviewed by People at the time. This ruling underscores the complexities of their legal disputes and the emotional stakes involved.

“I hated that we have to go through that,” Mama June reflected on the situation. “We couldn’t sit down and talk things out and come to an agreement as much as I had begged for that. But it is what it is. It ain’t what it ain’t.” Her words reveal a deep sense of frustration and longing for reconciliation amidst the challenges they face as a family.