Anna Cardwell's Husband Finds Love Again, Announces Engagement to Jessie English

Mama June Shannon’s late daughter Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell’s surviving spouse, Eldridge Toney, is planning a wedding to his girlfriend, Jessie English, and he shared details exclusively with Us Weekly about discovering love after the reality star’s passing.

Toney revealed to Us that he began dating English on March 18 after connecting on Tinder. “I wasn’t considering creating a profile, but something prompted me to,” he said.

The pair quickly developed a strong connection and have been together ever since. “I finally decided to propose on Christmas Day,” Toney told Us.

Toney, who experienced the loss of Cardwell in December 2023, mentioned that his fiancée has met Cardwell’s family, including the two daughters Cardwell left behind, Kaitlyn and Kylee.

“She has been introduced to Anna’s relatives and they are very fond of her. We visit for holidays and other occasions to see Kaitlyn,” Toney explained. “Kaitlyn adores her, and that is incredibly meaningful to me.”

He added, “She has also spent time with Kylee, who also likes Jessie.”

Toney stated that his new partner “fully understands and respects my history and the challenges I’ve faced.” He elaborated, “She is aware that I have good days and difficult days when I grieve for Anna and she offers unwavering support.”

Anna Cardwell's Husband Speaks Out About Healing 14 Months After Her Death

“Our future together looks promising based on our conversations and how things are progressing now,” he said. “Some may believe I’m moving on quickly, but ultimately, Anna wouldn’t want me to remain consumed by sadness.”

Toney said both his and his fiancée’s families have been very supportive of their relationship. The engaged couple have not yet determined a wedding date.

In early 2023, Cardwell received a diagnosis of stage 4 adrenal carcinoma cancer. Doctors discovered the cancer had spread to Cardwell’s kidney, liver and lung. Cardwell immediately began chemotherapy, but the treatment proved ineffective.

Prior to her death, Cardwell and Toney had a private wedding ceremony in March 2023 in Georgia. The couple started dating in 2017 and he assisted in raising her two children, who she had from previous relationships.

In 2021, Cardwell shared that she and Toney were trying to conceive a third child. She explained, “It’s been a difficult and complicated journey for us trying to have baby number three.”

Mama June Still Keeps Late Daughter Anna in Family Group Chat

In June, Toney discussed with People his decision to relocate from the home he previously shared with Cardwell. He explained that being in that space brought “constant reminders” of Cardwell’s absence.

“When we moved into that house, that’s when she started her cancer battle,” Toney said. “And being at that house, it was just a constant reminder of the cancer.”

Mama June Becomes Emotional About Raising Late Daughter Anna's Child Kaitlyn

Following her death, Mama June, 46, was granted custody of 12-year-old Kaitlyn, despite Michael Cardwell, Kylee’s father, requesting a judge award him custody to keep the two children together. Kylee, 9, resides with Michael.

Following her death, Cardwell’s sister, Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson, posted on Instagram, “Dear Lord please surround her 2 babies & our family as the next few days will make this all a reality.”

“I’m so grateful that you waited until I was home to take your last breath!” Thompson, 20, added. “I would have loved for you to see me graduate college but I know you will forever cheer me on in heaven! We will all ensure your legacy lives on forever.”