Anna 'Chickadee' Cardwell Cancer Battle Documented On Mama June's TV Show

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Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell's battle with cancer was something that was well-documented, TMZ has learned ... and will be shared with fans in an upcoming season of Mama June's reality series.

Family sources tell TMZ ... Anna was very open about her health issues, and wanted it to be included on "Mama June: From Not to Hot" so people could better understand the struggles she went through, and those of cancer patients, in general.

She also wanted fans to know everything she faced, since she was always candid with them.

We're told Anna had no problems with the production team filming her journey, and the crew was by her side just hours before she passed away -- Anna was in hospice for a little over 3 weeks toward the end, and she was open to documenting everything.

Sources say production felt it was best to not be there when she passed, and they won't be there to record the funeral, either ... despite Anna being alright with it, the crew wanted to give the family some privacy while they mourn.

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ANNOUNCING CHICKADEE'S PASSING

As we reported, Anna was suffering from stage 4 adrenal carcinoma and died on Saturday -- we were told Anna requested that her fans be able to attend her open-casket funeral, and our sources say the family's honoring that as one of her last wishes.

We're also told Anna was close with TikToker Angela Butler, and she wanted her to sing "Usher Me" by Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers ... the same song Angela sang to Anna before she passed.

Andre Braugher Dead at 61

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Andre Braugher, famous for his work on "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" and "Homicide: Life On The Street," is dead.

The longtime TV actor died Monday due to a brief illness ... according to his rep.

Andre was best known recently for starring as Captain Raymond Holt in the police comedy series "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" ... appearing in all 153 episodes alongside Andy Samberg and Terry Crews.

Terry just posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, saying ... "This hurts. You left us too soon. You taught me so much. I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you. Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness and your friendship."

Andre first broke through in Hollywood back in 1993, when he landed the role of Detective Frank Pembleton in the NBC drama "Homicide: Life on the Street." Andre would appear in 100 episodes of the TV show.

Andre also famously played used car salesman Owen Thoreau Jr. in the TV comedy-drama "Men of a Certain Age."

Overall, Andre earned 2 Primetime Emmy Awards among 11 nominations for his decorated TV career.

Andre also appeared on the big screen ... with roles in movies including "Frequency," "The Mist," and "City of Angels."

Born and raised in Chicago, Andre went to college at Stanford University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in theatre before continuing his studies at the Julliard School's Drama Division.

He is survived by his wife, actress Ami Brabson -- whom he married in 1991 -- and their 3 children.

Andre was 61.

RIP

'Big Bang Theory' Star Kate Micucci Reveals Lung Cancer Diagnosis ... 'Never Smoked a Cigarette'

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"The Big Bang Theory" star and comedian Kate Micucci is battling lung cancer, and says her diagnosis was a total shock because she's never smoked a day in her life.

Kate shared her scary medical news over the weekend, telling folks on TikTok she had surgery to remove her lung cancer and is recovering in the hospital. Thankfully, Kate says they were able to detect the cancer early.

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SURPRISE DIAGNOSIS

What's most puzzling to Kate is the fact she's never smoked a single cigarette, but still wound up with the illness. However, she's keeping a positive outlook on the whole situation, given the surgery was a success.

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer -- but, about 15 percent of cases are linked to other factors such as secondhand smoke, asbestos and various chemicals ... according to the World Health Organization.

She kept a smile as the vid went on, walking around the hospital with the help of staff right behind her ... and she even posed for the camera with her typical hospital food -- a small box of cereal and a banana!

Fans of "The Big Bang Theory" remember Kate playing Lucy in a handful of episodes, who was Raj's love interest.

She's got credits in tons of other projects ... including "DuckTales," "The Little Hours," "Garfunkel and Oates," "Raising Hope," "Steven Universe," and she's played the voice of Velma in "Scooby-Doo" since 2015.

She's also married and has a 3-year-old son with husband Jake Sinclair ... who's written and produced tracks for musicians like Taylor Swift, Weezer and Panic! at the Disco.

The good news is Kate's on the road to recovery now after a major scare.

ALYSSA MILANO's Mom REFUTES SHANNEN DOHERTY CLAIM ... 'Didn't Block Her From Holly in Hospital!'

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Alyssa Milano's mother is pushing back on Shannen Doherty's claim they blocked her from seeing Holly Marie Combs shortly after she'd had surgery to remove a tumor from her uterus.

Lin Milano tells TMZ ... she categorically denies the story, and questions how it would have been even possible for them to block Shannen from entering a hospital room. She also refutes Shannen's assertion that she and Alyssa tried to create a weird wedge between SD and HMC on the set of "Charmed."

She tells us she couldn't have possibly been meddling behind the scenes because she wasn't on set daily, as her daughter was grown, and also ... she had her own business to focus on.

Lin says she was merely great friends with Holly, who oftentimes came over for dinner as her parents didn't live near -- adding their bond strengthened during Holly's pregnancy.

As for Shannen's claims of competitiveness between herself and Alyssa, Lin says the show's EP, Aaron Spelling, loved them equally ... so there was no need for tension between them.

On the whole, Lin is sad Shannen feels this way in her heart ... and is sorry she's going through her cancer battle alone without parents to support her -- adding she wishes the best for her.

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LOTS OF COMPETITIVENESS

This comes after Shannen was adamant on her "Let's Be Clear with Shannen Doherty" podcast ... telling former costar Holly that 24 hours after Holly's surgery, she went to see her ... but was blocked by AM and her mom.

On her end, Holly acknowledged she wanted everyone to get along, though, after being raised by teen parents, the idea of being taken in by a strong family unit was alluring at the time.

OPRAH DREW'S CARESSING WAS COMFORTING ... Stedman Better Step Up!!!

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Even Oprah, the bonafide queen of TV, needs some comforting now and then ... she says she was totally down for Drew Barrymore's caressing, even if some fans were cringing.

We got O Tuesday morning as she headed into the Empire State Building, and she told us she enjoyed the personal touch she got on "The Drew Barrymore Show" ... saying it actually provided her some solace.

In fact, you could say Drew put the pressure on Stedman Graham -- Oprah told us she's now demanding the same arm-stroking treatment from her longtime partner!

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HANDS TO YOURSELF!!!

Oprah adds she thought it was endearing, and loved Drew for always being herself.

While she didn't mind Drew being all over her ... it was too much to handle for some viewers who criticized the host for creepily invading Oprah's personal space by propping her hand under her chin and holding it there.

Getting up close and personal is clearly Drew's thing ... with many of her interviews going viral because of the same thing -- so she's, quite literally, not letting go of it anytime soon.

Mama June Gets Custody of 1 of Chickadee's Kids

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Mama June is taking over mama duties for one of her late daughter Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell's kids ... TMZ has learned.

Family sources tell TMZ ... Mama June is currently in custody of Anna's 11-year-old daughter Kaitlyn.

Anna, who died Saturday after a difficult battle with cancer, had 2 daughters with 2 different men ... and our sources say the younger child, 8-year-old Kylee, is now living with her biological father, Michael.

We're told the family had a plan in place for Kylee to move in with her dad should something happen to Anna, who was diagnosed, back in January, with stage 4 cancer.

Our sources say Kaitlyn and Mama June have a very close bond -- she's June's first grandchild -- so, everyone in the family agrees, moving her to Grandma's house is the best situation for her. We're also told June plans to become Kaitlyn's legal guardian.

As we first told you, Anna secretly married her partner, Eldridge Toney, back in March after learning she had cancer.

We're told Eldridge has a very close relationship with both Kaitlyn and Kylee -- though he's not their biological father -- and he will continue to be involved in both their lives as well.

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Our sources also say Kaitlyn and Kylee are close as well, and will continue to see each other.

DREW BARRYMORE GETS HANDSY WITH OPRAH Caresses Her, Fans Cringing!!

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Drew Barrymore got a little too touchy-feely with Oprah ... leaving fans cringing at invading the talk show queen's personal space.

Watch in the clip as Drew grabs Oprah's hand on "The Drew Barrymore Show" ... and doesn't let go for dear life ... propping it awkwardly under her chin as they chat.

She also later uses her arm to caress her arm slowly ... her actions leaving fans mortified, with one commenting online: "Drew, everyone doesn't want their hands held boo."

Another highlighted Oprah's discomfort, writing: "Oprah's body language was so clear she wanted her hand back" -- another adds: "Oprah's body language says it all. Drew is holding on too much. Oprah is trying to release her hand from Drew's grip. Drew is just too creepy and needy."

The handsy display came as Drew responded to Oprah praising her for starting her show without a live studio audience during the pandemic.

However, Oprah said she felt crowd interaction was necessary ... as Drew noted she'd observed Oprah spending time with her audience outside of her talk show -- thus leading to her success.

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HANDS TO YOURSELF!!!

Nonetheless looks like Drew's talk show has bounced back ... after hitting a bump when deciding to bring back her show ... as the writers' strike raged on in Sept.

Cecily Strong on 'SNL' Uncomfortable with 'Genocide of Jews' Skit ... Backed Out Last Minute

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Cecily Strong did not feel comfortable playing Rep. Elise Stefanik in the 'SNL' sketch about the "genocide of Jews" hearing in Congress ... and ended up bowing out right before the show started.

The former "Saturday Night Live" star was supposed to return as a guest star in the cold open skit, and she went through a dress rehearsal as Stefanik. But, she "was uncomfortable with the sketch" ... according to a NY Post report.

The sketch tackled last week's explosive hearing on Capitol Hill, where Rep. Stefanik grilled university presidents about antisemitism on campuses ... leading to some cringeworthy responses and a resignation at UPENN.

Instead of Cecily making her first 'SNL' appearance since December 2022, when she left the NBC show after 11 seasons, she was replaced on air by Chloe Troast.

The report also cited sources claiming the writing of Saturday's cold-open sketch was slightly rushed ... and that Cecily backed out for "a variety of reasons."

It's unclear if her issue was the bit's obvious political slant in mocking a staunch Donald Trump supporter -- namely, Rep. Stefanik -- or its lack of humor. Kenan Thompson really had the only decent laughs in the skit.

Cecily might have seen the bullet coming, and decided to dodge it -- the sketch is getting terrible reviews and Chloe is getting dragged for her role in it.

We reached out to 'SNL' ... so far no word back.

Anna 'Chickadee' Cardwell Mama June's Fam Will Divide Ashes After Open-Casket Funeral

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Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell, the eldest daughter of Mama June, will be cremated ... TMZ has learned, and we're told everyone in the family will get a portion of her ashes.

Family sources tell TMZ ... after Anna's memorial services this week, her family will be cremating her, and they plan to split her remains amongst family members. We're told there's been talk about making special jewelry or crystals with her ashes inside.

We're told the funeral home is also fingerprinting Anna as a keepsake, too ... and the family is also considering getting tattoos of her prints.

Sources say Anna requested an open-casket funeral and wanted her fans to be able to attend the memorial -- telling us she was close with them and wanted to make sure they were a part of the services to have a chance at closure.

Anna's family is also planning to get a memorial bench in her honor, as a place to go and talk with her when they want ... although the exact location has yet to be determined.

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As we reported, Anna passed away Saturday night due to complications from her cancer battle -- you'll recall, she was suffering from stage 4 adrenal carcinoma, which doctors had told her was terminal.

Mama June broke the sad news to fans on social media, emotionally saying she died peacefully with her family around her. June was also online asking for prayers the day before Anna's death, claiming her daughter's time was coming to an end.

MAMA JUNE'S DAUGHTER CHICKADEE Secretly Married After Cancer Diagnosis

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Mama June's late daughter, Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell, got hitched after finding out she had stage 4 cancer ... TMZ has learned.

Our sources tell us the reality TV star expressed her desire to get married to her partner, Eldridge Toney, back in January ... after being diagnosed with stage 4 adrenal carcinoma.

We're told Anna made it clear she wanted to have her wedding while she was still feeling well enough to go through a ceremony.

According to the marriage certificate, obtained by TMZ, Anna and Eldridge tied the knot March 4 in Wilkinson County, Georgia. What's more, Anna's sister, Pumpkin's husband was the officiant.

Remember ... Anna was also undergoing chemotherapy in March, the same month she got married.

Our sources say the wedding included close family and a camera crew recording footage for their WE tv reality show, "Mama June: From Not to Hot."

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ANNOUNCING CHICKADEE'S PASSING

As we reported ... Anna died Saturday after her difficult cancer battle, a little over 9 months after she walked down the aisle.

The couple did not have any children together, but Anna had 2 children from previous relationships.

JEN SHAH 'I WANT KIM K TO PLAY ME IN BIOPIC!' ... After Emma Stone Endorsement

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From reality star to behind bars, Jen Shah has quite the life story to tell ... and TMZ has learned she's hoping Kim Kardashian can tell it in a biopic.

Talks of the on-screen venture emerged when Emma Stone facetiously kick-started a campaign for the 'RHOSLC' star's biopic ... after the longtime 'Real Housewives' fan was asked at the NYC premiere of "Poor Things" ... which Housewife was worthy of the film treatment by the flick's director Yorgos Lanthimos?

Lanthimos is known for taking on unexpectedly bizarre, eccentric characters -- and Jen's eyebrow-raising trials and tribulations are more than enough for Yorgos to bring her journey to the silver screen, according to Oscar-winner Emma.

Jen quickly caught wind of the A-list backing ... with her manager Chris Giovanni telling TMZ she was "freaking out over the phone" with excitement when he called her in prison to tell her Friday AM.

Chris tells us Jen acknowledged Emma's endorsement for the project as an honor ... but when it comes to who she'd actually like to play her ... that would be Kim K.

Chris says Jen didn't go into much detail about why she wants Kim ... but it's no secret she's a massive fan of the billionaire -- remember, before her sentencing for wire fraud and money laundering she said she wanted lawyer-in-training Kim to join her legal team.

Kim's involvement may not be too far-fetched ... she's been making serious headway in the acting biz -- earning rave reviews for "American Horror Story," impressing its producer Ryan Murphy so much he's snagged her for his new series, based on famous celebrity divorce lawyer, disso queen Laura Wasser.

Kim's booked and busy ... so who knows if she'll have time on her hands for a Jen biopic ... but Jen says, nonetheless, she can't wait to tell all the ladies, AKA, her fellow prisoners, about Emma's fangirling.

While there's no real talk about a biopic for now, Chris tells us that if and when cameras do roll, Jen's ready to debrief whichever actress bags the role ... she's been documenting her prison experience and has already written 100-150 pages of notes.

Mama June's Daughter Anna 'Chickadee' Cardwell Dead at 29 ... After Cancer Battle

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Mama June's eldest daughter -- Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell -- has died after a difficult cancer battle.

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ANNOUNCING CHICKADEE'S PASSING

Cardwell passed away Saturday night due to complications from her stage 4 adrenal carcinoma, which had previously been described as terminal. Mama June broke the sad news online, writing ... "With the breaking heart, we are announcing that @annamarie35 is no longer with us. She passed away in my home last night peacefully at 11:12 PM."

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

MJ adds, "She gave one hell of a fight for 10 months she passed away with her family around her like she won’t and we will will be updating y’all with more information as we get it today. We love y’all and continued prayers and thoughts for our family doing this difficult time."

Cardwell's passing comes not long after her mother asked the public for prayers on Friday ... when she signaled Anna would be leaving this world soon.

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June had told her followers in a video that the family was going through a transition, and that while Anna was still technically with them ... her life was in God's hands.

Anna had been diagnosed with cancer in January -- this after doctors did tests and found her lung, liver and kidney had been affected. She's said to have undergone chemotherapy in March, and was documenting her journey as recently as October on social media.

It sounds like things took a turn for the worse, though ... and Mama June's family is gutted.

Anna was a big part of their popularity in reality TV -- she'd appeared in several episodes of their hit shows "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" and "Toddlers & Tiaras." She was very much so online, and had a fair amount of followers of her own ... upwards of nearly 250,000, in fact.

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LAST TIME WE SAW HER

The last time we saw Anna was on the TMZ Tour, where she was riding like a normie and bantering with our camera person ... spitballing on what nickname she'd give Harvey Levin.

Anna is survived by her mother, June; her husband Eldridge, her two children, Kaitlyn and Kylee; and her three sisters: Lauryn, Alana and Jessica. She was only 29 years old.

RIP

Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie Big Hugs, Big Kisses During 'Today' Show Producer's Wedding

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Well, hell hath frozen over, because Savannah Guthrie has hugged it out with Matt Lauer!

Matt and Savannah were at the NYC wedding of Jennifer Long, a longtime "Today" show producer. We're told just before the bride came out, Savannah walked up to Matt, gave him a hug and a kiss, and the 2 chatted for a couple minutes.

The reason this reunion is somewhat stunning ... Matt, of course, was fired from "Today" after sexual harassment complaints -- a high-profile and controversial saga at the time.

Anyway, Matt showed up with his girlfriend, Shamin Abas, and Savannah with her husband, Mike Feldman.

But wait ... there's more. Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes were there as well and not only got down on the dance floor ... they were making out as they danced for all to see.

As you know, their ex-spouses, Andrew Shue and Marilee Fiebig, are now a thing!

As for Matt, he's kept a low profile since leaving "Today" six years ago, and he's had no contact with Savannah since his exit.

They were all smiles at the wedding and things seemed chill, so apparently a good time was had by all.

'DWTS' Judge Derek Hough Wife Recovering After Brain Surgery ... Long Road Ahead

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Derek Hough says his wife, Hayley, is recovering after having brain surgery, but it's gonna take quite a while for her to feel 100 percent again.

In a message posted on Instagram Friday, the "Dancing with the Stars" judge gave an update to his fans on Hayley's situation, pointing out that she has a "long road of recovery" after she suffered a "cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel and required an emergency craniectomy."

The Mayo Clinic defines an intracranial hematoma as blood that forms within brain tissue or below the skull, putting pressure on the cranium. The condition is usually caused by a blood vessel that bursts in the brain as a result of head trauma.

In his IG post, Derek also talked about how Hayley inspires him with her will and strength and "no more so than in the last 48 hrs,” when she suffered her medical emergency.

On Thursday morning, Hayley became disoriented and was rushed to a D.C. hospital after their "Symphony of Dance" performance the night before.

Derek also gave thanks to his fans for their love and support, explaining, "The offers of assistance that have poured in have been so humbling and appreciated."

He added, "Our hope is that as a family, we can somehow and someway pay it forward."

Mama June Asks Fans To Keep Daughter In Their Prayers ... Amid Bleak Cancer Fight

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PRAY FOR US

Mama June delivered an ominous message on social media Friday, asking her fans to pray for her family as her cancer-stricken daughter, Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell, fights for her life.

In a video posted on Instagram, June explained their world has changed over the past few weeks, and while "Anna is still us," her life is in God's hands.

The reality star called for everyone to pray for Anna as she and her family go through "this transition."

June said they are currently spending their days with Anna and making lasting memories before her time comes.

And when it finally does come, June promised to announce the news via social media because Anna wouldn't want it "any f***ing other way."

June also thanked their fans for reaching out with messages of support for Anna, before signing off with, "We love you guys and we'll see you soon."

In January, Anna was diagnosed with stage 4 adrenal carcinoma -- a rare cancer that begins in the kidneys and causes stomach pain.

Two months later, Anna reportedly went through her first round of chemotherapy. And, in May, Anna gave her last health update, posting on IG that she had a "pretty good day" after completing her third round of chemo.

We're praying for you, Anna.

Bill Maher To Critics of People Who Do Good ... You're F**king Idiots!!!

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Bill Maher can't understand how people can criticize folks like MrBeast who are helping cure blindness, provide clean drinking water to villages that don't have it, and on and on ... well, actually he does understand -- he says the critics are f**king idiots.

The 'Real Time' host used MrBeast -- an insanely popular YouTuber with 38 billion views -- as an example of how we have lost all common sense and how lazy critics condemn acts of kindness and helpfulness that are objectively good.

Example -- MrBeast gave a pile of loot to doctors to perform cataract surgeries to restore sight. Buzzfeed, among others, condemned it, saying "MrBeast seemed to regard disabilities as something that needs to be solved." Seriously.

MrBeast has done so much more. Example -- He funded 100 wells in Africa to provide clean drinking water to 500,000 people. He was condemned by a charity as a white male figure with a huge platform who was grabbing all the attention. As BM said, "You know what else is frustrating? Dying of thirst."

And another example -- MrBeast paid to rebuild an orphanage in Africa, and was trashed as being the classic "white savior."

And this craziness even seeps into our government ... the NIH proposed an amendment to axe the word "disability," because it implies disabled people are flawed and need to be fixed. Bill says if he ever loses his sight or hearing, don't praise him, fix him.

He goes on and on ... but in this season of giving, why are we trashing the givers?