Lauryn “Pumpkin” Efird is opening up about her divorce from husband Josh Efird, reflecting on their six-year marriage as they prepare for the new season of “Mama June: Family Crisis,” which premieres tonight on WE tv. The couple, who share four children—Ella Grace, 6, Bentley Jameson, 3, and 2-year-old twins Sylus and Stella—are set to showcase the trials of their split, which was finalized in 2024.
In an interview, Pumpkin acknowledged that both she and Josh made mistakes in their relationship. “I can admit that as a woman, I can admit that as an adult… Unfortunately, we did try therapy,” she shared. Despite her efforts to salvage the marriage, she felt it ultimately could not be saved. Pumpkin’s mother, Mama June Shannon, also reflected on the need for the separation, citing the death of Pumpkin’s sister Anna “Chikadee” Cardwell from cancer in late 2023 as a pivotal moment that brought clarity to Pumpkin about her life.
The couple currently shares 50/50 custody of their children, alternating weeks, though Pumpkin described their co-parenting relationship as “okay, depending on the day.” Recent developments also included Josh welcoming another child with a different woman, a topic that Pumpkin and her family members have chosen to keep private.
Throughout the challenges leading to the show’s debut, Pumpkin has struggled with public speculation and media narratives about her life and relationships. She expressed her frustration at the inaccurate headlines and emphasized her desire for people to know the truth, revealing how difficult it has been to navigate her personal life amidst the ongoing public interest.
The upcoming season aims to provide fans with more insight into their family dynamics and Pumpkin’s journey as a co-parent navigating this new phase of her life. Despite the challenges, there remains a spirit of hope as she strives to maintain healthy relationships for the sake of her children.
Overall, Pumpkin’s candid reflection and commitment to co-parenting signals a desire for stability and support for their family, which is a positive step forward amid the complexities of their situation.