Mama June Shannon‘s daughter Lauryn “Pumpkin” Shannon doesn’t care what haters have to say about her relationship with ex Josh Efird’s cousin, Darrin Kitchens.
Lauryn, 25, defended the romance in a lengthy Facebook post on Wednesday, August 28. The Mama June: Family Crisis star shared a Reel featuring photos of herself and Kitchens, along with the text, “I will always believe in ‘A man will change his bad habits for the woman he truly loves.’ Why? Because he did/has.”
In the video’s caption, Lauryn added, “If you would’ve told me a year ago that we’d be building a life together, we would both probably laugh it off. But this man has continuously the past year changed his perspective, his ways, his entire lifestyle, & made sure to make me feel like I’m on top of the world every single day. The man you were a year ago IS NOT the same man you are today and I am always so so proud of you & the growth you continue to make not only for yourself but for our relationship.”
Lauryn continued, “So many have an opinion about us or you, but they don’t know you like I do as cliche as that may sound. All the helping hands with the kids, all the countless projects for our home , all the endless spoiling, & just all the love you have to give in general. Forever grateful for getting to experience this type of love & growth with you 🥹💕! 143 always.”
Lauryn debuted her relationship with Kitchens in August 2024, shortly after her split from Efird, 29.
“Zach Bryan tonight. ‘How lucky are we,’” Lauryn captioned photos of her and Kitchens’ date night at the country star’s concert.
Kitchens shared the same images, writing, “The greatest risk in life is not taking one at all. So thankful for you!!!”
In a September post, Lauryn called Kitchens her “happy place.”
Lauryn Shannon, Darrin Kitchens Lauryn Shannon/Facebook
Lauryn filed for divorce from Efird, with whom she shares kids Ella, 7, Bentley, 4, and twins Sylus and Stella, 3, in early August 2024 and listed their date of separation as July 1, according to court documents obtained by Us Weekly. The split was finalized in September 2024, with the exes agreeing to share joint legal and physical custody of the children.
Fans watched Lauryn and Efird settle their divorce during season 7 of Mama June: Family Crisis, which aired on WeTV from May to July. The season also featured Lauryn unveiling her relationship with Kitchens to her friends and family — and Efird finding out about it.
“They’re not blood cousins,” Lauryn explained to her friend Paisley, adding that Kitchens “is related to Josh’s stepfather, which Josh’s stepdad is like a father to him, but there’s no blood rushing.”
Lauryn also told Mama June, 46, about her new boyfriend.
“The divorce ain’t even dried on the ink yet,” Mama June said of the relationship.
Efird ultimately found out about the relationship from Lauryn’s sister Jessica Shannon and left his ex-wife an angry note as he packed up to leave their shared house.
“I can’t believe you’ve been lying to me. All the years wasted just for you to go see someone,” he wrote to Lauryn. “I’m packing my s*** and I’m gone.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.usmagazine.com ’
