BREAKING: Pumpkin Confirms Pregnancy With New Boyfriend Darrin Kitchen
October 7, 2025 – Atlanta, Georgia – In a move that has surprised fans and stirred major buzz online, Lauryn “Pumpkin” Shannon has confirmed that she is pregnant again — this time with her new boyfriend, Darrin Kitchens. The announcement comes months after her split from ex-husband Josh Efird.
A New Flame: Who Is Darrin Kitchens?
According to outlets like People and TV Season & Spoilers, Darrin Kitchens has been officially dating Pumpkin following her public breakup with Josh. Darrin, described as a kind and attentive man, is said to be giving Pumpkin the emotional support she’s long needed.
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He reportedly works as an equipment operator at Vulcan Materials Company in Macon, Georgia — not far from where Pumpkin grew up.
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The couple has made several soft appearances together in recent Instagram Stories and even shared a public kiss at a concert.
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Fans have noted that the relationship seems to be progressing fast, but those close to Pumpkin say she is “the happiest she’s been in a long time.”
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The Controversy: He’s Related to Her Ex?
The relationship isn’t without drama. Darrin is allegedly a step-cousin of Josh Efird — Pumpkin’s ex-husband. This detail raised eyebrows among fans and even shocked her own family.
Pumpkin clarified the connection by saying:
“They’re not blood cousins.”
According to her, the relation is through Josh’s stepfather and not by blood — but it hasn’t stopped speculation online.
Josh and Family React
In a recent episode of Mama June: Family Crisis, Josh was visibly heartbroken upon learning Pumpkin’s new boyfriend was someone related — albeit distantly — to him. He packed his things and left the shared home, leaving behind a scathing letter expressing his pain and disappointment.
Meanwhile, Pumpkin’s mom, Mama June Shannon, was also taken aback by the news. When Pumpkin revealed the relationship during a family dinner, Mama June responded:
“Why in the world?”
Despite the initial shock, she admitted Darrin has been kind and playful with the kids and is making an effort to be a positive presence.
New Beginnings, New Baby
Pumpkin recently shared an ultrasound photo with a cryptic caption:
“New beginnings sometimes come in the tiniest packages 💕🍼.”
While she hasn’t made a full public statement, close sources confirm that she and Darrin are expecting their first child together.
This pregnancy marks her fifth child, following her four children with Josh Efird. Fans are now wondering how Pumpkin will navigate co-parenting, reality TV, and a new romance — especially one so closely tied to her past.
