‘7 Little Johnstons’ family suffers heartbreaking loss ahead of new season

Mary Alice “Nana” Johnston, mother of 7 Little Johnstons star Trent Johnston, has died, the family confirmed. (Johan Johnston, Anna Johnston, Trent Johnston, Emma Johnston, Amber Johnston, Alex Johnston and Elizabeth Johnston from the cast of TLC’s “7 Little Johnstons” filming a visit to Times Square on January 4, 2019 in New York City.) (Photo by Walter McBride/GC Images)GC Images

The family of TLC’s “7 Little Johnstons” is mourning the passing of Trent Johnston’s mother, Mary Alice Maddox Johnston.

Family members announced the death of Johnston, known to viewers as “Nana,” on social media on Saturday.

Her granddaughter, Emma Johnston, shared a video on Instagram of herself painting her grandmother’s nails.

“Our nana is in heaven with poppy watching over all of us,” Emma wrote in the caption. “We love you and I miss you sm.”

Trent’s wife, Amber Johnston, posted a photo of Nana with a white heart emoji. Their daughter, Liz Johnston, also paid tribute on her Instagram Stories.

“Will love you always Nana,” she wrote over a photo of the two of them.

Nana’s death comes after the family lost Trent’s father, Walter “Pete” Lawrence Johnston, who was known as “Poppy,” on March 10, 2024, Parade noted. Both of Trent’s parents were featured on the family’s reality show.

Viewers saw Nana in the trailer for the upcoming 16th season; she also appeared in previous seasons as Trent and his sister, Heidi, helped care for their aging parents. In season 15, Trent delivered a moving eulogy for his father, sharing a lesson “Poppy” taught him.

“One of the many life lessons Dad taught all of us was that being a little person, people will always remember you,” Trent recalled. “It is up to you on what they remember about you.”

“When your parents pass away, it is sad. But if you have a parent that was strong in their faith, a man like Poppy, it’s a blessing to us now because we got somebody else to talk to,” he said.

Reality-TV watchers of 7 Little Johnstons have been buzzing this week: Anna Johnston, the adopted daughter of stars Trent Johnston and Amber Johnston, has seemingly confirmed that she is no longer part of the show’s core cast.

What has been reported

• A promotional clip for the show’s newest season features all the typical voices and faces—except Anna. Fans pointed out the absence. The Sun

• In response, Anna reportedly left a comment under the promo: “So it’s ‘6 Little’ right?” — an obvious nod to her omission. The Sun

• Earlier, it was reported that Anna skipped a family vacation to Puerto Rico despite being planned for, raising suspicions about her relationship with the rest of the Johnston family. The Sun

• According to reports, the season preview for season 14 of the show alludes to “Anna’s growing distance from the family” as part of the narrative. The Sun

Why this matters

Anna’s apparent exit (or at least reduced visibility) marks a significant shift for a show built around family rhythm and appearances. Her story has resonated: an adopted daughter, forging independence, buying her own home, and apparently doing things her own way. The departure—or at least the uncertain status—raises questions about both the on-screen dynamic and the behind-the-scenes relationships.

What we don’t know yet

• There has been no formal statement from the network TLC, the Johnston family, or Anna herself clearly stating that she is leaving permanently.

• It’s unclear whether Anna’s role is being reduced, whether she will appear in a future season in a different capacity, or if this is a full exit.

• The reasons for the distance are speculative. Some reports mention “family tensions” and Anna’s growing independence. The Sun+1

What could unfold

If Anna is stepping back for good, the show may address it on-camera via storytelling—either a move out of the home, a special episode, or a “where life takes her next” segment. Alternatively, the show may just quietly move on without her, shifting focus to other family members. Fans might also push for some resolution or explanation given how outspoken Anna has become.

Bottom line

For fans of 7 Little Johnstons, Anna’s absence is a jolt. She’s been part of the story, identity, and emotional texture of the show. Whether this is a definitive exit or a pause remains to be seen. What is clear: the dynamics of the Johnston family—and the show’s narrative possibilities—are shifting.

According to Parade, “7 Little Johnstons” Season 16 premieres on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 10 p.m. ET on TLC.

This story was written with the assistance of AI.