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Honey Boo Boo Fame Has Been 'Surreal,' Says 'Mama' June

08/31/2012 at 06:45 PM EDT

Here Comes Honey Boo Boo star "Mama" June says instant stardom is "surreal," but the family members are still just "regular everyday people." But ask Alana Thompson – the 7-year-old fun, feisty heart of the TLC hit – and she has a different answer.

"Are you famous?," June asks her squirming daughter during a PEOPLE interview.

"Yes," answers Alana as she fiddles with a crown.



"Why do you see yourself as being famous?" asks her mom.

"Uh, because I'm on TV all the time," she answers with a knowing grin.

Indeed, June says that whenever Alana hears her own voice playing on the TV when the family has the show on, she comes running from the other room to watch herself. But Alana still maintains her innocence and sense of silliness that viewers have come to love. During the interview she pushes her oversized crown down around her neck and sings a made-up song about "Honey Boo Boo Child."

And the family, so far, seems to be staying true to their country roots.

"It's kind of like, crazy seeing yourself on TV," says June. "[But] we're just common everyday people."

For much more on Honey Boo Boo and her no-holds-barred family, pick up this week's issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands now