# Troy Landry Reveals the Truth About Pickle Wheat: A Surprising Update

Swamp People star Troy Landry has recently broken his silence about fan-favorite Pickle Wheat, leaving fans shocked and confused. What really happened between Troy and Pickle, and how will this affect the show moving forward?

Troy Landry, born on June 9, 1961, hails from Pierre Part, Louisiana, a small town deep within the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest swamp in America. As a fifth-generation swamp dweller, Troy grew up surrounded by water and wildlife.

His family, including parents Duffy and Myrtle Landry and brother Bubba, worked as hunters, trappers, shrimpers, and moss sellers, relying on the land and water to survive. From a young age, Troy learned to navigate the harsh swamp environment, facing floods, storms, and scarce resources. He began hunting alligators as a teenager, mastering the dangerous craft with patience and grit. For Troy, the swamp wasn’t just a home—it was a way of life.

Before fame, Troy lived a quiet, hardworking existence, supporting his family through the swamp’s resources. His life changed dramatically in 2010 when the History Channel launched Swamp People, a reality show about alligator hunters. Selected from thousands of Louisiana hunters, Troy quickly became the face of the series, earning the nickname “King of the Swamp.” With his calm voice, quick mind, and fearless approach to danger, he captivated audiences.

Each season, alongside his sons Jacob and Chase, Troy hunts during Louisiana’s intense 30-day gator season, where every tag must be filled, and every moment counts. The show not only highlighted the drama of the hunt but also the heart behind it—teamwork, family, and a deep-rooted way of life. Season after season, Troy’s popularity grew, with fans calling him a movie star despite his humble roots.

Yet, behind the scenes, the work remained grueling, with risks like storms, snakes, and fast-moving water ever-present. In Season 16, aired in early 2025, challenges intensified with Hurricane Francine damaging boats and disrupting hunts, but Troy persevered with his crew, facing 800 tags and Mother Nature’s wrath.

Beyond the swamp, Troy faced personal battles, including a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2022. Keeping it private initially, he continued filming while undergoing surgery and recovery, supported by his wife Bonita, married since September 26, 1981, and his family. His strength shone through, inspiring fans worldwide.

Bonita, his rock, and their three sons—Jacob, Chase, and stepson Brandon—uphold the swamp traditions, with Jacob’s quiet dependability and Chase’s fiery passion complementing Troy’s legacy on the show.

Troy’s life hasn’t been without controversy. In late 2024, he was cited by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for breaking tagging rules, using tags from one parish in another, and releasing a dead gator.

Facing potential fines up to $950 per violation and jail time, plus the confiscation of his boat and motor, Troy remained silent, fueling speculation about rivals or the pressures of fame. Legal proceedings loomed with a civil hearing in November 2024 and a criminal case in January 2025, casting a shadow over his reputation as the swamp’s king.

Amidst this, Troy’s bond with Pickle Wheat, whose real name is Cheyenne, stands out. Not born into the Landry family, Pickle earned her place on Swamp People through grit and determination.

When she first joined, fans were curious about how the young, energetic hunter would fit into the harsh gator-hunting world. She quickly proved herself with courage, patience, and respect for the swamp. Troy noticed her potential early, saying, “That girl can handle herself. She’s not just strong, she’s smart, too.” Over time, their relationship deepened beyond co-stars, with Troy declaring, “Pickle is like the daughter I never had.”

In a surprising moment during Season 16, fans watched Troy officiate Pickle’s wedding to Joshua Kipus, an emergency medical technician who shares her love for the outdoors. The heartfelt, swamp-side ceremony showcased a rare side of Troy—calm, focused, and full of heart. “I never thought I’d be marrying anyone,” Troy admitted during the event. “Pickle is like family. I’ve watched her grow, and I know she’s got a good heart.

She picked a good man, and I’m proud to stand here.” Fans flooded social media with emotion, many moved to tears, while Troy joked it was easier pulling a gator into a boat than finding the right words at a wedding. Pickle expressed her gratitude, saying, “Troy means a lot to me. He’s not just a coworker. He’s family. Having him there meant everything.” Even after marriage, Pickle remains committed to the swamp, with Troy affirming, “She’ll be back. That girl’s got the swamp in her blood.”

Despite the initial headline suggesting a negative revelation, Troy’s truth about Pickle isn’t a scandal but a celebration of an unbreakable bond forged through shared struggles and triumphs.

Their rare connection reminds us that family isn’t always about blood—it’s about who shows up, teaches, and believes in you, even off-camera. As Swamp People continues, this relationship promises more inspiring moments, reinforcing the show’s heart amidst its inherent dangers and challenges.

How will this deep bond influence future seasons? Only time will tell, but it’s clear Troy and Pickle’s story is one of mutual respect and enduring loyalty.