Amy and Tammy Slaton, known for their reality series 1000-Lb Sisters, are grieving the heartbreaking death of their cousin Katie Slaton at the age of 37.
The news was shared earlier this week by their sister Amanda Halterman, who took to Instagram to pay tribute to Katie’s life and legacy.
Katie’s Battle with Cancer
Katie had been fighting stage 4 gastric adenocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of stomach cancer, which was diagnosed earlier this year.
She had appeared on several episodes of the TLC series, including a memorable moment during season 5 when Tammy returned home from a weight-loss rehabilitation center.
Amanda described Katie as “a force to be reckoned with” and “the life of the party” in her emotional tribute.
She wrote, “My little cousin went to sit at the feet of Jesus yesterday… Please pray for my aunt, uncle and cousins but mostly for the babies and for Natalie to be strong.” Amanda also thanked fans for their support, asking for continued prayers for everyone who loved Katie.
Family and Fans Rally in Support
Back in January, Tammy had asked fans to help support Katie during her cancer battle, sharing a GoFundMe link.
“Even if it’s just a dollar, it would help my cousin out so much,” Tammy wrote.
She also encouraged prayers and positive thoughts for Katie, highlighting how much the family appreciated the love and support from fans.
Katie’s longtime girlfriend, Natalie Gerrick Bailie, kept friends and supporters updated throughout her treatment. In February, Bailie shared that Katie’s symptoms were improving and expressed gratitude for the support of both families and their communities.
A Year Marked by Loss for the Slatons
Tragically, Katie’s passing comes just over a year after the Slaton sisters endured another family loss.
In July 2023, Tammy’s husband, Caleb Willingham, died at the age of 40 due to complications from super morbid obesity.
Tammy had met Caleb in 2022 while undergoing treatment at the Windsor Lane Rehabilitation Center in Ohio.
Although they were separated at the time of his death, Tammy paid tribute to him, calling Caleb her “sweet angel” and expressing gratitude for the love and happiness he had brought into her life.
Later, Tammy revealed she had entered her first relationship since Caleb’s passing, sharing that she was now seeing a woman and reflecting on how her family might react.
Tammy’s Journey Through Grief and Transformation
Tammy has been candid about her grief, recalling the moment she learned of Caleb’s death while at home in Kentucky.
She described receiving a text from a friend notifying her of his condition, only to find out 20 minutes later that he had passed.
In addition to navigating personal loss, Tammy has made headlines for her incredible weight loss journey, having shed approximately 500 pounds since first appearing on 1000-Lb Sisters with her sister Amy in 2020.
Her story continues to inspire fans as she balances fame, personal growth, and the challenges of her family’s ongoing struggles.
