Tammy Slaton Announces New Relationship Following Husband’s Passing
1000-Lb Sisters star Tammy Slaton is back in the dating scene over a year after the passing of her husband, Caleb Willingham.
“There’s something I haven’t shared with my family. Amy [Slaton] isn’t the only one dating someone new. I am too,” Tammy, 38, revealed in a clip from People as part of the TLC show’s season 7 premiere. “I’ve been in a relationship for a few months, and it’s going quite well.”
In the preview, Tammy discreetly left her home and got into her car while her brother Chris Combs expressed curiosity about her whereabouts.
“I want to take a different approach with this relationship than I have before, which is why I haven’t informed my family, as they’re bound to have their opinions,” she explained. “Honestly, my family has more opinions than there are assholes in the world because they can’t stop talking.”
Tammy mentioned that this is her first relationship since her husband’s passing and that she is dating a woman.
“A few years back, I identified as pansexual, but since Caleb’s death, I just don’t feel inclined to date men anymore,” she shared. “I’m unsure how my family will react when I tell them I’m seeing a woman.”
Tammy had previously addressed her sexuality in January 2024 through a TikTok where she responded to a user questioning her membership in the LGBTQIA+ community.
“I’m here to support everyone,” Tammy said. “While I initially identified as pansexual, I’ve kind of stepped away from dating men since my husband passed. So now, I guess I’m a lesbian. Love is love. Everyone deserves love, whether they’re gay, straight, trans, pan, bi, nonbinary, or whatever. I’m just a lover.”
Tammy first met Willingham in 2021 at a rehabilitation center, and the two married a year later, with Tammy describing their wedding day as “the best day” of their lives.
“The atmosphere was filled with so much love,” she told E! News in 2023. “I feel grateful that so many family members and our rehab family could attend. … When we shared our first kiss, he leaned forward and accidentally hit the control switch, driving right into me and knocking me back into my wheelchair!”
Willingham passed away later that year at the age of 40. “Rest in peace, sweet angel. You will be forever missed and loved beyond measure,” Tammy expressed on Instagram in July 2023. “Thank you, Caleb, for showing me what real love and happiness feel like ❤️❤️.”
1000-Lb. Sisters season 7 premieres on TLC on Tuesday, April 15, at 9 p.m. ET.
