Warning: This article contains discussion of cancer which some readers may find distressing.
Recently, the family of the stars from the well-known reality TV series, 1000-lb Sisters, faced a tragic loss as their cousin passed away last week. Tammy Slaton has opened up about her cousin’s passing.
Katie Slaton, aged 37, succumbed last Monday (August 25) only months after being diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer.
Katie was a prominent figure in season five of the much-loved TLC show, which documented Tammy’s experiences at a weight loss rehab facility.
Her death was announced by her cousin Amanda Halterman—who is also Tammy and Amy Slaton’s sister—through an Instagram post: “It is with a completely crushed heart and spirit that I have to post this. My little cousin went to sit at the feet of Jesus yesterday.
“She was a force to be reckoned with and showed love that was accepting and given freely. She was the life of the party and my best friend.
“Please pray for everyone who loves her. Thank you all who has come out and supported her. #cancerscks.”
Tammy, who had not previously commented on her cousin’s death online, has now shared a TikTok video showing her dancing and singing with her fiancée Andrea while in the car.
In the video, the two are seen laughing as ‘Footloose’ by Kenny Loggins plays, with Tammy saying to her partner: “I look awful.”
Despite the post, she did not address her cousin directly.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched in January for Katie, with a goal to raise $100,000.
When promoting the fundraiser, Tammy posted: “Y’all I’m so sorry to be asking a big favor like this but if anyone can help, even if it’s a dollar would help my cousin out so much.
“She has been on my show but this is something new. Our family just found out about her having cancer.”
She further stated: “Our fans have been there for us for so long now and y’all mean the world so any act of kindness is and will be greatly appreciated.
“Thank you so much and before anyone asks, yes I’ve donated myself.”
An obituary on Whitsell Funeral Home’s website stated: “Katie Slaton, age 37 of Madisonville, KY passed away Monday August 25, 2025 at Linda White Hospice House in Evansville, IN.
“She was born September 17, 1987 in Morganfield, KY to Jerry & Frances Slaton. She enjoyed fishing, music, and hanging out with family and friends.”
As reported by the American Cancer Society, adenocarcinomas account for 90 to 95 percent of stomach cancers. Annually, about 30,000 individuals in the US are diagnosed with stomach cancer, representing roughly 1.5 percent of all new cancer cases nationwide.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell at (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].