Over the years, fans 1000 lbs. Sisters were able to witness Tammy and Amy Slaton’s emotional weight loss journeys, while also getting an honest look at the sisters’ love lives.
After a year of loss — Tammy’s husband Caleb Willingham died earlier this year and Amy’s marriage to Michael Halterman ended in turbulence — the sisterly duo are open about how they’re trying to move forward.
Tammy, 37, met Willingham at the Windsor Lane Rehabilitation Center in Gibsonburg, Ohio, while working on her own weight loss journey there. The two fell in love and quickly got married in November 2022.
He was the love of her life, Tammy tells PEOPLE exclusively in this week’s issue. “What’s not to love? He really fit into our family.”
1000 lbs. sisters Tammy and Amy Slaton say weight struggles started as kids: ‘We ate our feelings’ (Exclusive)
Tammy Slaton.
Diana King
But seven months later, Willingham died at age 40 of unknown causes. Tammy was at home in Kentucky when she learned of her husband’s death – he remained in a rehab facility in Ohio after she left.
“I was sitting in the fetal position,” Tammy recalls. “I got a text from his friend upstairs and it said, ‘Caleb is not well. They are there working on it.’ 20 minutes later he texted me and said he wasn’t there.”
‘1000 lbs. Sisters star Tammy Slaton pictured with family at husband Caleb Willingham’s funeral (Exclusive)
Tammy Slaton and Caleb Willingham on their wedding day surrounded by Tammy’s family.
TLC
Tammy says she is dealing with the loss “pretty well.” Since then, she has had two pieces of jewelry made from Willingham’s ashes: a ring and a necklace in the shape of a musical note.
“Now he will live forever because his memory is sealed,” she says. “Knowing he’s with me helps me get through the day. I find myself grabbing my necklace and holding it tight. When I take off my jewelry, I feel like it’s weird, separation anxiety. I’m starting to panic.”
“Every time I miss it, I can always look back on the series and watch it and see what made me happy again,” adds Tammy.
And when it comes to getting into a new relationship, she insists, “I’m in no rush to settle down or meet someone right now.”
Meanwhile, Amy is ready for the next chapter of her life after splitting from her husband of six years, Michael Halterman.
On March 13, he filed for divorce from Amy in Kentucky, according to court documents. The former couple eloped back in 2017 before tying the knot in 2019, which was previously documented on the TLC show. They are parents to sons Gage Deon (3) and Glenn Allen (1).
Recalling the end of their relationship, Amy says that Halterman’s lack of support contributed to the implosion of their marriage.
“There was no support. There was no love. There was no courtesy. There was only mental abuse,” she says, noting that it took her time to speak out about the marital problems she was facing. “I just got tired of hiding from people.”
‘1000 lbs. Amy Slaton and Michael Halterman’s sisterly relationship — from high school friends to reality stars
Amy Slaton and Michael Halterman. Amy Slaton/Instagram
Amy admits that what really “put the nail in the coffin” was a heated argument they had when she needed to buy formula for their son.
“I spilled Glenn’s formula all over the floor,” she recalls. “I was trying to tell him that I needed a new jar. He said, ‘No, I’ll go out and buy you one.’ I said, ‘I need it now. He wants a bottle, let’s go. I can just stop by and get him some.’ And hell broke loose.”
Amy claims Halterman refused to return the bank card she needed to buy the formula, leading to an explosive confrontation between the pair and Amy’s sisters, all caught on camera for the new season of the show 1000 lbs. Sisters.
“That’s the day I left,” Amy says. “But before that I fell in love with him.”
Amy Slaton with sons Glenn and Gage.
TLC
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Amy now only sees or talks to Halterman when it comes to their children.
“I see him on Friday when I drop the boys off and pick them up on Monday,” she says. “And that’s all that goes. I’ll ask him if he can babysit if I have to work or something. But other than that, it’s just a matter of ‘Hey, can you watch the guys today, at this time?’”
Tammy and Amy Slaton.
Diana King
After the split, Amy says she’s seeing a therapist to help her get through the messy divorce. She also has a budding romance, introducing her boyfriend, Tony Rodgers, on social media last month.
“Tony supports me in everything I do. He supports the kids, he supports Tammy, he supports my whole family,” Amy says.
For more on Tammy and Amy Slaton, pick up this week’s issue on stands Friday.
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Source: HIS Education