Who Was Tammy Slaton’s Late Husband, Caleb Willingham? All About His Life with the '1000-Lb. Sisters' Star

‘1000 lbs. Sisters star Tammy Slaton’s husband, Caleb Willingham, passed away in July 2023.

Tammy Slaton had been married for just over six months when her husband, Caleb Willingham, died at the age of 40.

Slaton announced Willingham’s death in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE on July 1, 2023.

“I am devastated to share the news of my husband’s passing,” Slaton said. “He was my best friend and I loved him very much. When I met Caleb, he became my guardian angel and now he really watches over me.”

Willingham and Slaton met while they were both living at the Windsor Lane Rehabilitation Center in Gibsonburg, Ohio. They decided to get married at the same location and had a small ceremony with family and friends on November 19, 2022.

All the ups and downs of the ‘1000-Lb. Sisters ‘Tammy and Amy Slaton

So who was Caleb Willingham? Here’s everything you need to know about Tammy Slaton’s late husband.

He met Slaton at a rehabilitation center in Ohio

TLC

When Slaton announced her marriage to Willingham, she revealed that the couple had met while they were both staying at the Windsor Lane Rehabilitation Centre. Slaton previously said she was at the center to focus on her weight loss journey.

The building had a special place in the couple’s hearts because they decided to get married there.

He proposed to her in October 2022

In a clip from March 2023 1000 lbs. SistersSlaton revealed how surprised she was by Willingham’s proposal, and fans got to see more details about the sweet moment.

“Today I decided to prepare something for Tammy,” Willingham explained in the confessional. “I get everyone together — our friends, even the staff — and at this point she knows something’s up because why is she in the parking lot? She starts shaking a little and blushing and doing everything that I think is absolutely adorable about her.”

Although the two had only been dating for three weeks, they were both sure that they were meant for each other. When Willingham popped the question, Slaton stood up and hugged and kissed him before placing a heart-shaped diamond ring on her finger.

“We’re engaged! I know it’s only been three weeks, but I’ve never felt this way about anyone,” she said in her confessional. “I’ve never been this happy in my last two relationships.”

“We’re going to get married, we’re going to have a few kids, hopefully. Life is going to be great,” Willingham continued before Slaton said, “Life is already great. But basically it’s going to get even better.”

They got married in November 2022

Michael Moretti

After Willingham proposed in October 2022, it didn’t take long for the two to make their marriage official. On November 19, 2022, the couple got married at a rehabilitation center with 30 members of their closest family and friends.

In a clip from the March 2023 show, Slaton shared some behind-the-scenes details about her wedding. As she walked down the aisle in a white dress and tiara, Willingham began to cry.

“When I saw Caleb at the altar, I just imagined doves and butterflies all around like God opened the clouds and let the sunlight in,” Slaton said. “It was magical.”

When I finally see her, my heart explodes, Willingham added.

Their carer and friend Billy officiated the wedding and went through the usual procedure of asking if anyone objected to the marriage – which made Slaton nervous at first.

“I don’t think anyone will protest, but you never know. My family may be a surprise,” she said. – But nobody said anything, thank God.

Slaton said her wedding day to Willingham was “perfect”

A month after their wedding, Slaton exclusively told PEOPLE that she was on her honeymoon with Willingham as the two enjoyed their time as a married couple.

Our wedding day was perfect, there was so much love in the room, Slaton said. – I literally married my best friend.

Later, in a teaser for the fourth season of her TLC reality show, Slaton revealed that she had never been happier.

“I love waking up every morning and seeing his face,” she said. “And to see his face every night before bed.”

Willingham died in July 2023

Tammy Slaton/Instagram

On July 1, 2023, Slaton confirmed that Willingham had passed away at the age of 40. After confirming the news to PEOPLE, Slaton posted a tribute to her late husband on her Instagram, including photos of the two celebrating Christmas together.

“Rip sweet angel, I will miss and love you forever, thank you Caleb for showing me true love and happiness ❤️❤️,” Slaton captioned her post.

In a statement, TLC also added, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Caleb Willingham. Our condolences go out to Tammy, his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Tributes poured in for the late reality star, including from family and friends on Facebook. Willingham’s cousin, Amber Brandon Clark, wrote on Facebook: “I lost my cousin, Caleb Willingham, yesterday. My friend since birth, my friend, my homemade pan and the cutest boyfriend. It still doesn’t feel real. I miss him so much already, but I know he is at peace now. Rest, born. I love you, Kay-Kay.”

In November 2023, Slaton shared a photo of Willingham’s urn at sunset.

“Sunset was our thing,” she captioned the picture. “Even though I’m not in love with him, I will always love him and miss him every day. It will be better.”

Slaton reflected on her relationship with Willingham shortly after his death

On July 5, 2023, Slaton posted an emotional video on TikTok, sharing some of her grief and addressing rumors that she and Willingham were having marital problems before his death.

“I hate to come here and let everyone see me like this,” she said at the start of the video as tears streamed down her face.

“I am in a stage of grief. Yes, we had problems, but I loved that man and I still love him,” she continued. “I miss him like crazy, but I wanted to thank everyone for the comments.”

She added that she didn’t plan to “go into detail” about their issues because it was “really personal,” but thanked fans for their support and kindness as she dealt with his death.

“I am aware that he looks at me with contempt. I know he’s not in pain anymore. I know he is in a better place,” she said. “I love you all from the bottom of my heart,” she told her fans. “Believe it or not, he loved you all very much too.”

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education