My 600-Lb. Life star Dolly Martinez has died at the age of 30, her family announced over the weekend.
Martinez appeared on Season 10 of the TLC reality show, which premiered in 2021, following morbidly obese individuals as they enroll in a fitness regimen and try to bring their weight under control.
On Saturday, Martinez’s sister, Lindsey Cooper, announced the news of her death on Facebook, tagging other family members in the post.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my beautiful sister, Dolly. Dolly had the brightest personality she could light up any room with her laughter, her kindness, and her loving spirit. She had a way of making everyone feel special, and her warmth will stay with us forever,” she wrote.
Cooper continued: “While our hearts are broken here, I find comfort in knowing she is now reunited with our dad in heaven. I can only imagine the joy of that reunion. Rest peacefully, Dolly. You will always be loved, always be missed, and never forgotten.”
A cause of death was not disclosed.
During her time on My 600-Lb. Life, Martinez — who was then 25 — spoke openly about her struggles with food addiction and mental health.
“The only thing powerful enough to distract me from darker thoughts is food,” she said during her episode. “Food is my go-to drug that takes my pain away. ... Food is more than just a pleasure. It’s my reason for existing.”
The episode showed her relocating from Fort Worth to Houston, Texas, to be closer to bariatric surgeon Dr Now, in the hope of qualifying for weight-loss surgery. She ultimately lost around 40 pounds, but was not approved for the procedure during her time on the show.
On social media, fans shared their heartfelt messages of condolences in the wake of Martinez’s death.
“R.I.P Dolly, this is sad to see... You have no idea what challenges people go through in their life and how they can push you down such a painful path. Be kind, there are people reading who could be facing similar struggles,” one person on X reminded fellow commenters.
“30… that just doesn’t feel right. Life can be so fragile sometimes,” added another.
“RIP Dolly. She was very young. I enjoyed her episode, and I will rewatch it soon,” wrote a third.
The Independent has contacted TLC for comment.
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