Caleb Willingham, Tammy Slaton’s husband of a little more than six months, passed away at the age of 40.
On November, the two exchanged vows. Slaton praised her late husband on November 19, 2022.
She remarked at the time, “You all knew me as Tammy Slaton, but now you all will know me as Mrs. Tammy Willingham.”.
“I’m married now!”.
While residing at the Windsor Lane Rehabilitation Center in Gibsonburg, Ohio, Slaton and Willingham became friends. They made the choice to get married there, and to commemorate the joyous event, they had a small ceremony with family and friends.
Slaton broke the news of Willingham’s passing to PEOPLE in an exclusive statement on July 1, 2023. Slaton said, “I am heartbroken to announce the passing of my husband. “He was my best friend, and I adored him. “.
She continued, “When I met Caleb, he transformed into my guardian angel, and now he truly is watching over me. “Our families appreciate everyone’s sympathy; however, at this time, they kindly ask that you respect their privacy. ”.
Slaton revealed the couple met while they were both residents of the Windsor Lane Rehabilitation Center when she announced her marriage to Willingham. Slaton had earlier declared that her goal while at the center was to concentrate on her weight-loss journey.
The venue held a special place in the couple’s hearts because they also made the choice to get married there. In October 2022, he proposed.
In a clip from the 1000-Lb. Sisters, Willingham’s proposal caught Slaton off guard, and the fans got to see more of the touching moment.
Willingham confessed, “So today I decided I’d set up a little something for Tammy. She begins to shake a little bit, turn red, and do everything that is absolutely adorable to me about her as I gather everyone up — our friends, even the staff — and at this point she knows something’s up because why is she in the parking lot, she starts doing all of those things. “.
Despite only having been dating for three weeks, the two were both certain they were the ones for each other. Slaton stood up and gave Willingham a hug and kiss before sliding the diamond ring in the shape of a heart onto her finger.
She confessed, “I’ve never felt this way about anyone, but we’re engaged! I know it’s only been three weeks.”. “In my two previous relationships, I had never felt this content. “.
“Hopefully, we’ll get married and have a few children. Before Slaton chimed in, Willingham continued, “Life’s going to be great. In fact, it already is. However, things are basically about to get better. “.
After Willingham popped the question in October 2022, the couple quickly got married. On Nov. On January 19 of 2022, the couple got married at the rehab facility in front of 30 of their closest family and friends.
Slaton revealed some behind-the-scenes information about her wedding in a clip from the show that aired in March 2023. Willingham started crying as she walked down the aisle wearing a white gown and tiara.
Slaton said, “When I saw Caleb at the altar, I was just picturing doves and butterflies all around, like God had opened up the clouds and let the sunlight in. It was magical. “.
Willingham continued, “When I finally see her, my heart explodes.”.
Billy, their friend and home care nurse, officiated the wedding and went through the traditional process of asking if anyone had any objections to the union—which Slaton was initially anxious about.
“I don’t believe anyone will object, but you never know. She remarked, “My family can surprise you. Thank God, no one spoke, though. “.
In the months following their nuptials, Slaton and Willingham had a content marriage.
Exclusively speaking to PEOPLE a month after their wedding, Slaton said that she and Willingham were having the time of their lives as a married couple and were having the honeymoon of a lifetime.
Slaton remarked, “Our wedding day was perfect, and there was so much love in the air. “I genuinely wed my best friend. “.
Slaton said she had never been happier in a season 4 teaser for her TLC reality show that was released in January.
I enjoy seeing his face when I wake up in the morning, she said. “And every evening before going to bed, I would see his face. “.
Slaton announced on July 1, 2023, that Willingham had passed away at the age of 40. Slaton posted a tribute to her late husband on Instagram after telling PEOPLE the news and including pictures of the two spending Christmas together.
Rip sweet angel, you will always be missed and loved so much. Thank you, Caleb, for demonstrating true love and happiness for her.
TLC said in a statement, “We are shocked to hear of Caleb Willingham’s passing. In this difficult time, we send our condolences to Tammy, his family, and friends. ”.
Numerous people paid tribute to the deceased reality star on Facebook, including family members and friends. Amber Brandon Clark, Willingham’s cousin, posted on Facebook that she had lost her relative the previous day. My best friend, my buddy, my home cook, and the sweetest guy. Even now, it doesn’t seem real. Even though I already miss him a lot, I am confident that he is now content. Calm down, buddy. I adore you, Kay-Kay. ”.
Facebook user I’am Willc wrote, “I can’t believe I’m even writing this post, but today GOD called my big brother home.”.
“R.
I.
P. Caleb Willingham, also known as Killla K, Double K, and one half of the charismatic WWF tag team champions The W Boys, is my staunchest ally in everything I do. You will always be cherished and missed. I hope to see you soon. “.
Slaton shared some of her sorrow in an emotional video that she uploaded to TikTok on July 5, 2023. She also addressed rumors that she and Willingham were having marital issues prior to his passing.
She began the video by saying, “I hate getting on here and letting everyone see me like this,” as tears ran down her face.
“I’m going through the stages of grief. Yes, we were having issues, but I still loved him, she said. “I miss him terribly, but I wanted to thank everyone for their comments. “.
She continued by saying that since it was “really personal,” she didn’t intend to “get into the details” of their disagreements. Nevertheless, she expressed her gratitude to the audience for its compassion and support during her time of grief.
I’m conscious of his descending gaze.
He’s no longer in pain, and I know it. I’m sure he’s in a better place, she said. She greeted her fans with the words, “I love you all from the bottom of my heart.”. Believe it or not, he truly cared about all of you. ”.
