The 1000-Lb. Sisters family is grieving a heartbreaking loss after Katie Slaton, cousin to series stars Tammy and Amy Slaton, passed away on Monday, August 25, at just 37 years old following a short battle with cancer. Her death was confirmed through a family obituary, alongside moving tributes shared across social media.
For fans of the TLC reality show, Katie’s passing marks another difficult moment for the Slatons, who have long let viewers into both their hardships and the love that holds them together. Katie wasn’t just a relative behind the scenes — she appeared in several episodes over the years, often supporting Tammy and Amy during pivotal family events. Viewers connected with her honesty, humor, and the warmth she brought to the family’s story.
Katie became especially memorable during Season 5, when she played a steady role in Tammy’s rehab journey, offering encouragement when it mattered most. While Tammy and Amy have not yet spoken publicly about the loss, their sister Amanda Halterman has openly shared her grief. In recent days, Amanda posted two emotional messages on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse into the family’s pain and the deep bond they shared with Katie.
Amanda Halterman Opens Up About Loss Through Touching Instagram Posts
In Halterman’s first Instagram post, Amanda shared a heartfelt tribute alongside a photo of herself with Katie, who is smiling and holding a bag of colorful cookies. In the caption, Amanda described her heartbreak in raw detail, writing that Katie “was a force to be reckoned with and showed love that was accepting and given freely.” She reflected on their bond, calling her cousin her “best friend” and asking followers to pray for Katie’s children and partner, Natalie in the difficult days ahead.
A day later, Amanda returned to Instagram with another emotional post, this time a screenshot of a FaceTime call with Katie. Captioned simply, “Missing you cuzzin. #katiestrong,” the image captured the intimacy of their connection and the personal weight of her absence.
According to her obituary, Katie died at the Linda White Hospice House in Evansville, Ind. Born in Morganfield, Ky., in 1987, she was remembered as someone who loved fishing, music, and spending time with family and friends. She is survived by her parents, Jerry and Frances Slaton, brothers Jeremiah and Jesse, her partner Natalie Bailie, and her three children — Landon, Liam, and Lily. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, August 29, at Whitsell Funeral Home in Morganfield, with burial to follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery.