Dolly Martinez, who appeared on season 10 of My 600-Lb. Life, has tragically died at the age of 30.
The reality star’s sister, Lindsey Cooper, confirmed the devastating news in an emotional Facebook post, sharing a moving tribute to the woman she described as a bright light in everyone’s life.
"It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my beautiful sister, Dolly," Lindsey wrote. "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."
© TLCShe went on to reflect on the family’s loss while finding comfort in the thought of reunion. "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."
Just days before her passing, Lindsey had revealed that Dolly was in hospital and "fighting for her life," asking for prayers and privacy during what she described as an incredibly difficult time.
Dolly first came to public attention in 2022 when she appeared on My 600-Lb. Life at the age of 25. At the time, she weighed 593 pounds and required oxygen, openly sharing her deeply personal struggles with food and mental health.
"Food is my go-to drug that takes my pain away," she said during her episode. "It's more than just a pleasure, it's my reason for existing."
© TLCIn one of the show’s most candid moments, Dolly described the emotional pull food had over her life.
"I can't wait for the first bite of something that will make me forget about all the misery of my life," she admitted. "Food has caused all of the things I hate about my life but it's the only thing I've ever had to make me feel good."
Her relationship with food, she explained, began in childhood. "Ever since I can remember, food was just a coping thing… It just made me happy. It still does. Food just makes me happy."
Dolly also opened up about her difficult upbringing, revealing she was raised by her single mother after her father left due to drug addiction.
© TLC"I was left alone a lot and that's how it started, my relationship with food," she said. "Whenever I would think of my dad, I would turn to food and I liked the feeling I had when I was eating."
Her mother, Staci, also appeared on the show, offering insight into Dolly’s early years.
"Dolly was always a bit different than other children," she said. "And other kids were harsh and cruel so I've always been the overprotective mother. Being singled out as the fat girl is quite uncomfortable."
Despite her struggles, Dolly remained determined to change her life. After seeking help from Dr. Nowzaradan on the show, she managed to lose around 40 pounds, though she ultimately did not qualify for weight loss surgery.
In the years following her appearance, Dolly shared glimpses of progress and hope. Her Instagram bio noted that she was no longer homeless and was "losing weight and feeling good," while also emphasising her focus on faith and family.
"I can see how much I'm losing. It's a journey and I'm seeing my worth now," she wrote in a post in June 2024. Throughout her journey, Dolly was open about the emotional battles she faced, describing food as the "only thing powerful enough to distract me from darker thoughts."
