TAMMY Slaton reportedly held off on filing for divorce from her late husband Caleb Willingham because she became aware of his declining health.
A source told The U.S. Sun that Tammy “still loved” Caleb but was “scared” for him ahead of his tragic death at the young age of 40.
TikTok.com/@tammyslaton2020Tammy Slaton ‘talked about getting a divorce, but he started declining medically, so she got scared’[/caption]
Instagram/queentammy86‘She still loved him, but it was hard for her to not see him try to get better’ – the couple had wed in 2022 and split just two months ago[/caption]
Tammy, 36, struggled with Caleb’s lack of improvement in rehab- where they met and where Tammy was able to leave- to the point that they were barely in touch.
She decided to hold off on officially splitting from him as she learned of his worsening health.
A source exclusively told The U.S. Sun on Saturday: “They didn’t talk much.”
“There was tension because he hadn’t made a huge effort to come to Kentucky so Tammy couldn’t see him much.
“She talked about getting a divorce, but he started declining medically, so she got scared and didn’t do anything.
“She still loved him, but it was hard for her to not see him try to get better.”
SHOCKING LOSS
On July 1, the news broke that Caleb had died at the young age of 40.
His younger brother shared a message on Facebook about his death.
The post read: “I can’t believe I’m even making this post, but today GOD called my big brother home.
“R.I.P. Caleb Willingham aka Killla K aka Double K aka one-half of the dynamic WWF tag team champions The W Boys aka my biggest supporter in anything I do.
“You will be forever loved and missed. Until we meet again.”
TMZ then confirmed the news on Saturday morning.
His stepmom, Shirley Willingham, told the outlet about his death but did not provide any other details or the cause.
‘BEST FRIEND’
Tammy shared sweet photos in an Instagram tribute to her late ex-husband on Saturday.
The slideshow showed the former pair smiling at the camera as they sat at the table together and other good times.
Tammy captioned the heartfelt post: “Rest in peace, sweet angel. You will forever be missed and loved so much.”
She concluded, “Thank you, Caleb, for showing me real love and happiness.”
The TLC star also told People: “I am devastated to share the news of my husband’s passing.
“He was my best friend and I loved him dearly.”
She continued: “When I met Caleb, he became my guardian angel and now he really is watching over me.
“Our families appreciate everyone’s sympathy and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
Tammy closed: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Caleb Willingham’s passing.
“Our condolences go out to Tammy, his family, and friends at this difficult time.”
THE IMPENDING DIVORCE
An insider exclusively revealed to The U.S. Sun that the exes officially separated earlier this year.
Tammy was in the process of filing for divorce at the time of his passing.
“Tammy has her legal team lined up and is ready to file for divorce,” the insider close to the TV star told The U.S. Sun in May.
“They split up because Caleb hasn’t been following his diet in rehab,” the insider alleged and added: “He has gained 30 lbs and hasn’t been working his program.”
“They got into a big fight over it and he told her he wanted a divorce, but then he tried to backtrack,” the source claimed.
“She wants someone who can be there for her and his health keeps declining. She would have to take care of him once he’s out of rehab, and that is her taking on the care of a whole other person when she can barely take care of herself, so the relationship is pointless,” the insider added.
“They got married after just knowing each other over the course of weeks, in rehab, and he’s still there.
“She didn’t want a long-distance relationship and certainly isn’t able to care for someone else at this point in her recovery,” they claimed
The insider added that Tammy’s assets are protected, and alleged that Caleb had signed a prenuptial agreement.
“She made him sign a prenup, if they break up, he will never get anything.”
Tammy’s rep and Caleb did not respond to requests for comment at the time.
SHORT-LIVED ROMANCE
Tammy and Caleb met in an Ohio weight loss rehabilitation facility in 2022.
Caleb admitted to doing “research” on Tammy just weeks before he proposed to her, and fans accused him of coming on too strong.
The couple married in November, only a month after he proposed.
In February, the 1000-lb Sister star was released from the facility after receiving weight loss surgery, but she had to leave her new husband behind.
Caleb was not yet eligible for weight loss surgery, and it seemed like he had a long way to go.
After Tammy moved back to Kentucky, the couple quickly drifted apart, and rumors began to circulate that the two had split.
In April, Caleb even made a cryptic post alluding to their breakup, and in May their split was confirmed.
Though Caleb tried to keep their marriage together after falling out, it was too late to salvage their relationship.
Tammy received bariatric surgery last year, and has lost over 300 pounds looking unrecognizable from her weight loss journey.
Last week, however, fans were concerned after Tammy seemed to have ditched her walker for her wheelchair yet again.
Seeing Tammy in a wheelchair came as a shock to a lot of fans who thought she was able to walk after her weight loss and they are hoping she can stick to making progress.
Facebook / Caleb WillinghamTammy Slaton’s estranged husband Caleb Willingham died at a mere 40 years old[/caption]
Facebook / Caleb WillinghamTammy was reportedly readying divorce papers in May as she has committed to her progress whereas he ‘hadn’t been following his diet in rehab’[/caption]
Matt Symons – Commissioned by The US Sun Digital edition‘He had gained 30 lbs’ while she has recently shed 300 lbs and making strides- a source earlier told The U.S. Sun that she wanted ‘someone who can be there for her’[/caption]
