If you’ve been keeping up with the Slaton family lately, you know things are looking a whole lot different than they did a few years back. Tammy Slaton has basically reinvented herself. She’s down hundreds of pounds, she’s "adulting" with a real job, and she’s finally breathing without a trach tube. But the biggest shocker for fans wasn't just the physical transformation. It was the reveal of her new relationship.
Honestly, nobody saw this coming.
After the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Caleb Willingham, in 2023, Tammy took some time for herself. But in early 2025, during the Season 7 premiere of 1000-lb Sisters, she dropped a bombshell: she was dating a woman named Andrea Dalton.
The Mystery of Andrea Dalton Explained
So, who is she? Andrea isn't just some random person Tammy met at the grocery store. They actually met on a dating app, which is about as modern as it gets. Andrea has stayed relatively low-key compared to some of Tammy’s past boyfriends (we all remember "The BBW King" and Jerry, right?), but she’s made a massive impression on the Slaton inner circle.
Interestingly, Andrea is a bit of a success story herself.
There have been reports and fan deep-dives suggesting that Andrea also underwent her own weight loss journey, allegedly losing over 400 pounds. If that's true, it explains why they vibe so well. She actually gets it. She knows what it’s like to live in a body that feels like a prison and the mental grit it takes to break out.
Why this relationship feels different
Most of Tammy’s exes felt... sketchy. Let’s be real. They often seemed to enjoy the fact that she was immobile or dependent on them. But Andrea? She seems to push Tammy toward independence. During their first televised date at a bowling alley, Tammy was actually moving, participating, and—dare I say—having genuine fun without the drama.
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It's refreshing.
Tammy even mentioned in a confessional that she wanted to handle this relationship differently. She kept Andrea a secret from her family for months because she was terrified of their "opinions." She famously joked that her family has "more opinions than the world has a**holes."
Breaking Down the Big Engagement News
If you thought they were just casually dating, think again. In June 2025, Tammy essentially broke the internet—or at least the TLC corner of it—when she appeared on the Creative Chaos podcast.
She didn't even make a big announcement. She just casually dropped the word "fiancée."
The host, Hunter Ezell, had to stop her mid-sentence. "Hold on, you said fiancée?" Tammy just smiled, blushed, and flashed a sparkling diamond ring on that finger. She also wore a silver necklace that literally said "Andrea."
Talk about making it official.
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The timeline shift
One thing that confuses people is how fast this happened. On the show, it looked like they just met. But during that same podcast, Tammy claimed they had actually been together or "talking" for almost three years.
Wait, what?
If you do the math, three years would mean they were in contact while Caleb was still in the picture or very shortly after. However, it’s more likely that they were friends or acquaintances first, and the "dating" part only became serious in late 2024. Regardless of the exact calendar dates, Tammy seems more stable with Andrea than she ever was with her previous partners.
Is there trouble in paradise?
You can’t be a reality star without a little "muddled" history coming to light. Some internet sleuths dug up records suggesting Andrea had some legal hiccups in the past—traffic violations, marijuana possession, and some missed court dates back in 2021 and 2022.
But honestly? Compared to the "feeders" Tammy used to date, a few traffic tickets seem like small potatoes.
The bigger concern for fans is whether Andrea is "chasing clout." There were rumors that Andrea was pushing to meet the rest of the 1000-lb Sisters cast a little too eagerly. But on screen, she comes across as supportive and polite. Even Tammy’s mom, Darlene—who isn't exactly known for being a ray of sunshine—gave her seal of approval.
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"If Andrea genuinely cares for Tammy and makes her happy, then I'll be happy with her," Darlene said.
That’s basically a standing ovation in Slaton-speak.
What this means for Tammy’s sexuality
Tammy’s journey with her identity has been a slow burn. She came out as pansexual years ago, but after Caleb passed, she had a realization. She told viewers, "I just don't want to be with men anymore."
She’s since identified more as a lesbian, though she still maintains that "love is love" and she cares about the person, not the label. It’s a huge step for someone from a fairly conservative rural Kentucky background. Her sisters, Misty and Amanda, were surprisingly chill about it. In fact, they admitted they always kind of thought she’d end up with a woman anyway.
What’s next for the couple?
With Season 8 on the horizon, the "Tammy and Andrea" show is just getting started. We’re likely going to see wedding planning, which, knowing the Slatons, will be anything but boring.
If you're following this story, here’s what you should keep an eye on:
- The Wedding Venue: Will they go traditional or do something quirky like Amy’s Halloween wedding?
- The Family Dynamic: Now that Tammy is more independent, will Andrea cause a rift between the sisters?
- Health Goals: Andrea’s influence on Tammy’s continued weight maintenance is the real "make or break" factor.
The reality is that Tammy Slaton is finally living the life she used to only talk about. Whether Andrea is "The One" or just a very important chapter, she's clearly helped Tammy find a confidence we haven't seen in previous seasons.
Actionable Insight: If you're a fan wanting to support Tammy, focus on her progress rather than the drama. Her journey shows that it’s never too late to redefine who you are—both in your body and in your heart. Watch for official TLC updates rather than TikTok rumors to get the real story on the upcoming nuptials.