Tammy Slaton has spent years under a microscope. We've seen her struggle to breathe, fight with her siblings, and undergo a physical transformation that honestly feels like a miracle. But the most recent chapter of her life involves someone many fans are still trying to figure out: Andrea Dalton.
You might remember the Season 7 premiere of 1000-lb Sisters in early 2025. It was a massive shift. Tammy, now 38, basically dropped a bombshell that she was done with men. After the heartbreaking death of her husband, Caleb Willingham, in July 2023, she did some soul-searching. She had come out as pansexual back in 2021, but by 2025, she was identifying more as a lesbian. Enter Andrea.
They met on a dating app. Standard 2020s stuff. Andrea Dalton had just joined the app—wasn't even on there long—before she and Tammy matched. They started talking every single day. It wasn't just a casual fling. By June 2025, Tammy was referring to Andrea as her "fiancée" on the Creative Chaos podcast.
The Reality of Their Relationship
Let’s get real about the timeline. Tammy was terrified of how her family would react. Even though her brother Chris and sisters Misty and Amanda have always been supportive, Tammy still has those deep-seated abandonment issues. She kept Andrea a secret for months.
👉 See also: Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
When she finally spilled the beans, the reaction wasn't the explosion she feared. Misty simply said, "It don't matter to me." Honestly, the family just wanted her to be happy.
But who is Andrea? Fans are skeptical. They always are. Some noticed Andrea was still wearing what looked like a wedding band on her left hand during their first televised date at a bowling alley. That’s a bit weird, right? Andrea mentioned she had just gotten out of a 10-year relationship, which might explain the lingering habit, but it definitely raised eyebrows on Reddit and beyond.
Why People Are Worried
There’s a darker side to the story that the TLC cameras didn't exactly highlight. Andrea Dalton has a bit of a rap sheet.
✨ Don't miss: Jeremy Renner Accident Recovery: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
- October 2021: She was arrested in Indiana for possession of marijuana and driving without a valid license.
- Late 2022: A second arrest for failing to appear in court.
Fans found the mugshots. She looked pretty miserable in them, which, to be fair, is how most people look in mugshots. But the concern isn't just about the past; it's about whether she’s with Tammy for the right reasons. Some viewers felt Andrea was pushing Tammy too hard to introduce her to the family early on. Was she looking for screen time? Or was she just excited?
Andrea Dalton Meets Darlene
The ultimate test for any partner in the Slaton world is Darlene Rednour, Tammy’s mom. If you’ve watched the show from the start, you know Darlene isn't exactly the "warm and fuzzy" type. She’s been critical, often doubting the girls' ability to lose weight.
Surprisingly, Andrea passed the Darlene test. Tammy has mentioned that Andrea genuinely cares for her, and even Darlene gave a rare nod of approval. By the time Season 8 rolled around in January 2026, Tammy and Andrea were still going strong. They even moved in together.
🔗 Read more: Kendra Wilkinson Photos: Why Her Latest Career Pivot Changes Everything
Life in 2026
Tammy is living a life she never thought possible. She’s down to around 285 pounds. She’s had skin removal surgery. She’s mobile. And she has Andrea by her side. They’re often seen on TikTok, laughing and dancing—like a recent video where they were jamming to "Footloose" after the tragic passing of Tammy's cousin, Katie. Andrea seems to be a rock for Tammy during these emotional lows.
It’s easy to judge from the couch. We see 42 minutes of their lives once a week. But for Tammy, this relationship represents independence. She’s making her own choices about who she loves and how she lives.
What This Means for Tammy’s Future
The "Tammy and Andrea" era is about more than just a wedding. It’s about Tammy finally feeling worthy of a relationship that isn't built on her being a "fetish" or a "project."
- Emotional Stability: Andrea seems to provide a calm that Tammy lacked in previous relationships with people like Jerry Sykes or Phillip Redmond.
- Boundary Setting: Tammy is learning to keep parts of her life private until she’s ready, a huge step in her maturity.
- Physical Health: Having a partner who supports her mobility is key. They go out. They bowl. They live.
Is it perfect? Probably not. No relationship is, especially one born in the spotlight of reality TV. But for now, Andrea Dalton is a massive part of Tammy Slaton’s "new normal."
To keep up with the latest updates, you should follow Tammy’s official social media accounts rather than relying on tabloid rumors. Pay close attention to the Season 8 episodes as they air, as they provide the most direct look at their cohabitation and wedding planning. Focus on the actual footage rather than the edited teasers, which often exaggerate conflict for ratings.