Dolly Martinez, known for her appearance on TLC’s My 600-lb Life, has died at the age of 30, with her family confirming the news and prompting tributes from fans.

Her death was announced by her sister, Lindsey Cooper, in a Facebook post. In her statement, she wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my beautiful sister, Dolly. 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.”

She added, “You will always be loved, always be missed, and never forgotten,” while also expressing comfort in believing Martinez had been reunited with their father.

An official cause of death has not been publicly confirmed. However, Martinez had previously experienced serious health issues, including congestive heart failure. Just a day before announcing her death, Cooper had asked for prayers, stating, “Dolly is in the hospital and is fighting for her life.”

Martinez appeared in season 10 of My 600-lb Life, where she documented her efforts to improve her health under the guidance of Dr Younan Nowzaradan. At the start of the programme, she weighed over 590 lbs and faced challenges related to both her physical condition and personal circumstances.

During the show, she reflected on her struggles, saying, “The only thing powerful enough to distract me from darker thoughts is food. Food is my go-to drug that takes my pain away.”

Although she did not qualify for bariatric surgery during her time on the series, she later showed signs of progress, sharing updates that suggested weight loss and lifestyle improvements.

Following the announcement of her death, messages of condolence have continued to appear online, with many fans remembering her openness and determination throughout her journey.