Tammy Slaton was reportedly "still in love" with Caleb Willingham and held off on filing for a divorce due to his declining health.
The 1000-lb Sisters star is said to have been "scared" for Caleb's health before his tragic death at just 40 years old.
Caleb was married to Tammy for five months before they parted ways, with his death confirmed by his younger brother on Facebook on Saturday.
A source has said Tammy and Caleb had struggled to stay in touch following his lack of improvement in the food rehabilitation centre where they met.
"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," they said.
The source said Tammy had been planning to get a divorce, but decided otherwise due to Caleb's health.
"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," they told The Sun.
Tammy paid tribute to Caleb on Instagram following the sad news of his death.
Sharing a series of snaps of the two of them together at Christmas, Tamm wrote: "Rip sweet angel you will forever be missed and loved so much thank you Caleb for showing me real love and happiness."
Tammy's tribute came after the sad news of Caleb's death was announced by his family.
Her sister, Amy Slaton, also shared an emotional post about Caleb as she remembered how he was always there for her family.
Taking to TikTok, Amy posted a picture of herself stood next to Tammy and Caleb on their wedding day.
Over the top, she wrote: "Rip!!! Thank you for being there for us!! Love you bro," she wrote alongside a picture from the day he married Tammy.
Captioning the post, Amy added: "R.i.p caleb willingham 6-30-23."
Caleb met Tammy last year while staying at a food rehabilitation centre, with the pair falling in love soon after and tying the know.
Sadly, they decided to call time on their relationship just months after getting married.
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