The family has not disclosed a cause of death.
Just hours before sharing the heartbreaking news, Lindsey had posted that Dolly was in the hospital “fighting for her life.”
In her tribute, she also found comfort in the idea of a reunion beyond this life:
“While our hearts are broken here, I find comfort in knowing she is now reunited with our dad in heaven. I can only imagine the joy of that reunion. Rest peacefully, Dolly. You will always be loved, always be missed, and never forgotten.”
Martinez was introduced to viewers during Season 10 of the TLC series at just 25 years old, where she opened up about her deeply personal battle with food addiction and mental health.
At the time, she weighed nearly 600 pounds and relied on oxygen, needing help with daily tasks. But what resonated most with viewers was her raw honesty:
”The only thing powerful enough to distract me from darker thoughts is food,” she explained on the episode. ”Food is my go-to drug that takes my pain away. … Food is more than just a pleasure. It’s my reason for existing.”
Her journey on the show followed her move from Fort Worth to Houston in hopes of qualifying for weight loss surgery under the care of Dr. Nowzaradan. She managed to lose around 40 pounds, but ultimately was not approved for the procedure during her time on the series.
“Food Is My Reason For Existing” 593Lb Woman Can’t Get Out Of Bed On Her Own | My 600-LB Life
Life after the show proved just as challenging. According to IMDB, Martinez later faced instability and personal struggles, including time spent in a homeless shelter after leaving an allegedly abusive relationship.
However, her social media suggested she had begun rebuilding her life. In her Instagram bio, she shared a simple but hopeful message:
“Not homeless anymore. Living day by day.”
Dolly’s story also included heartbreaking moments, including the loss of custody of her daughter shortly after birth. The child is now believed to be under the care of Martinez’s mother.
In the wake of her passing, tributes from friends, family, and fans have flooded social media — many remembering not just her struggles, but her warmth, humor, and heart.
Though her journey was far from easy, those closest to her say one thing is certain: Dolly Martinez left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her, and on the millions who followed her story. RIP Dolly!
