TLC's 'My 600-lb Life' star Dolly Martinez dies at 30

Reality-TV personality Dolly Martinez, best known for her appearance on the TLC series "My 600-lb Life," has died. She was 30.

Martinez's sister, Lindsey Cooper, confirmed her death in a Facebook post Saturday, April 11. A cause of death was not given.

"It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my beautiful sister, Dolly," Cooper wrote. "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."

Cooper added: "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."

USA TODAY has reached out to Martinez's family and TLC for comment.

In 2022, Martinez was featured on Season 10 of "My 600-lb Life," a medical docuseries that chronicles the weight-loss journeys of people who are morbidly obese.

Martinez, who was 25 at the time of her episode, opened up about her battle with food addiction, which stemmed from her traumatic childhood.

"The only thing powerful enough to distract me from darker thoughts is food," said Martinez, whose father suffered from drug addiction. "Food is my go-to drug that takes my pain away. … Food is more than just a pleasure. It's my reason for existing."

As a child, Martinez said she was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and bipolar disorder. By the time she was 7 years old, she weighed 120 pounds.

"I know that I am a little special ed because I have mental issues, but teachers made me feel like I was more special ed than I am," Martinez reflected. "It just made me want to eat more."

At the time of her appearance on "My 600-lb Life," Martinez weighed 593 pounds. During a consultation with the show's physician, Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, Martinez was informed that she would need to lose over 450 pounds to get to a healthy weight.

Martinez attributed much of her recent weight gain to her estranged husband, who allegedly influenced her excessive eating habits.

"Your body is under a lot of strain," Dr. Nowzaradan said. "So, I'm glad to hear you want to change that and improve your health."

If you or someone you know is struggling with body image or eating concerns, the National Eating Disorders Association's toll-free and confidential helpline is available by phone or text at 1-800-931-2237 or by click-to-chat message at nationaleatingdisorders.org/helpline. For 24/7 crisis situations, text "NEDA" to 741-741.