My 600-Lb Life Star Dolly Martinez Dies at 30, Sister Slams 'Cruel' Online Comments

Lindsey Cooper calls out 'mean' social media users who bodyshamed her and her late sister after Dolly's passing.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:54am

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An abstract close-up image of shattered glass and crumpled fabric, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to convey a sense of fragility and the need for compassion.The tragic loss of a young life sparks calls for greater empathy towards those battling complex health issues.Houston Today

Dolly Martinez, a former cast member of the TLC reality show My 600-Lb Life, has died at the age of 30. Her sister Lindsey Cooper announced the tragic news on Facebook, and also lashed out at online users who made insensitive and hateful remarks towards Dolly after her passing. Cooper defended her sister, saying Dolly 'deserves peace, and she deserves kindness' and called out those 'being cruel and mean and attacking' both Dolly and her family.

Why it matters

Dolly's story on My 600-Lb Life highlighted her struggles with mental health and food addiction, and her passing at a young age is a tragic loss. The online backlash her family has faced underscores the need for more empathy and compassion when discussing individuals dealing with complex health issues, even after they have passed away.

The details

Dolly Martinez appeared on Season 10, Episode 12 of My 600-Lb Life in January 2022. The episode showed her moving from Fort Worth to Houston to be closer to her bariatric surgeon, Dr. Now, in a bid to qualify for weight-loss surgery. During her time on the show, Martinez lost 40 lbs but was not approved for the procedure. Her sister Lindsey Cooper says Dolly continued her weight loss efforts after the show.

  • Dolly Martinez appeared on My 600-Lb Life in January 2022.
  • Dolly Martinez passed away on April 11, 2026 at the age of 30.

The players

Dolly Martinez

A former cast member of the TLC reality show My 600-Lb Life who passed away at the age of 30.

Lindsey Cooper

Dolly Martinez's sister, who announced her passing on Facebook and defended her against 'cruel and mean' online comments.

Dr. Now

Dolly Martinez's bariatric surgeon who she was trying to qualify for weight-loss surgery with on My 600-Lb Life.

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What they’re saying

“My Facebook is my safe space a place where I can share what's on my heart. I'm allowed to grieve my sister, Dolly, here. I know many people knew her from a show or TikTok, and that's okay but please remember, there's so much more to her than what was seen online or on TV.”

— Lindsey Cooper, Dolly Martinez's sister

“She deserves peace, and she deserves kindness. And to everyone online being cruel and mean and attacking not only dolly who can no longer defend herself but me and my family. From the bottom of my soul and as disrespectfully as possible f*** all the way off.”

— Lindsey Cooper, Dolly Martinez's sister

“Oh and yes for those pointing out how im just as fat or saying I'm the next to go in the family just know I have chronic health problems and metal health issues and I take meds that cause me to gain weight and I'm working on getting the weight off. But that's not for you to point out. Thanks for coming to my ted talk”

— Lindsey Cooper, Dolly Martinez's sister

What’s next

Dolly Martinez's family continues to grieve her loss and advocate for more compassion towards individuals dealing with complex health issues, even after they have passed away.

The takeaway

Dolly Martinez's tragic passing at a young age highlights the need for greater empathy and understanding towards those struggling with mental health and addiction challenges. Her sister's impassioned response to the 'cruel and mean' online comments directed at Dolly underscores the importance of treating all individuals, even public figures, with basic human dignity.