Barbara Thore— mother of Whitney Way Thore and a co-star on Whitney’s reality show My Big Fat Fabulous Life— has died. She was 76.
Whitney announced the sad news via an Instagram post on Thursday, letting fans know that her mom “Babs” died on Wednesday, December 7.
“Rest in Peace, Sweet Mommy,” Whitney began her post, later describing her mom’s final moments.
“My mother died last night just as the credits rolled on her favorite movie,” Whitney wrote. “Dad, [my brother] Hunter and I held her as she took her last breaths. It was 10:32 p.m., the same exact time she brought me into this world almost 40 years ago.”
As fans of ‘My Big Fat Fabulous Life’ know, Babs suffered several strokes in recent years, with the most-recent one being in December 2021. The medical emergency was covered on ‘MBFFL’ and Babs’ health was a main topic of discussion during the most-recent season.
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In Whitney’s Instagram post, she explained some of the medical challenges her mother faced, including a stroke last month.
“My mom had cerebral amyloid angiopathy, which is an untreatable progressive condition caused by proteins in the blood vessels of the brain that can cause dementia, seizures or, like in my mom’s case, brain bleeding (hemorrhagic strokes).
“When mom had her first stroke in 2017, we were told of this and we knew that more strokes would eventually be inevitable,” Whitney continued. “Mom’s second stroke was December 28, 2021 and her last was November 13, 2022.”
Whitney also described how much Babs enjoyed being on ‘My Big Fat Fabulous Life,’ writing that her mom “delighted in her newfound television career more than we can describe!”
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“The support from all of you made her feel so loved and encouraged,” Whitney wrote. “We are unbelievably thankful that we’ve been able to share her with you and it is our hope that her memory will continue to be a source of comfort and happiness for the rest of your lives, just as it will be for ours. I love you, Mommy.”
Barbara appeared on all 10 seasons of ‘My Big Fat Fabulous Life’.” In addition to her children, she is survived by her husband of over 40 years, Glenn.
TLC— the network that airs ‘MBFFL’ posted a social media tribute to Babs on Thursday.
“We are devastated by the loss of Barbara Thore,” the network wrote in a statement. “She was a beloved member of the TLC family whose kind and generous spirit will never be forgotten and forever cherished. Our hearts and deepest condolences go out to Glenn, Whitney, Hunter, her entire family and friends during this difficult time. Babs will be greatly missed by all of those that knew her.”
(Photos: TLC; Instagram)
39 Responses
Whitney, I am so sorry for the loss of your precious mother.I so enjoyed watching her on your show.She was really a lady! And I loved the way she talked! I pray for peace and comfort for you and your family.
I have watched this show since the very beginning. I have found that my life has paralleled that of Whitneys for quite some time, and with that, enjoyed watching her life story unfold. I am brought to tears by the loss of Babs. My grandfather and father passed the same way. I know how absolutely devastating this can be, and especially when it is your dear mother. He will raise her up on eagles wings, bear her on the breath of dawn, and make her to shine like the sun, and hold her, hold her, in the palms, of his hands.
Forever in our hearts
So sorry for the loss of your Mom and wife of so many years. She brought a smile to my face every time she was on your show. She was beautiful, full of charm and oh so witty! I will miss her!
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Omg! Barbara/Mom even tho we never met, I loved you from the minute I lay my eyes on you. You was such a nice caring person. I will see you and meet you in heaven. May God bring peace, and joy to your family. I will forever love you ?❤️?? Whitney, Hunter, and Glenn my heart goes out to you!!! You don’t know me, but I am a big truly fan and friend. May God give you the strength you need in this difficult time.?❤️??
My heart breaks for you and your family. Babs was like another mom. She said as such a dear lady and she always made me laugh. Hugs and prayers for you and your family. Rest in Peace dear Babs. ?❤️
I am very saddened by the death of “Babs” Thore. I just loved watching her with her quick wit and dynamic personality.She was so funny. You never knew what was going to come out of her mouth. May she rest in peace with God’s love.
Babys was such a breath of fresh air. My heart and prayers go out to her family. We all loved her wit and sweetness, my sincere condolences. Babs will be remembered and missed so much.
I was so sad to hear of the death of Babs Thore. She will be greatly missed by all of her family, and friends who loved her, and also by all of the fans of MBFFL.
Speaking as a fan, Babs was a favorite! Many thanks to Glenn, Hunter, and Whitney for sharing her with us.
May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, comfort her husband, children, family, friends, fans, and all who loved her! She will be remembered, always!
I am so sorry for your loss whitney and family. She was amazing and funny. She will be missedm
I loved watching your mom she made me laugh with her sly sense of humor, she was the coolest lady, RIP!!! Please stay strong for your dad..
My heart is broken I loved this sweet woman even tho I never got to meet her my thoughts and prayers go out to the Family at this time love you all RIP SWEET BABS
Sending lots of prayers to you all! Loved her on the show. What a fun lady!!???
I am so sorry Whitney and Thorne family , she was indeed an Angel , I loved Babs she was a sweet heart ? Definitely praying for you all! ?
Prayers to the family
Such sad news. I’m glad she was surrounded by her family during her final moments. ?
Well damn. RIP beautiful soul.
Prayers for you and your family ?, I do love your show and Babs was amazing and I so loved her little spunky attitude again Very sorry for your loss,an for your precious daddy as I know he is going to be so lost my heart is broken for you and your brother.
OMG Whitney so very sorry for your loss.Your mom was so awesome beautiful lady.Your poor dad must be so lost sending prayers and positive thoughts and to your brother.Love u Whitney please take care.
LOVE FROM A FRIEND
IN CANADA DEBBIE
SMITH ❤️❤️
RIP Barbara. I enjoyed watching you.
I am so sad to hear the news that Babs passed. My mom passed when I was six, and I would have wanted a mom just like Babs. She was beautiful on the inside and out. She was funny, kind, acting, she loved her family immensely. I am sending her family love, light, and prayers, that they are able to navigate this very difficult time. She will always be watching over you.
If only everyone can be so loved as this family loves their Babs. What a sweet loving family.
Babs was such a delightful, funny, sassy, lady. May she rest in peace. I hope Whitney and the rest of the family have comfort during this time.
So sorry for the loss of Babs. She was such a kick, and a lovely lady. She and Glenn were the best thing about that show.
I an so sorry, my prayers are with the family. She was a wonderful lady, I loved seeing her on the show. I am soo saddened.??
I’m sorry for your loss. May God’s peace be with you.
I’m so stressed for your loss. I loved watching her on the show. Her love for family and animals was so beautiful. God’s peace be with you!
I am so sorry for your loss, I loved watching your parents (especially your mam) they were so in love with each other and were an inspiration to many, I’m going to miss seeing Barbara, she reminded me of my mam who I lost 16 years ago. Sending you a big cwtch.???
Where can I send a card?
So sad to hear this news! I so enjoyed watching her on TV. She would always brighten my day! What a sweet soul! My thoughts and prayers are with y’all! ♥️
I am so sorry for your families loss. She was beautiful and funny.
I feel deeply for your family at this very sad time. I loved Babs and her cute little quips and jabs. She indeed brought a smile to everyone’s face. I just learned about this sad happening just minutes ago, and as I sit here in tears, I cannot imagine what you must be going through. Your dad must be just devastated, I am so sorry Glenn, and to your brother and you. May this beautiful lady RIP. Miss her already.
My sincere sympathy to you and your family! She was a delightful woman and quite the personality. Miss your show.
So sorry for your loss Whitney. To your family also. You both shared something very special. You will carry her in your heart forever. ?????
Her parents were always the stars of that show. May she rest in peace.
I am so very sorry for your loss Whitney. I know how much you loved and respected her. Please give my condolences to your dad and brother too. I lost my husband almost five years ago and your life is never the same. I feel your pain. Blessings to you all.
She even found some way to make her mother’s death about her. What a surprise.
What a horrible thing to say. Her mother literally just passed away.
So sorry for your loss Whitney. She was called home to Jesus. She is watching over you and your family ❤️