In an exclusive video released by PEOPLE, Whitney Thore, star of the reality show My Big Fat Fabulous Life, opens up about her mother’s recent passing and how it has brought her family closer together. The season premiere shows Whitney, along with her father Glenn Thore and brother Hunter, attending a heartfelt funeral to celebrate the life of her mother, Barbara “Babs” Thore, who passed away in December 2022 due to cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
Whitney shares with PEOPLE how her family has grown tighter while coping with the loss of her mother and how viewers will now witness her father taking a more prominent role on the reality show. She jokes lightheartedly about her father stepping into the spotlight, acknowledging that her mother was the star of the show and that her absence leaves big shoes to fill. However, Whitney believes her dad has risen to the occasion and showcases a different brand of humor compared to her mom. The upcoming season will feature Whitney and Hunter creating a bucket list of adventurous activities to uplift their father after Babs’ death.
This season of My Big Fat Fabulous Life revolves around taking care of Glenn and exploring his newfound persona. Whitney shares that viewers will witness a whole new side of her father, as he rebrands himself as GT and embraces a fresh outlook on life.
Alongside Glenn’s transformation, Whitney herself is making some changes. As a reality star and the creator of the fitness program app No BS Active, she admits to being unapologetic about her life and critics online. After being in the public eye for a decade, Whitney has experienced her fair share of scrutiny, from responding to body-shaming comments to facing opposition for filming her mother’s funeral.
She discusses how being in the public eye exposes both the best and worst of people, and while she tries not to take negative comments personally, it can still be demoralizing. Whitney shares her exhaustion with the constant criticism and reveals a new approach to dealing with it. Instead of avoiding the internet, she has decided to engage on her own terms, responding to negativity and speaking her mind. She admits to finding empowerment and enjoyment in this new approach, reclaiming control over her online presence.
In conclusion, Whitney Thore opens up about her family’s journey of healing after her mother’s passing and the upcoming season of My Big Fat Fabulous Life, which focuses on her father’s personal growth. She also discusses her own response to online critics, choosing to confront them directly and find empowerment through self-expression.