Reality TV star Charity Pierce, known for her role in “My 600-lb Life,” has died at the age of 50 after a two-month period in hospice care, surrounded by family.
The news of Pierce’s death was confirmed by her daughter, Charly Jo, who revealed in an emotional social media post that her mother passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 1:20 AM.
Charly Jo noted in her post that her mother is now “at peace” with her deceased relatives. The cause of death has not been stated, although Pierce had been suffering from a number of health issues, including lymphedema and fluid accumulation in her lungs. She also underwent kidney removal surgery in March 2020 after being diagnosed with kidney cancer in December 2019.
Pierce, a resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, first featured in the third season of “My 600-lb Life” in 2015. At 39 years old, she weighed 778 pounds and was housebound due to massive swelling in her left leg caused by lymphedema. Her journey to regain her health and autonomy was closely followed by the show’s viewers.
Pierce managed to lose 282 pounds in her first year after drastically reducing her daily caloric intake and incorporating exercise into her routine. Despite facing severe health complications, including an infection after a skin removal procedure and a kidney cancer diagnosis, she remained dedicated to her weight loss journey.
Her progress was not without personal and emotional challenges. During her recovery from gastric bypass surgery, Pierce was unable to attend her mother’s funeral. Furthermore, she discovered that her fiancé Tony had started a relationship with her sister. Despite these setbacks, Pierce remained committed to maintaining her progress and avoiding a return to her previous life of isolation and immobility.
By the end of the 2020 episode of “Where Are They Now,” Pierce weighed less than 300 lbs. Her daughter Charly Jo shared an appreciation for being present during her mother’s last moments, expressing her love and gratitude in a heartfelt Facebook post.
Charity Pierce not only inspired millions with her weight loss journey but also showed resilience in the face of medical complications, trauma, and personal loss. Her death marks the loss of a reality TV personality who demonstrated that transformation is possible, despite seemingly insurmountable challenges.
