Barbara ‘Babs’ Thore has become a regular fan favorite on My Big Fat Fabulous Life. Her quick-witted and hilarious motherly advice has left viewers loving the sassiness that she brings to the show. When she had a health-related scare and suffered a stroke in December 2021, her family was gravely concerned about whether she would pull through.
Whitney Way Thore is the star of My Big Fat Fabulous Life, but her mom has stolen the spotlight and the hearts of fans. Whitney wouldn’t have it any other way, though, as she has a very close relationship with her 76-year-old mother, and considers Babs her best friend. Babs has remained by Whitney’s side through the ups and downs of fame, and now Whitney is doing the same for her mom during this difficult time in her life.
Babs suffered a stroke on December 28, 2021. It was a terrifying time for the Thore family, as it was unclear how Babs’ health would be impacted long term. Recently, Whitney gave an update on her Instagram, celebrating her mother’s progress and how she is currently doing. Whitney said, in a heartfelt post, “This video was from January 2022 when Mom was in the hospital rehab. Right now, the update on Mom is that we are still at Abbotswood! We moved into a huge two-bedroom a few months ago as soon as one became available, so I have a bedroom of my own now! Dad has also been a resident there since day one, and we have an ever-changing revolving door of animals in the apartment as well!”
Many fans have referred to Babs as “America’s Reality TV Mom,” and that is a title that means a lot to her and her family. In her post, Whitney expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the support and encouragement from My Big Fat Fabulous Life fans. She went on to explain why they decided to have her mother reside at Abbotswood Senior Living Community instead of taking her back home. In the end, it was a matter of wheelchair accessibility and the nurses required to help adequately care for Babs. Their house isn’t set up to accommodate her wheelchair throughout their home, and the nurses at Abbotswood can provide her with excellent care around the clock. Ensuring that Babs has everything she needs to get her health back on track and recover is the family’s number one priority.
As Babs Thore continues to recover, she has her family right by her side at the facility as she gets stronger every day. Even though this has been a particularly stressful and challenging time, the Thore family is thankful for the time that they can spend together and the outpouring of concern, love, and support from fans all over the world. The My Big Fat Fabulous Life star has said that her mother enjoys receiving the many get well cards and letters in the mail.
