My Big Fat Fabulous Life star Whitney Thore talks to her mother's ghost through a séance

Whitney Way Thore attempted to reconnect with her late mother during a spiritual session in Salem, Massachusetts, in the July 29 episode of My Big Fat Fabulous Life. The TLC star travelled to the notoriously haunted city with companions, expecting to hear from Babs Thore, who died in December 2022.

With the help of a séance leader and a swinging necklace, Whitney opened up communication with the other side. During the session, the medium said Babs showed up holding a cat. Whitney immediately thought it was Henchi, her 17-year-old cat who died in January 2025. The medium confirmed it, saying Babs and Henchi were together, giving Whitney the emotional peace she’d been searching for.

Whitney, 41, has chronicled her mourning journey with fans on the long-running TLC program, which follows her ups and downs with weight, dating, and everything in between.

This season of My Big Fat Fabulous Life, she has also spoken up about her artificial insemination journey, and fans have been very supportive, particularly those who have experienced similar reproductive issues.

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What happened during the séance on My Big Fat Fabulous Life with Whitney Thore?

Whitney's Massachusetts adventure began as a group outing with friends. The reality star chose Salem for its supernatural reputation and history of spiritual activity.

During the session, Whitney held a necklace that began spinning unexpectedly. She asked if a spirit was there, as the jewelry moved without explanation. The séance leader guided Whitney through the communication process. She asked direct questions about her mother's presence in the spiritual realm.

Whitney inquired whether her mom was there, referencing Babs, who had been a central figure on My Big Fat Fabulous Life for years. The medium's responses suggested that a maternal presence was indeed communicating through the session. The spiritual encounter took an emotional turn when the séance leader asked what Babs might be holding.

Whitney immediately responded with "a cat," showing her intuitive understanding of her mother's character. The medium confirmed a feline presence alongside Babs. Whitney's friend, Ashley Baynes, pressed for specifics, asking if the cat was Henchi. Whitney explained Henchi's significance to the séance leader.

The 17-year-old cat had been Babs' favorite companion before his recent passing in January. Whitney told the medium:

"He just died, and he was her favorite cat, so I hope they're together now."

The spiritual guide confirmed their reunion, providing Whitney with the comfort she sought.

Whitney found profound peace in the séance results. The confirmation that Babs and Henchi were together fulfilled her deepest hopes about their afterlife connection. She revealed in a producer interview:

"It's really just all I needed to hear, my mom and Henchi are together."

Thor described visualizing the pair in perfect harmony. The spiritual encounter provided her with essential emotional healing after two significant losses within months of each other. Whitney's openness about grief mirrors her approach to other personal struggles throughout the series. Her willingness to share difficult experiences has consistently resonated with audiences.

The My Big Fat Fabulous Life star recently discussed her artificial insemination journey, which has generated unexpected viewer response. She received numerous supportive messages from women sharing similar fertility experiences. Whitney admitted:

"I didn't realize that artificial insemination was so common, I don't know anybody that's ever done it or admitted to doing it."

Her transparency about fertility challenges follows her pattern of addressing taboo subjects publicly, especially on My Big Fat Fabulous Life.

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Whitney continues her journey of healing

Whitney learnt that her candour inspires people to talk about their own challenges. Her artificial insemination record has spurred discussions concerning fertility treatments. She explained:

"I open up about something that's scary to me, and then everyone's like, 'Oh, I can open up about it too.'"

The response validated her decision to pursue motherhood publicly despite criticism from some viewers.

Whitney's spiritual experience represents another chapter in her ongoing healing process. The séance offered consolation that typical bereavement counselling may not have. Her openness to try unusual therapeutic approaches displays her dedication to processing grief truthfully. The supernatural encounter gave her closure about both Babs and Henchi's peaceful transition.

This episode of My Big Fat Fabulous Life showcases how reality television can document genuine emotional experiences while potentially helping viewers facing similar losses.

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New episodes of My Big Fat Fabulous Life air Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on TLC, and stream the next day on HBO Max.