Freddie Combs, a 49-year-old minister and one-time star of music reality show 'The X Factor' died on Friday, September 10, at a Florida hospital, surrounded by friends and family. Combs' wife, Kay broke the news of his demise, saying he died of kidney failure. He had become a fan favorite on the second season of 'The X Factor', owing to his heavenly voice.

Kay said she knew the day before his death that he was about to die but was 'happy to have gotten that last day with him'. "I have so much gratitude to be his wife for 25 years and to be his best friend,” she said. Kay noted that Freddie, who weighed over 900 lbs, was diligently working on his weight loss over the past 11 years. During his 'X Factor' audition in Season 2, Freddie, as the 540 lbs minister impressed the judges and audience alike with the beautiful rendition of 'Wind Beneath My Wings'. Simon Cowell and LA Reid even promised to back him if he promised to get healthy, lose weight and get out of his wheelchair. He was eliminated shortly after.

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Freddie and Kay were also featured on a 2010 TLC special called 'Ton of Love' in 2010. Freddie had a near-death experience due to obesity in 2009, as he weighed 920 lbs at the time. He said on the reality show that he loved singing as part of his job but was on disability due to his health issues and no longer had his minister role. He shared that brought some changes in his life and dropped almost 300 pounds, performing on 'The X Factor' at 540 lbs. Kay noted that Freddie continued to work on his health since his time on 'The X Factor' and got down to 385 pounds.