Amalie Jennings, an inspiring advocate for self-love, dies at 30

Amalie Jennings, a woman who faced a lifetime of challenges because of her body, found love, purpose, and strength in her journey to self-acceptance. Though her life was tragically cut short, her legacy continues to inspire a kinder and more compassionate world.

From an early age, Amalie Jennings knew what it meant to feel like an outsider. Born in Denmark, Amalie struggled with her weight from the age of two, a challenge that followed her throughout her life.

“I have always been fat since I was two years old,” Amalie shared in a 2019 interview. “My mum took me to the doctors because I was gaining a lot of weight. Since as long as I can remember, I have been fat.”

The bullying started early, with kids in kindergarten teasing her about her size. As she grew, the hurtful comments and ridicule only escalated. Amalie turned to self-harm as she battled feelings of self-hatred and hopelessness. Shopping for clothes became another painful reminder of her isolation, as she had to shop in the women’s section even as a child, unable to wear the trendy outfits her peers loved.

On top of this, Amalie noticed a glaring absence of representation in media for people who looked like her. When overweight characters did appear, they were often mocked or portrayed as jokes, deepening her sense of invisibility and rejection.

An unexpected love story

Amid her struggles, Amalie’s life took a surprising turn when she met Sean, a British man, through an online PlayStation game. What began as a friendship soon blossomed into a romance that neither of them saw coming.

“At first, I thought he was an old man just looking for a young woman to talk to,” Amalie laughed. “But then I learned he was my age.”

Though they exchanged photos early in their relationship, Amalie’s insecurities about her appearance made her cautious. “I was so insecure about myself; I would hide my double chin,” she admitted. “But he still didn’t care—he just wanted to talk to me.”

As their connection grew, Amalie and Sean realized they had found something special. Amalie eventually moved from Denmark to England to be with him. However, their relationship wasn’t free from judgment.

Sean often faced questions about why he was with her, with strangers even suggesting he might have a fetish. But Sean made it clear that his love for Amalie had nothing to do with her weight. “He fell in love with who I was,” Amalie said, “not with a number on a scale.”

Facing the world together

Despite their deep bond, the couple faced challenges from outside scrutiny. They even had to cut ties with some family members, including Sean’s father, who was unsupportive. Still, the two stood firm in their love, proving that true connection transcends appearances.

Amalie also found strength in using her voice to advocate for self-love and against fatphobia, particularly in the medical field. She wanted others to see that being different didn’t mean being unworthy of love or happiness.

“If I was ever to go back and speak to a younger Amalie, I would say, ‘Stop wasting time hating yourself,’” she said. “You will find people who love you—who love your body for what it is.”

A heartbreaking loss

Amalie Jennings’ inspiring journey came to a sudden end on July 15, 2024, when she passed away peacefully at just 30 years old. While the circumstances of her death remain unclear, her family lovingly remembered her as “Malle,” a shining star who brought light to their lives.

Her obituary read:
“Beloved and missed.
‘When you see a star twinkle, it’s me waving at you.’

On behalf of the family,
Sean, Mom, Pavia, and Pia.”

Amalie’s story touched hearts around the world, and her unwavering message of self-acceptance will continue to resonate with those who need it most. She proved that love, kindness, and self-acceptance can overcome even the harshest judgments. Her life reminds us that shaming others for their appearance only causes harm and that everyone deserves to feel seen and valued.

Let her story inspire us to create a world where people are celebrated for who they are, not judged by how they look. Our hearts go out to Sean and her family during this difficult time. Amalie’s light may have dimmed too soon, but her impact will shine on forever.