Sister Wives patriarch, Kody Brown, admits many of his kids have cut him out of the family. Undeniably, he is struggling with the fallout from
three of his wives, Meri, Janelle, and Christine Brown leaving.
Furthermore, he sees a ripple effect from the plural marriage ending. In like fashion, he feels ‘excommunicated’ from his family at this point.
Family Strain
During the first episode of Sister Wives Season 19, fans immediately saw TLC confront the death of Garrison Brown. In the first thirty seconds, they acknowledged that Janelle and Kody Brown lost their son in March 2024.
Likewise, they offered a tribute saying, “He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.” Although the season picks up where Season 18 left off, the brief mention was a kind sentiment to remember their sweet child and the rest of the Browns as they move through life without him.
After the quick flash, the story continues with Meri, Janelle, and Christine Brown talking about life on their own after plural marriage.
Kody Brown – Sister Wives
Likewise, Kody and Robyn Brown discuss how the changes affect them as well. However, when Kody shares, it is evident that he feels like part of his heart is being ripped away because of the severed ties in multiple relationships with his kids.
Kody Brown Admits To Being ‘Excommunicated’ By Kids
After Christine Brown Woolley left, Kody Brown confesses, “Christine and I just don’t talk.” Furthermore, he discusses, “Janelle and I have been separated.” Additionally, there is some confusion with his hollow relationship with Meri Brown. He says, “Meri…do we say we’re divorced? I don’t think so.
But we’re not in a marriage, and I don’t want to be in a marriage.” But he heartbrokenly adds, “Who am I without my family?” But his biggest concern was with the relationships deteriorating with his kids. He sobs when talking about the “dream” falling apart. He remarks, “I’ve been f*****g excommunicated from my own family.”
During these raw transitions, Kody doesn’t know where his place in the family is anymore. He mentions, “I have this marriage and these kids with Robyn, and then I have some relationship with some of the other kids and it’s infrequent. And so I’m like, ‘What do I do with all of this?’ It doesn’t feel like a family.”
Kody Brown’s Relationship With Family Is In Turmoil
As the first episode of Sister Wives Season 19 progressed, it became clear that several of the relationships with his children were damaged. While most fans are aware of the tension between Kody Brown and Janelle’s sons, Gabriel and Garrison Brown, other divides are apparent.
Kody, Gabe, and Garrison had a huge falling out during COVID-19 and never truly recovered. Likewise, the strain with the wives leaving added to any animosity present before. Christine Brown Woolley says that the Brown kids don’t all have “a great relationship with Kody.” One of the tough situations is Janelle’s daughter, Maddie Brown Brush.
Kody Brown And Maddie Aren’t Speaking
Specifically, Janelle Brown discusses how Maddie Brown Brush is struggling with Kody Brown. Janelle says, “I know that Maddie has not had any conversations with her dad.
He’s not called, she’s not called him, and she doesn’t have any relationship with Robyn.” Furthermore, Janelle reveals, “She’s pretty much written them both off. She doesn’t really want him to have any contact unless he can commit to like a consistent presence.”
When Kody Brown was asked in a confessional about his relationship with Maddie Brown, he was quick to shut it down. He said, “I won’t talk about her. Nope.” However, his remaining wife, Robyn Brown says, “I don’t understand why Kody’s not reaching out to Madison or some of the other kids.
I know he’s in a very angry and hurt place, but he should just be putting in the effort. But I think the kids should be doing the same thing, too.”
Mykelti Brown Gives Her Two Cents
As the family continues to try and bond together after Kody Brown’s separation from three of his four wives, Christine Brown Woolley’s daughter, Mykelti Brown Padron gives her thoughts.
She says, “I think the current state of my family is honestly heartbreaking.” Then, she adds, “I mean, you look back 14 years ago when Robyn first joined the family, and we were all this like beautiful, united together against all odds vibe. It was really amazing.
And then just life has gone on, and it kind of started to disjoint. It’s really sad. It’s honestly really sad.” Even though Mykelti has been neutral, something happened after Garrison’ death that made her decide to cut ties with Robyn.
All in all, Kody blames Meri, Janelle, and Christine for bad-mouthing him to their kids. Time will tell if Kody is going to find help to heal so he can get closer to his kids again.
After losing Garrison Brown, it may have been a wake-up call for the entire family to learn to forgive. However, the process will take time and devoted effort for the relationships to mend.
Catch new episodes of Sister Wives Season 19 on Sundays on TLC at 10/9c.
What do you think about Kody Brown’s relationship with his kids after Meri, Janelle, and Christine Brown left? Do you think they are irreparable? If Kody works through his personal pain, do you think he can reconnect with his children?