Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long”

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

As I delve into the lives of these individuals, it becomes increasingly apparent that their experiences, while unique to each, share a common thread: the quest for happiness and fulfillment within their relationships. The Browns, a family once known for their harmonious unity, now seem to be grappling with the complexities of love, communication, and self-discovery.


Meryl Brown is justifying her choice to maintain a spiritual union with her former husband, now known as Kody Brown, despite many years of being apart.

In the November 17th installment of “Sister Wives”, Meri articulated her perplexity during the last ten years of her 30-year union with Kody, a relationship that officially concluded permanently in 2022.

Meri, who is in a relationship with 29-year-old Leon Brown, as they also share Kody, clarified her feelings. “For many years, he’s said and done things that have left me quite puzzled,” she shared. “That’s why I stayed with him for so long.” She went on to explain, “Even in the last couple of years when Kody seemed to need to vent to me, I thought maybe it meant we could discuss other important matters and work towards resolving them. It felt that way to me.

In 1990, Meri and Kody got married, but they legally divorced in 2014 to allow Kody to marry Robyn Brown, his fourth wife, for adoption purposes of her children from a past relationship. Issues in their new partnership became apparent the next year when Meri found herself entangled in a catfishing scandal with a woman pretending to be a man online. However, both Kody and Meri, who was Kody’s first wife among four, acknowledged that their marriage had been facing difficulties before the publicized catfishing incident.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Kody admitted that he and Meri were attempting to reconcile their relationship, despite his previous separations from Christine Brown in 2021 and Janelle Brown in 2022. In his private reflection, he stated, “I’ve moved past the catfishing incident with Meri and now I’m just exploring our connection. We’re both trying to understand each other better. Unfortunately, our relationship never provided a nurturing environment for love to flourish.

Since moving from Las Vegas to Flagstaff, Arizona in 2018, Meri mentioned that her relationship with Kody had become “very perplexing.

In retrospect, as we were about to depart from Las Vegas, he would express to me sentiments such as, “This is going to be fantastic for us,” Meri reminisced. “He suggested that this fresh start would serve as a new opportunity for our relationship, allowing us to leave the past behind and embark on a brand-new chapter together.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Additionally, Meri mentioned that following their move to Flagstaff, Kody played a significant role in her daily life. Moreover, she fondly remembered a unique way they celebrated their anniversary, which rekindled her optimism about reconciling.

On our initial anniversary in Flagstaff, we visited the Grand Canyon together, snapped some photos, enjoyed ourselves immensely, shared a few drinks, and he toasted, “Here’s to a fresh start!” I responded with enthusiasm, “Wow, this is fantastic!

Nevertheless, Kody viewed the scenario differently, as he explained in his private thoughts, “We weren’t at all like a romantic couple. We were more akin to a divorced couple who had been on the verge of parting ways for eight long years.

Sister Wives airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on TLC.

For more bombshells from this season, read on.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Kody Brown expressed his readiness to separate from his first wife, Meri Brown, not long after they exchanged vows in 1990. However, according to Meri, he gave her the impression that they would work on their issues by saying, “Meri, when we move to Flagstaff, this will be a fresh start for us.” This was during their relocation in 2018, as suggested by her statement. “He had led me to believe such things,” Meri added. “This is a pattern he has followed for many years.

Her main gripe, she shared, is “his lack of communication and how he really felt and what he really wanted or what he really didn’t want and the story that he’s been telling for all these years.”

Kody admitted there might have been some ambiguous signals, but as he began working on various tasks, he found himself questioning, “What’s the point?” He clarified that if given the chance, he wouldn’t pursue a romantic relationship with her at this time.

Either way, Meri’s friends were thrilled when she finally pulled the plug in early 2023. 

She admitted, “They said something like, ‘We’re here for you, we’ve got your back. It’s high time,'” she confessed. Removing her blinders now, she realized that for years, he had been trying to persuade her to leave by asserting he didn’t love her. “Because if I could be pushed out and I departed, then he wouldn’t be the villain because he didn’t walk away himself.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Several years had passed since the family acquired a 14-acre plot of land in Flagstaff, Ariz., intended for construction. In the season premiere, Kody admitted that he was prepared to let the dream of building on this land fade away. As they hadn’t managed to pay off the entire $820,000 cost (a debt reportedly settled in 2023), he expressed his desire to either abandon the project or sell it and start anew elsewhere to Robyn Brown, saying, “I’d almost rather walk away from it or sell it and then start over somewhere else.

As for Robyn, “I can’t talk about that,” she responded. “That is so not where I’m at.”

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Reflecting on my journey, I shared with TopMob News that the gradual distancing between us, my dear wife Janelle Brown, and I was inevitable. However, what truly prompted me to part ways was Kody’s shortcomings in fulfilling his responsibilities as a parent to some of our children.

What truly set things in motion for me was when his connection with my kids fell apart, and it seemed as though he wasn’t making an all-out effort to mend it,” the mom shared with Logan Brown, Madison Brown Brush, Hunter Brown, Garrison Brown, Gabriel Brown, and Savanah Brown. “At that moment, I realized that was what had been keeping me tied here.

In the November 3rd episode, it was unalterable for Janelle that she wouldn’t consider reconciliation when Kody proposed it.

She stated, “It’s uncertain how I could possibly rebuild a bond with him without him having a connection with my children.” However, she firmly chose, “I will always prioritize my kids.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Kody provided an account as to why he wasn’t putting forth extra effort to heal the strained relationships he had with some of his grown children.

In the September 15th episode, he expressed his feelings of no longer belonging in the family. Despite being legally married to Robyn and co-parenting their five children – Dayton Brown, Aurora Brown, Breanna Brown, Solomon Brown, and Ariella Brown – he also mentioned having a less frequent relationship with some other children. He seemed puzzled about how to manage this situation, stating, “It doesn’t feel like a family.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Even though they’ve been genuinely monogamous for the first time in their 14-year marriage during this period, Robyn admitted in the season 19 premiere that things have never been as challenging as they are now. “It’s been difficult between us,” she explained. “Kody isn’t sure who to blame – himself or one of the other wives. He’s feeling a lot of rejection and I believe he’s questioning whether I might reject him too.

Consequently, she disclosed, “I’m always alert and vigilant, ensuring he isn’t undermining our relationship.” In her own words, the most challenging aspect was this: “There aren’t many resources available for dealing with the reality that I’m still wed to a man who’s going through multiple divorces.

Meanwhile, Kody struggled with self-doubt, expressing, “I find it hard to tell my reflection, ‘Hey there, buddy. I adore you.’

In the Oct. 27 episode, Robyn remarked that it was tough for her to see her ex-sister wives thriving in their new phase, which made her feel as if she was the one who was left behind.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Add Madison, daughter of Janelle’s eldest child, to the list of kids who are currently not in contact with Kody. As explained during the premiere, “I know that Maddie hasn’t had any contact with her father,” said Janelle. “Neither of them has reached out, and she doesn’t have a relationship with either Kody or Robin. She’s effectively cut ties with both of them.

Janelle stated that the matter at hand revolves around Kody not fully engaging in a relationship with Maddie’s children, Axel, Evangalynn, and Josephine. She expressed that she believes he should only have contact with them if he can make a firm commitment to it.

During the September 22 broadcast, it was mentioned that Kody had essentially stopped communicating with Maddie and her husband Caleb Brush when the family began to disintegrate.

Without Kody being around or reaching out, Maddie has taken on a very protective role, as described by Janelle. She feels that until he demonstrates reliability, shows up consistently without causing unnecessary drama, it might be best for everyone if they aren’t aware of his presence.

Moreover, as Robyn has been urging Kody to reconcile, she added, “It seems appropriate for the children to do so as well.

Currently, it appears as though Kody isn’t prepared to mend the rift yet. He expresses frustration saying that each conversation with his daughter felt like fishing for gossip, which he grew weary of.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

During their 32nd anniversary celebration, “He hinted that he never truly loved me and felt compelled to marry me,” Meri confided in her friend Brandi during the September 15 premiere. “To which I replied, ‘Kody,’ I said, ‘I know you cared for me.’

And if he didn’t, the mom to Leon Brown said in a confessional, why did he ever propose? 

She pondered, “Why would a solitary young man select a solitary young woman to marry if he didn’t initially feel love for her? Isn’t it harsh to say, ‘I’ll choose you and try to make myself fall in love with you over the next 32 years?’

In his personal conversation, Kody stated, “Meri is making some allegations. Well, let her say what she likes. I won’t be responding to them.

Though, he would share that they never enjoyed a honeymoon period. 

He emphatically stated during the October 20th episode that their marriage was in dire straits from the very beginning. He claimed to have had significantly stronger relationships with Janelle, Christine, and Robyn, which gave him this insight.

He acknowledged that he “ought to have ended the relationship two and a half decades back,” yet he remained due to fear, mentioning, “Authority figures won’t permit you to remarry if you’re disposing of spouses.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Despite being unsure whether to develop Coyote Pass or just sell it, Janelle acknowledged that the first move was clearing the debt on the Arizona property. With Kody unwilling to discuss the matter, she shared her concerns with ex-sister wife Christine Brown in the September 22 episode, stating, “I believe I’ll have to consult a lawyer.” She added, “Because I think that’s the only way I’ll be able to get any kind of resolution from him.

Janelle admitted that, since she and Kody are not legally married, she holds no legal claims on his property whatsoever. In her own words, “It’s not as simple as calling a lawyer to file for divorce; the situation is more intricate due to the lack of a legal marriage.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Kody’s reason for avoiding discussions with Janelle about the Arizona property is because he no longer has faith in her.

In a private conversation, he stated, “When it’s due, we’ll settle the property. I prefer not to share my plans with you, as I’ve had enough of revealing details that get twisted by the rumor mill within our fractured family.

A bit of a pot calling the kettle black, Janelle said in her own interview. 

She mentioned, “He spills secrets as if he’s got a hole in him, and I couldn’t help but feel it’s not appropriate for him to share intimate details about his other relationships and wives with me.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

In days when the family’s affection continued to grow instead of wane, they would combine their savings into a common fund.

In my expertise, I’ve noticed a significant shift in recent times. Initially, we were all about pooling our resources to uplift one individual, then collectively offering support to the next. That was the norm for quite some time. However, it seems like the focus has now shifted towards personal estates and everyone seemingly wanting their own piece of the pie. This unexpected change is something I’ve observed in the last decade or so.

When Robyn found herself in search of a house in Arizona, everyone chipped in to purchase a luxurious five-bedroom property worth approximately $1.65 million – this grand dwelling went on sale this past August.

Initially, Robyn expressed that the property would benefit the entire family. However, when Janelle proposed that they all share the mortgage, she faced opposition. Kody responded, “No, no, we need to safeguard, you understand, protect Robyn’s assets,” as Janelle remembered. Now that she’s leaving the family, Janelle expressed her desire to receive her fair share of the Coyote Pass earnings and to recover some of the money she invested in Robyn’s home.

But that could be a tough sell. 

Robyn remarked, “After all this time collaborating, it’s just perplexing to me. With Janelle claiming she’s due money, I find myself questioning, ‘How is this amount determined? How on earth can we sort this out?’ It’s such a puzzling situation.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Janelle expressed her frustration over the family’s inability to clear their debts at Coyote Pass. She pointed out that despite having numerous other debts, Kody seemed to be acquiring items such as trailers and home decorations. Referring to Robyn and Kody’s house, she noted the art on the walls and various possessions, commenting that she too had spent money on personal belongings. In response, Kody explained that most of his funds were used for buying cars and insuring their children.

Janelle admitted that she wasn’t clear about Kody and Robyn’s financial management, but she often found herself amazed by the beauty of Robyn’s backyard, which was always fully landscaped. Additionally, there was always an abundance of items in her house, leaving Janelle to remark, ‘Wow, really? Huh.’

Essentially, she conveyed that he didn’t pay enough attention to her needs or desires, which became a problem over time. Eventually, this became clear to her, and even her grown children expressed frustration, asking something along the lines of “What on earth, Mom?

Robyn’s perspective was that she became particularly cautious about managing her finances following the breakdown of her first marriage.

She admitted on the September 22 episode that she wasn’t very good with finances in the past. Growing up, she faced numerous challenges, and it was during her divorce that she truly mastered budgeting skills. Regarding her fellow sister wives, she suggested that perhaps they prioritized their spending differently than she did.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Currently, as shown on the September 22 episode, Janelle admitted that she and Meri, along with Robyn and Kody, seldom interact with their families, including Aspyn Brown, Mykelti Brown Padron, Paedon Brown, Gwendlyn Brown, Ysabel Brown, and Truely Brown. She doesn’t anticipate this situation to improve significantly in the near future.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Describing it as the most wonderful phase of his existence during their Las Vegas tenure, Kody remarked, “Things were running smoothly, and it was delightful to have Maddie and Caleb nearby. They felt like part of my family, especially Caleb whom I adored immensely.

However, discord arose in Arizona concerning coronavirus safety measures, and this tension began to unravel things. Similarly, as his marriages deteriorated, he found that the connection with his children also weakened, stating that it led to a souring of all those relationships.

But Christine insisted their were issues well before she announced she was leaving in late 2021. 

On the September 22nd episode, she remarked, “The children who felt frustrated were already that way prior to my departure. My leaving did not alter their relationship with their father. Kody has the ability to mend his relationships with his kids.

Though it’ll definitely take some work. 

Kody conveyed, “I’ve been deeply hurt by how I’ve been unfairly treated, and it’s left me struggling to move past it. To clarify, I refuse to shoulder the blame for actions that my wife or ex-wife is falsely accusing me of. I can only hope that with time, the resentment will fade, allowing us to rediscover forgiveness and love.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

In my expertise on lifestyle matters, let me share a personal insight: When I tied the knot at a tender age of 21 and 19 with my spouse, we admittedly weren’t well acquainted on a spiritual level when our union was both legally and spiritually sealed. Over time, we navigated through the ups and downs that come with marriage, eventually leading to the decision to part ways in 2014. This step allowed me to legally adopt her three eldest children from a previous relationship.

In the early days of our marriage, my wife carried a unique set of experiences that I wasn’t initially aware of. Over time, I realized there were certain baggage pieces that were challenging to navigate. Initially, I tried to adapt, thinking I could manage it. However, as our relationship progressed, I found myself in a cycle of ongoing conflict, which eventually became unbearable. I can no longer thrive in an environment where she is consistently upset with me.

Despite his desire to depart, he found himself unable to do so. Kody, a man in a plural marriage, explained, “If he wishes to remain faithful and devoted, he can’t seek a divorce. It’s forbidden. Consequently, I couldn’t escape that relationship. However, it wasn’t that I desired to exit the relationship. Instead, I yearned to understand if we could salvage and mend it.

Therefore, due to the conflicting signals, he admitted that Meri believed they could resolve their issues. However, whenever they were in each other’s company, Kody explained, “She wasn’t pleasant, she wasn’t entertaining, she wasn’t compassionate, she wasn’t engaging. I try to show interest in her, but I find myself growing weary.

He acknowledged that it might seem like Meri was left behind, but he clarified, “However, it wasn’t a forced eviction on my part. Instead, Christine, Janelle, and Meri made the decision for me to depart from our shared home.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Despite the fact that neither Janelle nor Christine considered it necessary to legally divorce Kody, Meri requested a formal separation, known as a “release,” from their church in late 2022.

In the episode on September 22nd, she clarified that all four of us women married Kody through our church. Technically, we couldn’t all have legal marriages, but we referred to it as a covenant. Since we aren’t planning any more marriages and I don’t wish to be bound to him for eternity if he doesn’t want me, I think it’s time for us to fully separate – that’s where I stand now.

Kody was hesitant about the concept, she mentioned, preferring not to recognize the power or influence of the church elders.

Kody clarified his position: “The harm is so extensive that there’s no chance of reconciliation, regardless of circumstances.” He further elaborated, “I don’t wish to be answerable to this church and its nonsense. Consequently, I’ll allow Meri the freedom to pursue her own path because if I’m angry with her, it turns into a conflict. Essentially, I need her to step back because it’s taken her so long to understand that it’s been finished for years.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

The holiday gift exchange conversation for the 18 Brown family members in 2021 took an unpleasant turn, as Christine explained. “Things fell apart, things went wrong,” she summarized. “Kody, Robyn, and their children were on one side, completely isolating Janelle, me, and our kids. The situation deteriorated after this text conversation led to a division within the group.

According to Robyn, her older children expressed that the interaction felt “unsafe emotionally” and suggested a temporary break in their relationship. However, she clarified that it wasn’t about cutting ties completely or rejecting her, but rather feeling uncomfortable and needing some distance, as if the situation had become unpleasant.

For his part, Gabriel is hoping that they could find their way back to each other. 

In the October 13th episode, he admitted his deepest desire is to rebuild a connection with Robyn’s kids. During middle school, Aurora was his preferred companion, and in high school, he always attempted to reach out to Dayton. However, he isn’t optimistic about forming a relationship with their father and Robyn.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Aurora asserted that she was informed numerous times, by various individuals and under different situations, that she wasn’t welcomed into the family upon Kody’s marriage in 2010. She claimed they never regarded her as their sister, never thought of her in that manner.

Her sister Breanna expressed that she believed the parents might have made more effort to strengthen our family bond, but unfortunately, it never materialized.

But Christine isn’t sure how they could have opened their arms any wider.

Robyn’s children and she are always welcome to any event,” she emphasized. “Simply feel free to drop by our home whenever it suits you.

Simultaneously, she mentioned, her daughter Ysabel Brown shared a strong bond with Robyn’s children. In fact, Mykelti Brown Padron resided with them for a while. She explained, “There were challenging periods and my children felt irritated at times, but they viewed Robyn’s kids as their siblings just as before.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Speaking enthusiastically about the freedom she experienced, Janelle expressed her view on plural marriage by saying, “When it works well, you become part of this fantastic family system and are connected to a community. You have a husband whom you share a strong bond with, yet you maintain your own independence too. In essence, plural marriage offered me an exceptional lifestyle.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

According to Janelle, Kody found it more challenging to split his affection when the family moved from Las Vegas to Arizona in 2018.

On the September 29th episode, it was noted that when Kody relocated to Flagstaff, he found it more convenient to stay away. Occasionally, I had to remind him of our arrangement and encourage him to visit my home. He would often make excuses about being tired, but I’d respond by saying, “You can rest just as effectively at my house as you can at Robyn’s.” This suggests he was trying to avoid coming over.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

As a lifestyle expert, I’d put it this way: “I noticed a sense of distance among my brood regarding Robyn. It seemed they were reprimanded if they ventured into her refrigerator. The situation was tricky for my kids because they recognized that their father was in a relationship with Robyn, yet she wasn’t a regular presence in our household.

And Robyn said her crew definitely felt the divide. 

On the September 29th episode, she revealed that Meri welcomed both me and my children warmly, but the rest of the family found it challenging to accept us. She expressed that our primary desire was simply to be included in their family.

However, Gabriel might contend that he and his fellow siblings made considerable efforts to integrate them into their group.

In the October 13th episode, he expressed his belief that Robyn might have a victim mentality. To be more direct about it, and without placing any blame, I believe various individuals develop unique tactics to help them stay resilient.

Yet, he went on to say, “If Robin genuinely thinks that we were unfairly treating her or her children despite the fact that Dad consistently favored her and we were always making an effort to bond with her kids, if she genuinely believes this, then there’s no hope for me to have a relationship with Robyn in the future.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

During a September 29 broadcast, Kody revealed that the frequent moves between four households significantly impacted his eighteen children, as illustrated when his and Robyn’s youngest, Ariella (born in January 2016), tightly held onto him when he attempted to depart, clinging emotionally to him.

Kody expressed, “‘I told her, there are other responsibilities calling for me – another wife, another mother. My other children need my presence.’ He added, ‘She clung to me, crying, “Don’t abandon me, Daddy, don’t leave me.” It’s tough,’ he lamented.

Unfortunately, that’s just a reality of plural marriage, insisted Janelle. 

Initially, she made clear to her children that their father wouldn’t be a constant presence due to his frequent absences. I’ve often felt that Kody and Robyn mishandled the situation with their kids. He couldn’t stay away for longer than three or four days because Ari would become distressed. To me, it seemed irresponsible parenting. Throughout the family’s history, the other children had handled similar situations, and they’ve grown up to be well-adjusted adults.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Among a small group of children with the last name Brown, Mykelti maintained relationships with both Robyn, Kody, and Kody’s other wives, Christine and Janelle. During Kody’s divorces, Mykelti stepped in to serve as a mediator or peacemaker.

From the very beginning when Robyn joined the Brown clan, Mykelti extended an invitation for her to be present during the delivery of her twin boys, Archer and Ace, in November 2022.

During the September 29th broadcast, Mykelti shared that when Robyn initially became part of our family, she was still finding herself, and Robyn made me feel unique and understood. At times when I required companionship, Robyn was there. When I needed someone to listen, to cherish me, she was always present.

Christine’s mother was overjoyed beyond measure. As Robyn joined their family and it became clear that she and Mykelti shared a strong bond, Christine expressed her feelings, saying, “This is exactly what I had hoped for.” On the Oct. 6 episode, she continued, “When I dreamt of having a large family, I was longing for my children to have wonderful relationships with other mothers. And now, seeing this, it’s all coming true!

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Kody believes it’s not just his wives who are deliberately keeping him out of their lives; he thinks they’re doing so as a form of retribution for a crime he didn’t commit, according to his explanation during the October 6 episodes. He attributed his estrangement from some of his older kids to this situation, stating that his only guilt lies in not being deeply in love with their mothers.

What’s more, he continued, he think his former spouses are a bit to blame. 

He mentioned that the strain in his relationship with his kids stems primarily from his own mind, due to negative comments. He explained that there’s a storm of disillusionment from the family separation, and it feels as though people are blaming him, saying, “Dad must have messed up.

However, while he acknowledges some level of accountability, he strongly objects to the derogatory remarks. Notably, he had difficulty establishing rapport with Hunter, Maddie, and Gabriel. Kody disclosed that one of his children texted him saying, “You’re worthless. I wouldn’t talk to you again even if I tried.

In another instance, he expressed to the cameras, “One of my children recently said, ‘You’re a jerk. I won’t speak to you anymore. You deceived me and conditioned me.’

He’s unwilling to continue addressing the issue of venom because it is not his responsibility alone. “I won’t keep reaching out indefinitely,” he stated, expressing his belief that the adults involved should take more action to resolve the situation. “I’m prepared to make an effort, but I expect the other party to do their part as well.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

For Robyn, watching Kody’s estrangement from his adult children hit far too close to home. 

In my younger years, my parents chose to part ways, leading to separate lives. He settled down with another woman in a different city, while my mother lived on her own. I vividly recall questioning him about our circumstances, asking “What happened? Why weren’t you there for me when I was growing up?” His responses were nothing more than hollow excuses that left me feeling empty and disappointed.

Instead of letting Kody’s wounded emotions deter him, she wasn’t going to hold back from exerting effort. During their heated argument, caught on camera towards the end of 2022, she admitted that it was difficult not to feel a bit disappointed in him and lose some respect.

Even though Kody admitted that he could improve the bond with his children, he expressed the need to heal his own heart initially.

He admitted that some of his children seem to be conspiring against him, and he expressed, “I’m so enraged by what has transpired that when I interact with my kids, I fear they might provoke me with a charge. At this moment, I’m too emotional. I’m afraid I’ll only make the situation worse.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Despite many members of their family being present at Logan’s wedding to Michelle Petty in October 2022, there seemed to be a lack of affection or warmth among them.

Kody expressed frustration to Robyn during the October 6th episode, mentioning that he noticed Madison hurriedly leaving their presence with her children, and he hadn’t known about her expecting her third child, daughter Josephine, born in February 2023. Essentially, he said she didn’t inform him about her pregnancy.

Frankly, Maddie doesn’t tell her dad much of anything with the two rarely speaking.

Janelle clarified that Maddie avoids Kody because he doesn’t have a relationship with him. She prioritizes her children’s well-being, as Kody hasn’t been around since Evie was born, who is now three and a half years old. Janelle didn’t want Kody to unexpectedly show up and claim to be Maddie’s grandfather without the kids recognizing him.

Kody expresses that it’s not feasible for grandparents to be constantly present in their grandchildren’s lives, using Maddie as an example since she resides in North Carolina. He explains that this is particularly challenging if one relocates their children across the country, as he has responsibilities and a life in Flagstaff.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

It seems evident that Kody and his grown-up kids hold contrasting perspectives regarding their prolonged rift. One contentious issue is Kody insisting on receiving an apology or acknowledgment of wrongdoing from his side.

Following the easing of COVID-related concerns and returning to our usual routines, there remained a strain within our family, as Kody expressed that his sons should apologize to him and particularly to Robyn. He later explained that the issue had evolved to the point where they simply needed to have a conversation with him. (This was revealed during the episode on October 13.)

In Janelle’s words, Kody was upset because he felt his children hadn’t shown loyalty towards him, adding that the person who gives the most love and care in our family has been treated unfairly or disrespectfully, to put it mildly. She responded, “Well, Kody, whatever you say.

In my own words, I echoed Gabriel’s sentiments as a passionate admirer might: “Just as he repeatedly suggested I owed him an apology, he found himself in the same conversation with his father. But I finally stood up and told him, ‘Unless you’re genuinely willing to rebuild our relationship and make amends, we won’t be speaking anymore.’ A few days passed, and lo and behold, he texted me back. He admitted he had been contemplating my words and extended forgiveness. I was puzzled, asking him, ‘What is there to forgive?’

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

As a devoted admirer putting it in my own words: Among the six offspring Kody is blessed with by Janelle, I can only claim a sporadic relationship with our youngest, Savanah. We seldom converse, but approximately every two months, we manage to connect over a phone call and occasionally meet up in person. Regrettably, my other children seem to have minimal or no connection with me at this time.

Regarding Savannah, who completed high school in 2023, it’s evident that her four elder brothers have assumed a paternal role for her. In fact, Savannah has expressed to Janelle that she might ask her siblings to escort her during her wedding ceremony someday.

Janelle mentioned she had spoken with Savanah on the topic, and Savanah explained, ‘I’ve come to understand this is his nature,’ Janelle shared. ‘He’ll be the type of father who joins in the fun but isn’t always around. I can adapt to that reality. It’s alright.’

Janelle, however, is less forgiving. 

She expressed her disappointment, saying, “Kody is really getting on my nerves right now. You know, I’ve witnessed similar situations before. Many women I’ve collaborated with in the past got divorced, and afterward, their ex-husbands would disappear with the children.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Initially, the strain between them, as father and son, hit Gabriel particularly hard since Kody often invited Gabriel along on his work travels. As Janelle put it, Kody had been an exceptionally involved father until more recent times.

Although Gabriel is puzzled about what he might have done to upset his father, during the Oct. 13 episode, he expressed, “I told Dad that if he doesn’t change and can’t accept responsibility, then I won’t visit him anymore, and I’m perfectly fine with that.

In her own words, she expressed that he finds comfort knowing his father isn’t part of his life. Furthermore, it’s her wish for all her children to achieve the same peace. She believes they are all gradually reaching this point.

For his part, Kody also seems resigned to the situation. 

He expressed his apologies for how Gabriel seems, but he has made several attempts to reach out to him, yet those efforts were unanswered, not because he didn’t put in the effort.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Meri was likely the one who left Kody last, but she legally ended their relationship towards the end of 2022, by asking for and being granted what their church refers to as a release, due to alleged abandonment.

She pointed out on October 13th that he dislikes that particular word since it doesn’t align with his perception that he didn’t leave her. Instead, she feels that he did.

To put it another way, she believes he paid little attention to her until she decided to depart, allowing him to claim innocence by saying “I have no part in this.

And Kody didn’t totally deny that he had a bit of a strategy. 

He admitted that he had already moved past the situation a while ago, but in all fairness, he was hesitant to confront her directly due to fearing her reaction. The reason for his apprehension stemmed from Meri’s history of disloyalty, something that had always been a concern for him. It’s more about preserving a certain reputation, as getting divorced can have a negative impact on one’s image.

Instead, alleged Meri, it was hers that was being tarnished. 

She expressed, “It’s truly disappointing how Kody is discussing our marriage, as if it’s a different story now. The things he’s telling others about me don’t align with reality, and unfortunately, they seem to be taking his words as truth.

Why Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Stayed With Kody for “So Long"

Before Christina parted ways with Kody, it became apparent to her that they didn’t seem compatible on paper, as suggested by an activity proposed by their marriage counselor based in Las Vegas.

In her search for a suitable partner, Christine jotted down characteristics she desired in a husband, such as a good conversationalist, someone who would be actively involved in both hers and their children’s lives, and someone who was drawn to her. However, Kody didn’t fit any of the qualities on her list, as she admitted during the October 20th episode. “I presented him with the list,” she explained, “and he said, ‘I don’t possess those traits for you.’ I replied, ‘No, you don’t.’

The letter played a significant role in helping her recognize swiftly that David Woolley was indeed her match.

She enthusiastically praised the widower father of eight, stating that family is his greatest priority. His drywall business is something he owns, and he’s known for being sincere and genuine in his dealings with others. He’s an excellent communicator as well.

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2024-11-18 09:23