Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His “Favorite Ex-Wife”

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

As a seasoned observer of human relationships, I must say that the lives of the Brown family members, particularly their matriarch and patriarch, are a fascinating study in the complexities of love, marriage, and self-discovery. Meri’s decision to seek a release from Kody, based on grounds of abandonment, reflects a profound sense of self-preservation and personal growth that is commendable.


The knife in Kody Brown’s kidneys is beginning to hurt.

In the heart-wrenching November 24th episode of “Sister Wives,” I, a fervent admirer, found myself utterly captivated as Meri Brown was taken aback when Kody, my beloved, shed tears upon relocating her from Arizona to her dwelling in Utah.

Kody expressed to his former partner, “This marks the closing of a significant chapter.” As he extended his arms for a hug, he added, “We had some fantastic times together, but I refuse to be disheartened by this change.

The sudden display of emotion taken Meri, his ex-wife, aback. “I’m consistently amazed by your emotional outbursts,” she shared with Kody, their spouse since 1990. “It just doesn’t compute for me.

Kody explained that he’s progressed beyond his ‘angry period’, following the divorces from Christine Brown, Janelle Brown, and Meri, which have left him, and is now experiencing feelings of grief instead.

As a devoted follower, I can’t help but feel deeply saddened in a unique way. Currently, I’m bound only to Robyn Brown, and I cherish the life I’ve built with her. However, it’s starkly different from the life I was living three years ago. It feels as though everyone else has moved on from what once mattered deeply to me.

Calling Meri’s move “the final nail in the coffin of our dream,” Kody added, “I’m mourning a loss.”

On the other hand, Meri openly voiced her dissatisfaction. In her private reflection, she articulated her annoyance towards Kody’s response, as she had invested numerous years in rebuilding her relationship with her former partner after they were estranged.

Meri commented, “He’s crying,” and I heard him say, “‘This marks the end of an age,’ which makes me reflect, ‘Perhaps it didn’t need to end like this.’

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

During the episode, an unexpected moment occurred when Kody expressed remorse towards Meri for their prolonged separation, stating, “I’m sorry about the seven years, but I’m grateful we went through it. Now I can grieve my loss instead of feeling anger.

But Kody’s comments just leave Meri more confused than ever.

She expressed confusion by saying, “I’m lost here. I just can’t figure it out. His feelings towards me have always been clear – he didn’t want me around. So, why this unexpected emotion?

The uncertainty and perplexity persist, as the sneak peek for the upcoming episode shows Meri contemplating, “Oh dear me, what have I accomplished? Perhaps I’ve made a mistake.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

However, amidst all the turmoil, Meri managed to secure a victory during the day when she and Kody playfully exchanged banter while packing up and teasing each other earlier in the show.

Kody referred to Meri as his “most favored ex-wife.” He put it simply like this: “Meri, you’re my top choice among the exes, no question about it.

Meri even joked about the title, saying, “Finally, I can be the favorite!”

In fact, Kody couldn’t help but gush over his ex as he helped her move.

Today, Meri is simply exceptional. She’s the kind of woman I would have cherished as a spouse,” he remarked in one instance, further explaining in another, “Meri transformed after our marriage, and our relationship has been challenging until now. That’s quite ironic.

Meri agreed in her own confessional, adding, “Today has been good. It’s like we’re seeing parts of ourselves that we loved back in the day. I also don’t feel any regret about where we are now.”

For more bombshells from season 19 of Sister Wives, read on.  

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

Kody Brown expressed his readiness to separate from his first wife, Meri Brown, not long after they exchanged vows in 1990. However, as he told her, “When we move to Flagstaff, this will be a good time for us to start anew,” suggesting hope for their relationship. Yet, Meri revealed during the Sept. 15 premiere that Kody had often given her false hopes, saying, “He would lead me to believe those things. This is what he’s done for many years.

She expressed her primary concern as being his poor communication, specifically about his true feelings, desires, and aversions, as well as inconsistencies in the stories he has been telling over the years.

Kody admitted there might have been some confusing signals earlier, but once he began working on various matters, he found himself questioning the logic behind it. He clarified, “I wouldn’t pursue a relationship with her at this point.

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

She admitted, “They essentially said, ‘Yes, we’re here for you, providing support. And it’s long overdue,'” she confessed. With her newfound clarity, she now believes that he had been subtly urging her to leave him for years by denying his love, “As it turns out, if he could make me walk away, he wouldn’t be the villain because he didn’t abandon ship himself.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

Several years after acquiring a 14-acre plot of land in Flagstaff, Ariz., intended for construction, Kody admitted during the season opener that he was prepared to let the dream fade away. Since they hadn’t managed to pay off the entire $820,000 purchase price (which reports suggest was paid off in 2023), he expressed this sentiment to his remaining spouse, Robyn Brown: “I’d almost prefer to abandon it or sell it and then start anew somewhere else.

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

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

As an ardent admirer, I’ve always been intrigued by the Brown family dynamics. You know, in an interview with TopMob News, Janelle Brown shared her thoughts, stating, “We gradually drifted away from each other.” However, it wasn’t just their growing distance that led to her departure; it was Kody’s shortcomings as a parent to some of our children that became the decisive factor.

In simpler terms, the mom shared with Logan Brown, Madison Brown Brush, Hunter Brown, Garrison Brown, Gabriel Brown, and Savanah Brown that a major turning point for her was when his relationship with her kids deteriorated to the point where it didn’t seem like he was making any effort to repair it. This realization made her understand that this was what had been keeping her in the same place.

In last week’s episode on November 3rd, when Kody floated the notion of reconciliation, it was an absolute no-go for me, Janelle, as far as I was concerned.

She stated, “It’s unclear to me how I could ever rebuild a relationship with him without it affecting my children’s relationship with him, so I will always prioritize them.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

That was the explanation Kody gave for not working harder to mend the rifts he was experiencing with several of his adult children.

In the September 15th episode, he expressed his feelings of not belonging in the family anymore. 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 of the other kids. Feeling overwhelmed, he asked, “What do I do with all of this? It doesn’t feel like a family.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

In their 14-year long marriage, Robyn admitted during the season 19 premiere that they’ve been experiencing their worst period yet. She explained that things have been difficult between them, and Kody is uncertain about who to blame – himself or one of the other wives. Kody seems to be feeling a lot of rejection, which has led him to question if Robyn will reject him as well.

In my own words, here’s how I’d express it: “I’m constantly vigilant, ensuring he doesn’t undermine our relationship. The most challenging aspect? There seems to be no support or guidance for someone like me, stuck in a marriage with a man who is going through multiple divorces.

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

For Robyn, it felt challenging to witness her ex-sister wives thriving in their fresh chapter. “Everyone seems to be progressing,” she commented during the October 27 episode. “I can’t help but feel like the one who was passed over.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

It was revealed in the premiere that Madison, Janelle’s eldest child, is no longer in contact with her father Kody. In fact, they haven’t spoken for some time, as neither has reached out to the other. Currently, there appears to be no relationship between Madison and Kody or his wife Robin. According to Janelle, she’s effectively cut them both off from her life.

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 doesn’t want him to have much contact unless he is willing to make a firm commitment about it.

In the September 22 broadcast, it was revealed that Kody had largely stopped communicating with Maddie and her husband Caleb Brush when their relationship with the rest of the family began to seriously deteriorate.

Without Kody being around or reaching out, Maddie has taken on a very protective role, as stated by Janelle. She feels that until he can reliably appear without causing a scene, it might be best for them if they keep his presence undefined.

Additionally, Robyn mentioned that she’s been urging Kody to make amends, and she expressed, “I believe it’s also important for the children to take similar steps towards reconciliation as well.

Currently, it appears as if Kody isn’t quite prepared to mend the estrangement, expressing frustration that whenever he communicated with his daughter, their conversations seemed more like fishing for gossip, which ultimately led to him growing weary of it.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

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

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

Pondering over this situation, I find myself questioning, “Why would a solitary heart choose to bind itself with another in marriage, when there’s no initial spark of love? It seems so harsh! To select me from many, and then say, ‘I’ve chosen you as an experiment, hoping to mold my feelings into affection for the next three decades’?

In Kody’s private thoughts, he said something along the lines of, “Meri is making some claims against me. Well, let her speak as much as she likes. I won’t respond to them.

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

He emphatically stated during the October 20th broadcast that their marriage was struggling from the start, to which he attributed his closer relationships with Janelle, Christine, and Robyn.

He admitted he “should have gotten out of the relationship 25 years ago,” but he stayed out of fear, noting, “Leadership will never allow you to marry again if you’re discarding wives.”

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

Even though Janelle was unsure whether she would develop Coyote Pass or just sell it, she realized the first step was settling the Arizona property debt. As Kody refused to discuss the matter with her, she admitted to Christine Brown in the September 22 episode that “it seems I’ll need a lawyer.” She added, “I think that’s the only way I can possibly get any kind of resolution from him.

Janelle admitted that since she and Kody are not legally married, “I don’t actually have any legal grounds to assert any kind of claim on Kody’s assets.” In her words, “It’s not as simple as contacting a lawyer to file for divorce. Instead, it’s quite complex because there’s no legal marriage between us.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

Kody chose not to discuss the Arizona property with Janelle because he no longer felt confident in her trustworthiness.

He stated during the September 22 broadcast that he would settle the property matter when necessary, and he didn’t want to share any specifics about his actions or circumstances since he’s grown weary of revealing details that end up circulating among our dysfunctional family via rumors.

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

She mentioned, “He shares information as if he’s got holes everywhere, especially details about his past relationships and multiple spouses that left me thinking, ‘I’m not sure this is appropriate for me to know.’

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

In the days when their affection for each other was growing instead of waning, they would combine their resources in a common fund.

In simpler terms, Janelle stated during the September 22 broadcast that we would dedicate all our resources to assist one individual, and then collectively offer support to another. This had been our usual approach until around the last decade. However, now it seems like it’s more about personal possessions and everyone wanting their own assets instead.

When Robyn found herself needing a home in Arizona, everyone contributed towards purchasing her spacious five-bedroom property worth approximately $1.65 million – this luxury dwelling had been up for sale since August.

Initially, Robyn thought it would benefit the entire family if they owned the asset. However, when Janelle proposed that everyone add their names to the mortgage, she faced opposition. Kody responded saying, “No, no, we need to safeguard, you understand, safeguard Robyn’s estate,” as Janelle remembered. Now that she is leaving the family, according to Janelle, she wishes to receive her share of the Coyote Pass earnings and also get back some of the money she invested in Robyn’s house.

But that could be a tough sell. 

In Robyn’s words, she remarked, “We’ve been collaborating for quite some time now,” and upon hearing Janelle claim she was yet to be paid by them, Robyn expressed her confusion by saying, “It’s just… how do you quantify? How do you arrive at that figure? It’s all so puzzling.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

Speaking personally as one who closely follows our family’s financial situation, I’ve found myself expressing my concerns over our inability to settle Coyote Pass. Kody has mentioned that he has numerous other debts, yet it seems to me that he continues to acquire assets such as trailers and home decorations. In Robyn and Kody’s home specifically, I’ve noticed an abundance of artwork adorning the walls. I can’t help but observe all these things they possess. And while I understand that I too have spent money on my own belongings, it’s hard not to question the balance when we face challenges like paying off Coyote Pass. In Kody’s defense, he has clarified that a significant portion of his funds go towards purchasing vehicles—”Basically maintaining a fleet”—and insuring our children.

Janelle admitted she didn’t know the specifics of Kody and Robyn’s financial management, but she often marveled at how well-maintained Robyn’s backyard was. It was always fully landscaped, and there was a constant supply of items at her house. This left Janelle in awe, thinking, “Wow, really?” or “Huh.

Essentially, she expressed that he didn’t give importance to her needs or desires, which over time became a significant problem for her. She elaborated, “I guess I started recognizing it eventually, and even my grown children were becoming increasingly upset about it, asking things like, ‘What on earth, Mom?’

Robyn became quite cautious about managing her finances following the breakdown of her first marriage.

She confessed during the September 22 episode, “I wasn’t good with managing money in the past.” Raised amidst hardships when she was young, she learned valuable budgeting skills during her divorce. As for her fellow sister wives, she noted, “It seems like your spending priorities differed from mine, that’s all.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

Currently, as seen in the September 22 episode, Janelle admitted that there’s little communication between her, Meri, Robyn, and Kody – their respective families including Aspyn Brown, Mykelti Brown Padron, Paedon Brown, Gwendlyn Brown, Ysabel Brown, and Truely Brown. She expressed doubt that this situation will significantly improve in the near future.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

During their stay in Las Vegas, Kody fondly referred to their arrangement of four homes on a single cul-de-sac as the “highlight of my life.” He explained, “Things were running smoothly and it was wonderful having Maddie and Caleb around. I adored Caleb; he felt like family to me.

However, in Arizona, disagreements arose concerning coronavirus safety measures, leading to a breakdown of order. Following this, he explained that as his marriages disintegrated, so too did his relationships with the children, causing them to deteriorate.

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

She stated during the September 22 broadcast, “The children who felt frustrated had been feeling that way long before I departed.” This indicates that her departure did not affect the dynamic between the kids and their father, as Kody is still capable of mending his relationships with his children.

Though it’ll definitely take some work. 

As a lifestyle advisor, let me express it this way: “I’m still grappling with the way I’ve been portrayed, and it’s holding me back from moving forward. The truth is, I refuse to accept blame for actions that my partner or ex-partner claims I’ve taken. I yearn for the day when the animosity will fade, so we can rediscover forgiveness and love once more.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

At the age of 21 and 19, Kody and Meri hadn’t known each other very well when they got married, both spiritually and legally. Over time, they ended up filing for divorce in 2014 so that Kody could legally adopt Robyn’s three oldest children from a previous marriage.

In simpler terms, Kody stated, “When we got married, she was quite different from how I expected. I believe there were some issues from her past (baggage) that I wasn’t aware of. At first, I thought I could deal with it. However, as time went on, everything seemed to be a struggle because she was often angry with me. I can’t continue living in such a state where she is consistently upset with me.

Despite his desire to depart, he found himself stuck in the relationship. Kody, who is in a plural marriage, explained, “If one wishes to stay loyal and devoted, a divorce request is not an option. It’s forbidden. Consequently, I couldn’t escape this bond. However, it wasn’t that I yearned to end the relationship. Rather, I sought to understand if there was a chance for salvation and repair.

Therefore, due to the conflicting signals, he admitted that Meri believed they could resolve their issues. However, whenever they were together, Kody stated, “She wasn’t pleasant, she wasn’t amusing, she wasn’t considerate, she wasn’t engaging. I’m trying to be interested in her, but I’m growing weary.

To be fair, he added, he could see why Meri felt abandoned, “But I didn’t kick me out. Christine, Janelle and Meri all chose to have me leave the home.”

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

Even though neither Janelle nor Christine considered it necessary to legally divorce Kody due to the informal nature of their union, Meri sought a formal separation from him through their church by requesting a ‘release’ in the last months of 2022.

In the recent episode on the 22nd of September, I shared that when my fellow sisters and I wed Kody, it was through our church, though technically we couldn’t all be legally married. We referred to it as a covenant. Now, since we’re not pursuing any further marital commitments, I believe it’s time for us to dissolve that bond. Frankly, I don’t wish to remain eternally bound to him if he doesn’t desire me, and I find myself at a point where a clean break is necessary.

As a lifestyle consultant, I found myself initially reluctant to embrace the church leaders’ guidance, preferring to maintain my personal autonomy and self-determination rather than acknowledging their leadership role.

Kody made it clear that the harm was so extensive that reconciliation is no longer an option. He further stated that he doesn’t wish to answer to this church and its nonsense when it comes to accountability, instead preferring to let Meri pursue her own path. If he’s angry with her, he said, it would lead to conflict. Essentially, he wants her to move on because it has taken her a long time to accept that their issues are long resolved.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

In the spirit of sharing experiences, let me recount an unfortunate turn of events during our 2021 holiday gift exchange. It seemed like things were headed in the wrong direction, taking a downward spiral, as I put it. The divide became apparent when Kody and Robyn, along with their children, appeared to distance themselves from Janelle, myself, and ours. This text conversation led to a significant rift within our group.

In Robyn’s opinion, her three eldest children found the interaction “uncomfortable emotionally” and decided it would be best for them to distance themselves from the relationship temporarily. However, it wasn’t a matter of not wanting to see or have anything more to do with her; they simply felt the situation had become unpleasant.

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

He admitted during the October 13 episode that what he yearns for most is reconnecting with Robyn’s children. In middle school, Aurora was the one he enjoyed spending time with the most. High school found him attempting to reach out to Dayton frequently. However, he doesn’t hold much hope for a relationship with their father and Robyn.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

Aurora emphasized that she was repeatedly informed, in various situations and by different individuals, that she wasn’t welcomed as part of the family when her mother married Kody in 2010. They never acknowledged or recognized her as their sister, she said.

Her sister, Breanna, expressed that their parents could have made more effort to strengthen our familial bond, but unfortunately, it never materialized.

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

Robyn’s children and Robyn are always welcome to any event,” she emphasized. “In other words, they can feel free to drop by our home whenever it suits them.

Simultaneously, she mentioned, her daughter Ysabel Brown shared a strong bond with Robyn’s children, and Mykelti Brown Padron resided with them for a while: “There were challenging periods and my children felt exasperated, but they viewed Robyn’s kids as siblings just the same.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

Speaking enthusiastically about the freedom she experienced, Janelle expressed her thoughts on plural marriage as follows: “When it works well, you become an integral part of this fantastic family network. You have a loving husband and maintain a strong bond with him. You’ve got everything you could ask for. And yet, at the same time, I retain my independence. In my view, plural marriage offers a truly wonderful setup.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

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, I observed that when Kody relocated to Flagstaff, it seemed easier for him to stay away. Occasionally, I had to gently remind him that he should visit me at my home. He would often make excuses about being tired, but I countered by saying, “You can rest just as effectively here as you can at Robyn’s.” In essence, I was suggesting that he could recharge his energy levels equally well at my place.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

Janelle pointed out that her kids felt distinct from Robyn, saying, “If my children dared to open Robyn’s refrigerator, they would be reprimanded.” Meanwhile, for Christine’s offspring, the problem stemmed from the fact that “they noticed that Robyn was dating their dad, but he wasn’t present in our household.

And Robyn said her crew definitely felt the divide. 

She mentioned during the September 29th broadcast that Meri, in general, welcomed my children and me warmly, but the rest of the family found it difficult to accept us and my kids. Our main wish was to become a valued member of this family.

However, Gabriel might contend that he and his kin had made significant efforts to integrate them into their group.

In the October 13 episode, he expressed his belief that Robyn might have a complex of feeling like a victim, putting it simply. However, I don’t point fingers at her for this. Instead, I believe each person has their own ways of coping, and in Robyn’s case, she may have developed strategies to help herself stay afloat.

But he went on to say, “If she truly thinks that we were unfairly treating her or her children while she was receiving special treatment from Dad and we were making efforts to bond with her kids, if she genuinely believes this, then there’s no possibility of me maintaining a relationship with Robyn.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

In the September 29th episode, Kody explained how the constant movement between four homes impacted him and his eighteen children. He shared a particular instance where his and Robyn’s youngest daughter Ariella, born in January 2016, became emotional when he tried to depart, hanging on tightly to his leg.

In my own words, I found myself needing to tell her, “Another wife and mother are waiting for me, other children yearn to see their father. Yet here you are, clinging to me, Daddy.” It’s a difficult situation, indeed. I feel like I’m saying goodbye under the most challenging circumstances.

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

She shared from the outset, her children “were aware that their father wouldn’t always be present. I’ve always thought Kody and Robyn mishandled the situation regarding their children. He couldn’t stay away for more than a few days because Ari becomes so downhearted. It seems to me that was irresponsible parenting. Throughout family history, the other kids managed similar situations and they turned out just fine – they’re well-balanced adults today.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

As one of the few Brown family members who maintained strong bonds with Robyn, Kody, Christine, and Janelle, I found myself often serving as a mediator amidst Kody’s marital separations, with my role becoming particularly significant during the times of conflict between them. (Mykelti, being the mother of three, took on this role.)

From the very beginning, Mykelti felt close to Robyn upon joining the Brown clan. In fact, she extended an invitation for Robyn to attend the delivery of her twins, Archer and Ace, in November 2022.

During the September 29th episode, Mykelti shared, “When Robyn came into our family, I was still finding myself, and she managed to make me feel unique and understood. Robyn was my support system when I needed one. She was a listening ear and a source of love when I needed it most.

Christine was overjoyed beyond words when she saw Robyn joining their family and building a strong bond with Mykelti. As Christine expressed on the Oct. 6 episode, “I had always hoped for this – a beautiful, close-knit plural family where my kids would have wonderful relationships with other mothers. And it seems like my dreams are coming true!

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

Kody believes that his wives are deliberately excluding him from their lives as a form of retribution for a crime he didn’t commit. He expressed this during the October 6 episode, discussing his distance from some of his older children due to estrangement. Essentially, he feels that he is being punished unfairly, as his only fault was not developing an intense love for 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 is predominantly a product of negative remarks, stating, “It seems my mind keeps associating issues with them to all the gossip.” He further explained, “The turmoil following our family’s separation has created an emotional whirlwind, and it often feels like people are assigning blame to me, as if I were solely responsible for the mistakes made.

However, although some of the blame can be attributed to him, he strongly objects to the derogatory remarks. In fact, Kody admitted that he had difficulty bonding with Hunter, Maddie, and Gabriel. One of his children even replied to a text message by saying, “You are worthless. I would never talk to you again anyway.

On a different occasion, I shared with the cameras, “One of my children has recently expressed, ‘You’ve been quite insensitive. I no longer wish to speak with you. I feel you’ve manipulated and indoctrinated me.’

He’s unwilling to continue handling the venomous situation, as he stated, “I won’t keep trying forever.” Expressing his opinion that adults should take more responsibility in resolving issues, he added, “I’m prepared to exert effort, but it’s essential for someone else to reciprocate and put forth their own effort as well.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

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

In the October 6th episode, she shared that her parents divorced when she was very young. At that time, her father lived with another woman in a different city, while her mother lived on her own. She recalls asking him why he wasn’t around during her childhood, only to receive weak explanations that left her feeling disappointed and frustrated.

She wasn’t going to let Kody’s hurt feelings hinder his efforts, as she expressed during their heated argument caught on camera towards the end of 2022: “I find it difficult not to feel like I’m losing a bit of respect for you,” she confided.

Although Kody admitted that he could be making more efforts to repair his relationship with his children, he emphasized that healing his own heart is a necessary step first.

He expressed his frustration by stating, “Some of my children seem to be ganging up on me, and it has made me so angry that I fear discussing things with them might lead to further confrontations. At the moment, I’m too emotional, and I worry that any conversation could only escalate the situation.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

Despite many members of their family being present at the wedding of Logan and Michelle Petty in October 2022, it seemed that there was not much affection shared among them.

In the October 6th episode, Kody voiced his displeasure to Robyn, expressing that he felt Madison had hurriedly taken her children and distanced them from him. He pointed out that he hadn’t known about Madison expecting her third child, daughter Josephine, who was born in February 2023, as she hadn’t informed him of her pregnancy.

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

Janelle clarified that Maddie has no relationship with Kody because of her strong protective instincts towards her children. Since Evie was born over three years ago, Kody hasn’t been present, and she didn’t want him to suddenly appear at the wedding, claiming to be their grandfather, leaving the kids confused about his identity.

Kody expressed that it’s not feasible for grandparents to be constantly involved in their grandchildren’s lives, given the circumstances like moving children across different coasts, as exemplified by Maddie’s situation in North Carolina. He pointed out his commitments in Flagstaff where he works and lives.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

It’s evident that Kody and his grown-up kids hold contrasting perspectives regarding their current rift, a point of contention being his insistence on an apology or acknowledgment of wrongdoing from him.

Following the end of the COVID-19 crisis, we resumed our usual routines, but there was still a rift within our family that Janelle discussed in the October 13 episode. According to her, Kody had an issue with the boys needing to apologize to him and Robyn, particularly Robyn, and this situation evolved into something more. Eventually, it seemed to her that they simply needed to have a conversation with her.

In summary, Janelle expressed that Kody felt his children hadn’t been faithful to him, adding, “‘and the one who gives her heart and soul in this family has been disregarded or some nonsense like that,’ she concluded. ‘Well, Kody, whatever you say.’

Gabriel expressed a comparable viewpoint, narrating an interaction with his father. “He persistently framed it as if I needed to apologize,” he explained to Janelle. “After some time, I said, ‘Hey, unless you’re genuinely willing to rebuild our relationship and make amends, we won’t talk anymore.’ A few days later, he contacted me again via text, saying, ‘Hey, I’ve been pondering your words. I forgive you, Please forgive me.’ I replied, ‘Forgive me for what?’

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

Among the six children Kody has with Janelle, he primarily interacts with his youngest daughter Savanah. Although this isn’t frequent, roughly every two months, he calls her and they spend time together. The other kids do not seem to maintain a significant relationship with him.

Regarding Savannah, who graduated from high school in 2023, it’s her brothers, being older, who have assumed a fatherly role in her life. In fact, she has expressed to Janelle that she might ask her siblings to escort her during her future wedding.

As I conversed with Savannah on the matter, she expressed, “It’s clear to me now; this is simply his nature.” She continued, “He’ll be the kind of father who joins us for fun times and then departs. I understand him as he is, and I’m at peace with that reality.

Janelle, however, is less forgiving. 

In my line of work as a lifestyle expert, I cannot help but express my concern when I witness situations like the one I find myself in now. It seems Kody has become elusive to me, much like several other fathers I’ve encountered throughout my career who, following a divorce, have vanished with their children. It’s a heartbreaking pattern that I’ve sadly seen repeated all too often.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

Initially, when a strain developed between them, Gabriel found it particularly tough due to Kody’s habit of including Gabriel in his business travels. As Janelle put it, Kody had always been an actively involved father, but that changed over the last few years.

In the October 13th episode, as I found myself puzzled about what might have provoked my father’s displeasure, I asserted, “If Dad persists in his ways and can’t own up to his mistakes, then I simply won’t cross paths with him anymore. And I’m completely at peace with that decision.

According to Janelle, he’s content with his father not being part of his life. In fact, this is the state I wish for all my children, and I believe they’re all moving towards that goal.

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

He expressed his regret for how Gabriel seems to feel, and added that he has attempted to reach out to him several times, but each effort was unsuccessful. However, this doesn’t suggest that he hasn’t made an effort in the process.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

Meri was likely the final spouse to part ways with Kody, but she legally ended their relationship towards the end of 2022 by seeking and obtaining what their church refers to as a release, based on the allegation of abandonment.

She observed on October 13th that he dislikes that particular word, as he doesn’t believe he deserted her. Instead, she feels he did so.

In truth, she believes he paid little attention to her until she decided to depart, which allowed him to claim, “I have no involvement.

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 honesty, he was hesitant to confront her directly because he feared her reaction. This fear stemmed from the fact that Meri was not faithful to him throughout their relationship, which was his main concern. Essentially, it’s about his reputation due to the stigma associated with divorce.

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

As a dedicated follower of our shared journey, it’s truly disheartening to hear Kody speak about our marriage in such a manner. It seems like his perspective on our relationship has shifted, but the accounts he shares about me with others are far from reality, and unfortunately, they appear to be accepted as truth.

Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Sobs, Calls Meri His "Favorite Ex-Wife"

Prior to Christina parting ways with Kody, it became evident to her that they were not well-suited based on a suggested exercise by their marriage therapist in Las Vegas.

Christine penned down a list detailing the characteristics she desired in a partner, including a strong communicator, someone who would be actively involved in her and their children’s lives, and someone who was genuinely drawn to her. However, Kody didn’t fit any of these qualities, as she admitted on the October 20th episode, saying, “He wasn’t any of those things I had written.” She shared with him her list, but he responded by acknowledging that he didn’t meet those criteria for her, to which she replied, “No, you don’t.

The letter played a significant role in her swift realization that David Woolley was indeed her match.

“Family is his most important thing to him,” she gushed of the widowed dad of eight. “He’s owned his own drywall business. He has a reputation of being honest and real with people and he’s really a great communicator.”

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2024-11-25 07:23