Sister Wives Star Janelle Opens Up About Kody and Meri’s Long-Term Estrangement

Janelle Brown, a prominent figure from the reality series Sister Wives, recently shed light on the fractured dynamics between Kody Brown and Meri Brown during her guest appearance on the Reality Life with Kate Casey podcast.

Janelle Brown Addresses Meri and Kody’s Estrangement

In the episode aired on November 5, 2024, Janelle stated:

“They had been estranged for many, many years.”

She pointed out how Meri has gradually distanced herself from the family, a trend that has been evident over the past several years.

The journey of the Sister Wives has captivated audiences for over a decade, particularly as Kody’s marital relationships have significantly unraveled. Following Christine Brown’s departure in 2021, Janelle’s in 2022, and Meri’s exit in 2023, Kody is now left with only Robyn Brown as his remaining spouse.

Insights on Family Dynamics and Isolation

During her podcast interview, Janelle elaborated on Meri’s increasing disconnection from the family. She noted that Meri had always been somewhat removed, yet this distance expanded notably once Meri became an empty nester after her son, Leon Brown, moved out.

This transition allowed Meri to explore interests beyond family obligations, further deepening her estrangement. While she seems to maintain a stronger rapport with Robyn Brown, her ties with the other family members, including Janelle, have remained tenuous.

Janelle underscored that the decline of Kody and Meri’s relationship was a gradual process that predates their public split. The rift has been an ongoing issue that was mostly kept under wraps until more recent discussions brought it to light.

Reflections on Past Marriages

Alongside her comments about Meri, Janelle candidly reflected on her brief marriage to Adam Barber, Meri’s brother. Describing her two-year union as a “starter marriage,” she humorously shared that they cohabited for just six months before their divorce in 1990.

Despite the dissolution of her marriage, Janelle maintained connections with both Meri and Kody Brown, which eventually led her to embrace the polygamist lifestyle and marry Kody. She characterized her relationship with Kody and Meri as a friendship that naturally evolved over time.

Upcoming Episode Highlights for Sister Wives Season 19

As Sister Wives continues into its 19th season, fans are eagerly awaiting the next episode, “Baptism By Fire,” set to air on November 10, 2024, at 10 PM ET/PT on TLC.

This episode promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions, particularly with the anticipated introduction of Christine’s boyfriend, David Woolley, to Kody Brown. The synopsis teases impending drama:

“Janelle warns Meri about trusting Kody regarding the Coyote Pass property; Christine and David’s house shopping progresses despite a brief courtship; the family reunites for Gwendolyn’s bridal shower; Kody has an awkward encounter with David.”

Fans can also look forward to the portrayal of Gwendolyn’s bridal shower, a gathering that will see Kody and Robyn face off against Christine and David in a long-overdue family reunion.

Sister Wives Season 19 airs every Sunday at 10 PM EDT on TLC.

Source & Images