Kody Brown Opens Up About Estrangement from Kids, Reflects on His Ex-Wives
Kody Brown had to confront the errors of his past marriages while participating in Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.
In the episode that aired on Thursday, November 6, Kody, 56, discussed his personal experiences after being given more responsibilities as a recruit.
“I see myself as a strong leader,” he admitted in a confessional. “I did my best to lead my family.”
Andrew East later inquired about the “pros and cons” of Kody’s lifestyle, to which he responded, “I fathered 18 kids with four wives. I’ve gone through three divorces, and I would never choose that path again — I wouldn’t marry again.”
To Kody, polygamy was the only choice. “I was raised in a culture that treated it as a core aspect of their belief system,” he remarked. “My father had three wives.”
The consequences of Kody’s divorces have created strain with his children.
“In some instances, communication with my kids has completely stopped,” Kody stated. “When there’s not a strong bond with your children, it’s deeply disappointing. However, there are certain things I won’t take full responsibility for. I will accept where I should.”
Kody has been spiritually married to wife Robyn Brown since 2010. At that time, he was already married to Meri Brown, Janelle Brown, and Christine Brown. He and Robyn, 47, formalized their marriage in December 2014, and he adopted her three children from a previous marriage. Together, they have two children, Solomon, 13, and Ariella, 9.
Kody’s initial three marriages have since ended, leaving him only with Robyn. Christine, 53, announced their separation in November 2021, followed by Janelle, 56, who shared in December 2022 their split was finalized. Meri, 54, confirmed her separation from Kody in January 2023.
Latter in the episode, Kody had a meeting with the Directing Staff, who probed into his background.
“[My purpose] was to be a husband and a father. I had four wives living under one roof. [That created issues] within the family dynamics. There was always the claim that I favored one [child] over another,” he reflected. “They were turning against me, saying, ‘I don’t need Dad or want Dad around.’”
Kody became “offended by a lot of” his children’s actions. “They pushed me away. I felt like I gave everything I had to my children as long as they were involved with me. They always received my support,” he clarified.
The Directing Staff questioned whether Kody was accepting his “true responsibilities in the aftermath” with his children, which brought him to tears as he grappled with the condition of his family.
Kody Brown’s relationships with Meri Brown, Janelle Brown, Christine Brown, and Robyn Brown have encountered many challenges — but numerous Sister Wives fans were taken aback when most of his wives began to leave him. TLC viewers were introduced to the Brown family in 2010, starting with Kody’s legal marriage to Meri and others.
“I struggle with admitting when I am wrong. I dislike being wrong,” he confessed. “There was a time in my life when my focus was on everyone else. I should have nurtured a robust relationship with my children. Currently, I am in a phase where I can openly acknowledge that I have made mistakes.”
Kody continued: “My mistake is that I believed I understood the roles of a father and husband. I really thought I did, but I was mistaken. I failed in numerous ways, and it was painful. I detested being held accountable — it made me resistant to accepting this reality.”
In a confessional, Kody expressed a desire to mend “all the relationships” in his life — including with his ex-wives.
“That’s not an easy task. I understand that,” he continued. “I am sorry for any hurt or offense I’ve caused my children. I need that kind of humility back in my life.”
Special Forces provided Kody with a platform to articulate his feelings through a heartfelt letter, which stated, “Dear Robyn — love of my life — please let my children know that I wished for more time to show them my love. Had I had that time, I would have made things right. You have been my support throughout so much sorrow. Until we meet again in your dreams, my sweet queen [and] eternal love.”
Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on Fox.
