Kody Brown and Meri Brown’s Complex Post-Divorce Relationship
TLC’s hit reality show, Sister Wives, continues to explore the complexities of polygamous relationships, particularly the intertwined lives of Kody Brown and Meri Brown. Following their divorce in 2023, the dynamic between Kody and Meri has evolved, revealing unexpected moments of warmth amid a backdrop of complicated history.
Backstory: A Long and Winding Journey
Kody and Meri’s relationship began as a spiritual union in 1990, making Meri the first of Kody’s four wives. The couple quickly faced challenges, including fertility issues that strained their marriage. Despite the hurdles, they welcomed their daughter, Mariah Brown (now Leon Brown), in 1995. However, by 2014, Meri legally divorced Kody, permitting him to marry Robyn Brown and adopt her children. Their spiritual marriage continued, but turbulence persisted, highlighted by a 2015 catfishing scandal that led to years of estrangement.
By 2022, Meri sought a church "release," effectively finalizing their spiritual separation after 32 years of marriage. Despite this divorce, the recent Sister Wives season has showcased moments of surprising connection, notably during Meri’s move to Utah, where Kody was seen supporting her emotionally.
Unexpected Bonds After Divorce
In a poignant episode airing in November 2024, Kody broke down in tears while helping Meri move, showcasing a complex bond rooted in mutual respect rather than romance. This emotional exchange puzzled Meri, who described their interactions as “fine” but not friendly. The growing distance yet pragmatic closeness suggests that their history outweighs their past conflicts, allowing a new layer of reconciliation to emerge.
Meri’s independence in Utah, where she runs a bed-and-breakfast, contrasts with Kody’s life with Robyn in Arizona. Their separate paths reflect a significant shift in their lives while their shared past remains an undeniable connection.
Controversial Labels and Strained Relations
During a recent season, Kody referred to Meri as his “favorite ex-wife,” a label that has sparked some controversy among his other exes. Janelle and Christine Brown expressed discomfort over the term, with Janelle stating it undermines her own history with Kody. Christine, now happily remarried to David Woolley, dismissed the comment as an effort to “rewrite history.”
While the relationship between Kody and Meri is becoming more amicable, the dynamics with Kody’s remaining ex-wives are not as smooth. Janelle has distanced herself from Kody, living in North Carolina and labeling him a “failure” in plural marriage during a June 2025 tell-all. Christine similarly avoids contact with Kody. The two women have fortified their friendship, focusing on their individual lives post-Kody.
Conclusion: A Reflection on Change
The shifting dynamics between Kody and Meri highlight the complex realities of modern relationships, particularly in the context of polygamous marriages that challenge traditional norms. As each family member navigates their path forward, these developments suggest a potential for reconstruction of familial ties, even in a post-divorce context. With viewers keenly following these personal narratives on Sister Wives, the unfolding stories promise to illuminate the broader themes of love, estrangement, and the power of shared history in the coming episodes, airing Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on TLC.
