Sister Wives patriarch Kody Brown is confronting some difficult truths about his past. During his time on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, he has dealt with both physical and mental challenges. In the November 6 episode, Kody broke down when discussing mistakes he made raising his 18 children with his four wives. Former U.S. Marine Rudy Reyes demanded, “Do you feel that you’re taking your proper responsibility in the fallout of your kids?”
“I don’t want to admit I’m wrong sometimes,” Kody confessed. “I don’t like being wrong.”
Kody Brown wishes he had a “stronger” relationship with his kids
According to People, Kody told former SAS Operator Mark “Billy” Billingham, “There was a point in my life when I was concerned about everybody.” But the staff instructor stopped him right there. “You’re concerned about everybody as long as they sang to your tune,” he interjected. “As long as they agree with everything you believe in. I don’t think you’re being honest with me.”
“I should have had a stronger relationship with my children,” the former polygamist admitted.
When pressured to take “ownership” of his past mistakes, Kody explained why he wasn’t a better parent. “I’m at a place in my life now where I’m very willing to say that I’ve been wrong,” he sobbed. “My failures were because I didn’t know about being a good dad and husband … I really thought I did, [but] I misunderstood that.”
“I did it wrong in so many ways,” he continued. “And I hated being blamed for it, so it made me resistant to ownership.”
While Rudy called Kody’s mindset “very adolescent,” Billy urged him to take accountability for his past mistakes. “When you really f*cking own that, you’ll do something about it,” he said. “Dig deep and keep going.”
“Yes,” Kody agreed.
Kody Brown is interviewed here by TLC. (TLC)
Kody Brown being a relatively deadbeat dad isn’t major news to anyone who has been paying attention. He only speaks to a handful of his children and, at other times, has seemingly blamed these kids for their lack of a relationship. Perhaps Kody has now seen the light? Taken a long, close look in the mirror? The TLC personality shares Leon with Meri; Logan, Madison, Hunter, Gabriel and Savanah, along with Garrison, who died by suicide in 2024, with Janelle; Aspyn, Mykelti, Paedon, Gwendlyn, Ysabel and Truely with Christine; and Solomon and Ariella with Robyn, as well as David, Aurora, Breanna, whom she had during a previous marriage and Kody later adopted.
It’s a lot, we know. Just this past September, Maddie detailed how toxic things are between her and her dad. “You want your dad to show up. You want reconciliation. I know I played a part and I’m angry because I’m still trying to learn to not be disappointed,” she said in a social media video before breaking down. In general, even Kody has admitted that he has next to no connection with nearly any of his kids.
Last November, two years after Janelle and Kody separated, Madison confirmed she had cut off her dad due to his lack of boundaries in their fractured family. “I’m still learning how to just see him for who he is,” Madison added in a confessional on a Sister Wives episode. “I’m trying to understand that maybe he didn’t know how to show up. He might be hurting.”
For his part, Kody has never taken much accountability. “We’re at an impasse here,” he said on a Sister Wives installment this fall. “Because this healing can only happen on their terms only.”
Well, yes, you moron. You’re their father. Start acting like it.
Sister Wives airs Sundays at 10/9c on TLC.
