Christine Brown, a former cast member of the TLC reality series Sister Wives, has revealed that she is distantly related to her ex-husband, Kody Brown, adding new context to the family’s long-documented history within a small polygamist religious community.
During a recent discussion on the show, Christine explained that she and Kody are third cousins once removed, a relationship that traces back several generations. She emphasized that the connection is distant and fully legal, noting that such overlaps are not uncommon in close-knit religious groups where families have intermarried over time.
Christine said she had believed marrying a convert would eliminate the possibility of a familial connection, but later discovered that they were still related. She clarified that while plural marriage itself is illegal in many U.S. states, their familial relationship does not violate any laws.
Janelle Brown, another former wife of Kody Brown, confirmed that the family had been aware of the distant connection for years and regarded it as a minor and largely inconsequential detail. According to Janelle, the relationship was so remote that it was never viewed as problematic.
Christine and Kody Brown were spiritually married for more than 25 years and share six children together. Christine announced her departure from the plural marriage in 2021, a decision that marked a significant turning point in the long-running reality series.
Following her separation from Kody, Christine moved on with her life and remarried in October 2023. Kody Brown currently remains married to Robyn Brown, his only legal wife, after the breakdown of the Brown family’s former plural marriage structure.
The revelation has prompted renewed discussion among viewers about the social dynamics of polygamist communities and the challenges that can arise from limited population networks. However, Christine stressed that the discovery has no bearing on her current life and relationships.
Sister Wives continues to document the evolving lives of the Brown family as they navigate the aftermath of separation, personal growth, and public scrutiny.