Sister Wives stars Janelle and Kody Brown reveal what led to the split, if they even want to work things out

While a preview of the reunion teased Janelle and Kody confirming that they had also gone their separate ways, the couple explained what was wrong when the full hour aired on Sunday night. Throughout the season, the duo clashed over how Kody handled Covid protocols with the whole family – leading to serious issues with two of his sons whom he shares with Janelle, and with Christine and Meri, who felt the protocols favored Robyn.

“I know she suffered more in plural marriage. I think Janelle came into this idealistically and was overwhelmed by the experience of plural marriage,” Kody said, who went on to detail how he felt “disrespected” by all the women for fighting with him over something he felt was “our family’s safety”.

“It really let me know who was going to respect me and who wasn’t going to respect me,” he said, before being asked if he thought Janelle was specifically disrespecting him. “Absolutely, she doesn’t respect me. He also added, “Yeah, we broke up. Pretty dumb for people who love each other, huh?”

In her own separate encounter, Janelle said it wasn’t “love” between them anymore at this point.

“It’s duty. It’s commitment. It’s faith that tells you to work and hold on. I think if we both really sat down, we’d both look at each other and we say, “Really? We’ve been separated for several months,” she then revealed, shocking the host. “Kody and I have separated and I’m happy, really happy.”

“Things got really indifferent. I didn’t care,” she said, adding that while she respects him, she’s “so mad about what happened with our kids” and “loses respect for him in that regard.” She also said disrespect was a ‘mutual’ thing, saying, “It’s a two-way street out there. on me and our children he would have found a way to work for the whole family instead of having his rules and staying where he was respected and obeyed [with Robyn].”

When asked if she thought the couple could have a “romantic” relationship again, Janelle replied that she “wasn’t waiting for him” to return in that regard.

“I kind of cried that, that part of our life is gone. It wasn’t heartbreaking for me like it was for Christine. It was really awesome, we had this great run,” she said , before sharing that he “blew” their 29th birthday following an argument between them over how they would celebrate the holiday. Janelle claimed they didn’t speak for 3-4 months after that…so she wasn’t expecting a celebration for their 30th anniversary either.

“I think it could be there, but it would take so many changes on both of our sides, I don’t know,” she continued, as she then opened up about the situation which also presented her with a crisis of faith.

“Part of me thinks, okay, my religion requires you to keep a marriage working and I deeply believe in my faith. And I’ve been so peaceful, I don’t know how to reconcile that,” a- she explained. “So that’s my argument with myself all the time. I know I’m happy, I don’t want him back, but my faith demands that we be married for eternity.”

Asked if that means “the door is always open” for reconciliation, Janelle replied, “It has to be…but I’m not interested in anyone walking through that door.”

Kody said his ex-wife “made it very clear to me that she’s enjoying her life without me,” but added that he “absolutely” wanted to work things out…as long as he felt respected.

“I want to sort it out, yes, but it’s a whole new negotiation. We’re in a new place,” he continued. “Christine is gone. Janelle likes her. Why couldn’t you have been good sister wives when you were sister wives? It’s such a waste.”

The hour ended with no real resolution, but Kody said, “I hope I find a happy and beautiful place with Janelle and I hope my kids and I can reconcile. I hope.”