“Sister Wives” Season 19 premiered on Sept. 15, picking up where the last season left off in Kody Brown’s family life.
The TLC series paid tribute to Garrison Brown, one of the the six children Kody and Janelle Brown share, who died earlier this year.
Before the premiere begins, at a series of three quote cards on a black background play, setting a somber tone for the episode.
“This season of ‘Sister Wives’ began filming in late 2022. On March 5, 2024, Kody and Janelle’s son Garrison passed away. He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed,” the cards read.
Kody and Janelle Brown announced the death of their son Garrison Brown in March 2024. Police in Flagstaff, Arizona told NBC News the 25-year-old appeared to have died by suicide.
“Janelle and I are deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beautiful boy Robert Garrison Brown. He was a bright spot in the lives of all who knew him. Our loss will leave such a big hole in our lives, that it takes our breath away. We ask that you please respect our privacy and join us in honoring his memory,” Kody and Janelle Brown both posted.
Since then, many family members have shared tributes to Garrison Brown.
Two weeks after Garrison Brown’s death, one of his sisters, Maddie Brown Brush, who features in the Season 19 premiere, spoke out about her brother’s mental health.
“Mental health is so important and I don’t think we talk about it enough and I don’t think we do enough to bring awareness. It wasn’t bullying. It wasn’t a lack of love that Garrison had. It was mental health,” she said in an Instagram video.
Janelle Brown has let “Sister Wives” fans and followers in on her grieving journey. On March 8, days after Garrison Brown’s death, Janelle Brown shared a family photo of her posing with her six children, their significant others and her grandchildren.
“I had all my children together last Christmas. It was amazing as it’s hard with everyone’s busy lives to coordinate time like this. I am extremely grateful now that we had pictures taken,” she wrote.
TLC has confirmed Season 19 of “Sister Wives” will address Garrison Brown’s death.
In the Season 19 premiere, Kody Brown deals with the fallout of his split from his first wife, Meri Brown, and third wife, Christine Brown. His two remaining wives, Janelle and Robyn Brown, also struggle. Janelle and Kody Brown have since split.
He also addresses estrangement from some of his children.
Previous seasons of “Sister Wives” have explored his then-strained relationship with Garrison and his brother, Gabe Brown, which appeared to fracture over the Brown patriarch’s strict COVID-19 protocols.
During a “Sister Wives: One on One” special that aired in January 2023, Kody Brown apologized to his sons for how COVID-19 was managed.
“Boys, I’m sorry. I was trying to protect my family. Next time, I’d manage it differently and I’m sorry,” he said.
