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‘Sister Wives’ Viewers are Convinced Janelle Brown is the Reason Kody Refused to Move to Utah

Christine Brown and Kody Brown's split did not surprise 'Sister Wives' fans. That hasn't stopped them from speculating about the spiritual divorce, though. After the show's recent season premiere, some fans think Janelle Brown's passion about staying in Flagstaff played a serious part in the Brown family's current plight. They even think they know why she wants to stay behind.
by Andrea Francese
Published on
2 min read

Kody Brown has never minded a move. The polygamist and his family moved dozens of times before landing their TLC show, Sister Wives. He was also the leading force in moving the family from Lehi, Utah to Las Vegas, Nevada, and then from Las Vegas to Flagstaff, Arizona. That is why fans of the series found it peculiar when Kody and the rest of the Brown family vetoed Christine Brown’s idea of moving back to Utah. After the season 16 premiere episode, viewers are starting to think Janelle Brown, Kody’s second wife, played a key role in why the move didn’t happen and partially why Kody and Christine decided to split for good. 

Christine Brown approached the family about leaving Flagstaff during season 15 of ‘Sister Wives’

Christine is now living separately from the rest of the Brown family. She announced her split from Kody ahead of the Season 16 premiere of Sister Wives. Her decision to settle in Utah was not a surprise to fans of the famed reality TV series, though. 

Christine expressed her desire to return to Utah at the end of season 15. She stayed in Arizona for several months after her showdown with the Browns. Still, she made herself clear, and she followed through. The desire to leave Arizona appears to be a large part of why Christine and Kody split. 

Janelle Brown seemed to be the most vocally against the move 

Sister Wives fans have long assumed that Janelle was the most laidback of Kody’s wives. While she is rarely vocal about her likes and dislikes, she was adamant about staying in Flagstaff and developing the land that the Browns bought ahead of their 2018 move. 

Christine Brown and Janelle Brown sitting together on the couch on 'Sister Wives'
Christine Brown and Janelle Brown on ‘Sister Wives’ | TLC

Janelle even said the rest of the family could leave the state, but she would develop Coyote Pass and potentially open a restaurant. While fans don’t think that’s likely to happen, her refusal to move seemed a bit strange. Fans now think Janelle is why Kody nixed the move entirely and they have theories about why she doesn’t want to leave. 

Janelle Brown is the only sister wife who has no ties to Utah 

Janelle was the most vocal about her feelings, and that is likely because she has no ties to Utah, not really, at least. Robyn Brown, Kody’s fourth wife, still has family that lives in the state. Her parents reportedly live in St. George, Utah, a city that borders Arizona and is close to the Nevada state line. While she wasn’t jazzed about moving, she wasn’t nearly as passionate about remaining n Flagstaff as Janelle. 

The cast of "Sister Wives" includes Janelle, Christine, Kody, Meri, and Robyn Brown.
Janelle, Christine, Kody, Meri, and Robyn Brown | Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images
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Meri Brown, Kody’s first wife, also has ties to Utah. Meri, largely estranged from Kody, spends much of her time in Parowan, Utah, a small town about five hours from Flagstaff. She owns a bed and breakfast in the area. Meri’s only child, Mariah Brown, also recently moved back to Utah with her fiancee, Audrey Kriss in recent months. Most of Christine’s children currently call Utah home. None of Janelle’s children currently reside in the state, although two have headed to the East Coast.

TLC is currently airing the 16th season of the family’s show. While the network has not discussed its future, fans assume another season is likely in the works. Christine has made it pretty clear that her romantic struggles will be featured in the series.

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