Janelle Brown is no longer the woman you remember from the early days of TLC. Back then, she was the logical one. The "CFO" of the family who balanced the checkbook while others handled the drama. But if you've been following the latest season of Sister Wives, or catching her updates from North Carolina, you know that Janelle has undergone a radical transformation.
It wasn't a quick change. It was a slow burn.
By early 2026, the dust has finally settled on her 29-year spiritual marriage to Kody Brown. For a long time, fans wondered if she’d ever actually leave. Unlike Christine, who blew the whole thing up with a U-Haul and a smile, Janelle lingered. She stayed in her RV on Coyote Pass. She tried to make the math work. But eventually, even the most logical person in the room has to admit when the numbers don't add up.
Why Janelle of Sister Wives Finally Walked Away
Most people think Janelle left because of Christine. That's a common misconception. While their "bestie" status is legendary, Janelle’s exit was far more about her own autonomy—and a series of betrayals that she just couldn't "logic" her way out of anymore.
The real turning point? It wasn't just Kody's favoritism toward Robyn. It was the money. In the most recent episodes airing in late 2025 and early 2026, Janelle has been incredibly vocal about the family's "shady" financial moves. She recently revealed that Kody actually closed a joint family bank account without telling her. For a woman who prided herself on being the financial backbone of the family, that was a bridge too far.
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She’s now officially granted a "spiritual release" from the Apostolic United Brethren (AUB). On camera, she held up that release paper like a trophy. "I am free," she said. And you could see the weight literally drop from her shoulders.
The North Carolina Shift: Taeda Farms
Janelle didn't just leave Kody; she left Flagstaff. She’s currently living her best life in North Carolina, near her daughter Madison and son-in-law Caleb Brush. She isn't just sitting around, though.
- Taeda Farms: This is her new project. She’s working on a farm venture that focuses on sustainable living.
- Second Chapter Coaching: Janelle launched a health and life coaching business aimed at women over 50 who feel stuck. It’s a "come back to yourself" kind of vibe.
- The Plexus Business: Yes, she and Christine still do the "pink drink" thing, but they're doing it more separately now.
Interestingly, things between Janelle and Christine aren't as perfect as they once seemed. In a surprising 2025 confessional, Christine admitted she felt like "slapping" Janelle for bragging about being so close to her grandkids in North Carolina while Christine stayed in Utah. They’re still friends, but they’re learning how to be individuals again. It’s messy. It’s human.
The Heartbreak That Changed Everything
We can't talk about Janelle of Sister Wives without acknowledging the tragedy of March 2024. The loss of her son, Garrison, changed the DNA of this family forever.
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For a while, there was hope that the tragedy would bring Kody and Janelle back together. They did come together to bury Garrison in Wyoming, choosing a spot near his grandparents to "finish the circle." But the healing was temporary. Janelle recently admitted that while they found peace in that moment, she eventually realized she couldn't go back to the way things were.
She’s been very open about the "quiet awareness" that her old life just didn't fit anymore. She recently posted a video of herself walking a dirt path, explaining that she kept trying to "squeeze" herself into roles that didn't work. Honestly, it’s one of the most relatable things she’s ever said.
What about Coyote Pass?
This is the question everyone asks. The land is still a mess.
Robyn has recently accused Janelle and Kody of making "backdoor deals" to sell the property behind the other wives' backs. Janelle denies it, of course. She’s mostly focused on getting her fair share of the equity so she can fund her life in North Carolina. She’s done being the family’s piggy bank.
Real Insights for the 2026 Fan
If you're looking for the "actionable" takeaway from Janelle's journey, it's about the power of the "Second Chapter." She’s 56. She’s starting over with basically nothing but her name and her kids.
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- Financial Autonomy is Non-Negotiable: Janelle’s biggest regret wasn't the polygamy; it was putting her name on assets she didn't fully control. She’s now an advocate for women having their own "escape fund" and independent credit.
- Grief is a Catalyst: She hasn't hidden her struggle with Garrison's passing. She used it to realize that life is too short to spend in a "functional" but loveless marriage.
- Redefining Family: She still considers herself a "Sister Wife" to Christine’s kids, but she’s deleted the "wife" part of the equation regarding Kody.
Janelle is currently filming Season 20, but rumors are swirling that she might be done after this. She’s looking for a life that doesn't involve a camera crew in her kitchen. Whether she stays on TV or disappears into the North Carolina farmland, she’s proven that you're never too old to demand a better story for yourself.
To stay updated on her latest business moves, you can follow her "Second Chapter Coaching" updates or keep an eye on the Taeda Farms progress. She’s no longer just a supporting character in Kody Brown’s world; she’s finally the lead in her own.
Next Steps for Janelle Fans:
- Check out Janelle’s official Instagram for real-time updates on her North Carolina farm progress.
- Watch for the Season 20 "One-on-One" specials where she addresses the Coyote Pass "backdoor deal" rumors directly.
- If you're interested in her coaching, look for her "Second Chapter" webinars which she hosts monthly.