📑Table of Contents:
If you’re a fan of the popular reality TV show Sister Wives, then you’ve probably heard of Garrison Brown. One of the children in the famous Brown family, Garrison, has been part of the show since it aired in 2010. As the son of Kody Brown and Janelle Brown, he’s spent much of his life in the public eye, growing up on screen with millions watching.
But who is Garrison beyond the show? How has his life evolved, and what are his ambitions now that he’s an adult? In this post, we’ll dive into Garrison Brown’s story, exploring his experiences growing up in a polygamous family, his role on Sister Wives, and his journey toward independence.
Early Life and Growing Up in a Polygamous Family
Garrison Brown, born Robert Garrison Brown on October 31, 1998, grew up in a large polygamous family and was one of the 18 children in the Brown household. His father, Kody Brown, is married to multiple wives—Janelle, Christine, Meri, and Robyn—though the dynamics of these relationships have shifted over the years. Garrison is the second of six children born to Janelle Brown, and like his siblings, he was raised within the fundamentalist Mormon community that values family and plural marriage.
From a young age, Garrison’s life was anything but typical. Growing up in such a large family meant navigating unique relationships with his siblings and step-siblings and adapting to the complexities of being part of a plural family. With so many people living under one roof, Garrison’s childhood was filled with constant activity, sibling rivalries, and the occasional family drama.
The Reality TV Spotlight
When Sister Wives premiered on TLC in 2010, Garrison was only 12. He was suddenly thrust into reality television, with cameras documenting his family’s everyday life. The show follows Kody Brown and his four wives as they navigate the challenges of living in a plural marriage, raising a large family, and balancing their faith with societal expectations.
For Garrison, this meant growing up in front of a camera lens. While some of his siblings embraced the spotlight, Garrison often seemed more private, preferring to keep certain aspects of his life away from the public eye. Nonetheless, viewers saw him mature from pre-teen to young adulthood, watching his personality and ambitions develop.
Garrison’s Path Toward Independence
As Garrison grew older, it became clear that he was ready to abandon his path. While Sister Wives captured the challenges of living in a large, polygamous family, Garrison shifted his focus toward building his life outside the family dynamic.
Military Ambitions and Service
One of the first major steps in Garrison’s journey toward independence was his decision to join the military. In 2019, Garrison enlisted in the National Guard, marking a significant milestone in his personal and professional life. This choice allowed him to pursue a career independently, separate from the reality TV world and his family’s expectations.
His time in the National Guard has provided him with valuable skills, discipline, and a sense of structure and independence. Garrison’s military service showcases his desire to contribute to something bigger than himself while stepping away from the reality TV spotlight that defined much of his early life.
Building Financial Independence
Another important part of Garrison’s journey has been his commitment to financial independence. Unlike some of his siblings, Garrison has been vocal about wanting to live on his terms. He has worked various jobs and eventually saved money to move out of the family home. In 2021, Garrison purchased his own house, a huge milestone reflecting his drive to establish himself independently.
This decision also marked a shift in Garrison’s role within the family. While he has always maintained a close relationship with his mother, Janelle, his pursuit of independence has occasionally caused tension between him and his father, Kody. Viewers of Sister Wives have seen glimpses of the strain between Garrison and Kody, particularly regarding household dynamics and Garrison’s desire for more autonomy.
Breaking Away from Family Expectations
- Garrison gradually distanced himself from his family’s polygamous lifestyle and traditional values.
- He sought to establish an identity separate from the Sister Wives fame.
- Questioned the family’s religious values and expectations as he matured.
- Joining the National Guard symbolized his desire for independence and self-reliance.
- Military service provided him with discipline, life skills, and exposure to new perspectives.
- Garrison pursued financial independence by buying his own home and moving away from the family dynamics.
- Focused on building a career outside the reality TV spotlight.
- His break from family expectations led to occasional tension with his father, Kody Brown.
- Garrison remained committed to making choices that aligned with his personal goals.
- Embraced the freedom to create a life different from his upbringing.
Relationship with His Parents
Garrison’s relationship with his parents, Janelle and Kody Brown, has been a central aspect of his story. While he has a close bond with Janelle, his relationship with Kody has been more complex, especially in recent years. As Garrison has grown into adulthood, tensions have occasionally flared between father and son, particularly regarding household rules, pandemic restrictions, and Garrison’s desire for personal freedom.
Tensions with Kody Brown
One key friction area has been Garrison’s frustration with Kody’s pandemic rules for the family. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kody enforced strict guidelines that caused tension between him and several of his children, including Garrison. The disagreements centered around Kody’s isolation rules, which Garrison felt were too extreme, especially when they impacted his ability to maintain relationships outside the family.
The tension between Garrison and Kody was highlighted during the show, as viewers saw how the father-son dynamic was strained due to differing opinions about independence, personal choices, and family priorities. However, despite these challenges, Garrison has focused on maintaining his independence and pursuing his goals.
Close Bond with Janelle
On the other hand, Garrison has always shared a close relationship with his mother, Janelle. As the second eldest of her children, Garrison is often seen as a responsible and independent family member. Janelle has supported Garrison’s decisions, including his desire to move out and purchase his own home.
Janelle’s nurturing and practical approach to parenting has made her relationship with Garrison one of mutual respect. She has frequently defended Garrison’s choices, particularly when conflicts arose with Kody. Janelle’s unwavering support has helped Garrison feel confident in making decisions and forging his path in life.
Garrison’s Life Beyond Sister Wives
Now in his mid-20s, Garrison is continuing to shape his future beyond the scope of reality television. While his time on Sister Wives introduced him to millions of viewers, he has expressed a desire to maintain a life away from the cameras.
Pursuing Personal Interests
While Garrison may not seek the limelight, he is passionate about outdoor activities and adventure. Like his mother, Janelle, Garrison enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, camping, and exploring nature. These interests allow him to live a life filled with experiences far removed from reality TV’s drama.
It’s unclear whether Garrison will continue to appear on Sister Wives occasionally, but for now, he seems more focused on building a life of independence, adventure, and personal growth.
Final Reflections
Garrison Brown has spent much of his life in the public eye, growing up on the reality show Sister Wives. However, as he matured, he sought to create his own life, pursuing military service, financial independence, and personal growth beyond the family’s reality TV fame. His journey to adulthood has been marked by tension, particularly with his father, Kody, but Garrison’s commitment to carving out his identity remains strong.
Today, Garrison continues to pursue his passions and build a future on his terms. Whether he continues appearing on Sister Wives or remains out of the spotlight, his path toward independence is an inspiring example of personal growth and determination.
