Kody Brown, the patriarch of Sister Wives, has publicly opened up about the ongoing estrangement between him and many of his children, and his unwavering stance on not letting go of his fourth wife, Robyn Brown. On the January 12th episode of the TLC series, Kody revealed the struggles he’s facing with his adult children and discussed how his relationship with Robyn has become a focal point in the family’s ongoing tension.

“I will not cut off Robyn to have a relationship with my children,” Kody shared, firmly standing by his wife, whom he married in 2010. Despite the ongoing rift with his children, Kody made it clear that he will continue to prioritize his bond with Robyn, even if it means alienating himself from some of his kids.

“My children will always be my children, and the door will always be open to them,” he added. “They’ve got to come through that door. I’m going to be holding a hand out for that, but I’m going to be holding this hand that’s next to me, and I won’t let go of that hand.”

Kody’s comments come as he faces increased distance from many of his 18 children, with some expressing frustration toward Robyn and their father’s focus on her. However, in a December 1st episode, his second wife, Janelle Brown, offered a different perspective. Janelle stated that Robyn’s presence is not the core issue causing the divide between Kody and his kids.

“Kody is alienated from 90 to 95% of his children,” Janelle said. “He is not really wanted at events. He’s not coming regardless of who he brings or doesn’t bring with him. But it’s like they’re in this collusion that seems to hate Robyn, and I don’t know why other than, well, they’re jealous. It just sucks.”

As Kody reflects on his changing family dynamic, he admits the adjustments have been tough, particularly as his relationship with Robyn and their children has shifted dramatically. “It’s a real different world, the world that I have with Robyn and our children,” he shared, speaking about his life with his fourth wife. “It’s so pretty. It’s kind. It’s pleasant. It’s beautiful. It’s small.”

Despite his emotional reflections, Kody acknowledged how different life has been since the tensions grew, and how it’s been challenging to find the attention and connection he desires. “I got to admit this—I think I need a lot of attention. It’s been different to be in a place where I don’t get as much attention,” he confessed.

While Kody remains determined to keep his relationship with Robyn intact, it’s clear that the fallout with his children has been a painful reality he continues to face. How this will affect his future relationship with his kids remains uncertain, but for now, Kody is standing firm in his commitment to Robyn.