Sister Wives Star Meri Brown Pays Tribute To Garrison Brown In Touching Post About Her Late Mom
Meri Brown Justin Stephens/Discovery
Meri Brown recently shared some thoughts on the tragic passing of Janelle Brown's son, Garrison, in a tribute to her own late mother, Bonnie Ahlstrom, who passed away in 2021. The Sister Wives star, 53, took to Instagram on Saturday, March 9, to honor her mom and also acknowledge Garrison's unexpected death. Garrison, the 25-year-old son of Janelle and Kody Brown, sadly passed away from an apparent suicide on Tuesday, March 5.
This week has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but I couldn't let March 9th go by without celebrating my wonderful mom on her birthday. She was always there for comfort and support, ready to help at a moment's notice. Her love was unconditional and immeasurable. When you were with her, she made you feel like the most special person in the world. She served with a smile and loved with all her heart. Every one of her grandkids was precious to her, no matter how they became part of the family. They all affectionately called her 'Grandma.'
I find some solace this week in the thought that she may have been one of the first to welcome Garrison into the heavens, with her trademark smile and gentle touch. Mom, please watch over our boy up there and give him a hug from me.
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Meri and Janelle have not been in touch much since their plural marriage to Kody ended. However, Meri mentioned to People that she is keeping the possibility of a continued friendship open.
Garrison, whose legal name is Robert Garrison, is one of the six children that Janelle shares with Kody. Their children include Logan, Maddie, Hunter, Gabriel, and Savanah. Garrison appeared on Sister Wives with his parents and siblings, which also include Kody and Meri's child Leon, Christine's children Aspyn, Mykelti, Paedon, Gwendlyn, Ysabel, and Truely, and Robyn's children Solomon and Ariella. Kody also legally adopted Robyn's children from a previous marriage - Dayton, Aurora, and Breanna.
Meri and Kody were legally married from 1990 to 2014 and remained spiritually married until 2023. Meanwhile, Kody's spiritual marriages with Christine and Janelle ended in 2021 and 2022. Janelle and Kody announced Garrison's passing on Instagram Tuesday.
"We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of our beloved son Robert Garrison Brown. He brought so much joy to everyone who knew him. His absence has left a void in our hearts that is truly overwhelming. We kindly ask for privacy during this difficult time and appreciate your support in honoring his memory."
Meri also expressed her grief on Instagram, saying, "Garrison, you were cherished and will always hold a special place in our hearts."
The 25-year-old was confirmed to have passed away in his Flagstaff, Arizona, residence due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the apparent suicide. According to a police report that was obtained by Us on Wednesday, March 6, Janelle informed law enforcement that Garrison had sent a text in a group chat to individuals who worked for the Brown family. The message read, “I want to hate you for sharing the good times. But I can’t. I miss these days.”
Janelle became worried about her son after hearing about a message, even though she was not part of the text chain. She reached out to Garrison, but their conversation was cut short when he stopped responding, according to the police report.
During the filming of season 18 of Sister Wives in early 2022, Janelle talked about Garrison's "mental health." The tension between Garrison and Kody started in 2020 due to Kody's strict COVID-19 rules, and things only got worse from there.
"Janelle shared on camera that Gabriel is someone who feels things very deeply but tends to keep quiet. On the other hand, Garrison appears to be more angry or sad, not as cheerful as before."
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Editor's P/S:
The tragic loss of Garrison Brown, the son of Janelle Brown, has sent shockwaves through the Sister Wives family and beyond. The outpouring of grief and support from both within and outside the family is a testament to the immense impact Garrison had on those who knew him. Meri Brown's heartfelt tribute to her late mother and acknowledgment of Garrison's passing highlights the interconnectedness of life and the importance of finding comfort in moments of adversity.
Meri's words serve as a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, hope can be found in the memories and connections we share with loved ones. Her mention of the possibility of a continued friendship with Janelle despite their separation from Kody underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community during challenging times. Garrison's passing is a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need to support those who are struggling. By sharing their experiences and seeking help, we can create a more compassionate and supportive society where individuals feel empowered to reach out for the assistance they need.