Welcome to Plathville: A Rollercoaster Journey of the Plath Family

The Plath family has experienced various challenges and successes since the premiere of Welcome to Plathville. Kim and Barry Plath, who announced their separation in June 2022, gained fame after the debut of the TLC series in 2019. This documentary series follows Kim and Barry's life in rural Georgia with their children: Ethan, Hosanna, Micah, Moriah, Lydia, Isaac, Amber, Cassia, and Mercy. (Hosanna and her husband, Timothy Noble, have not made appearances on the reality TV show.)

The family had a close bond for many years, but tensions arose leading up to Ethan's marriage to Olivia Plath in 2018 when she clashed with Kim over wedding arrangements.

"When we were dating, I felt like I was being controlled in what we could do and say," Olivia revealed in August 2021. "The moment it really hit me was the night we got engaged. We walked in the door, and Kim was waiting for us. She grabbed my hand, looked at the ring, and the first thing she said was, 'Oh, I want to trade rings with you.' It was just really strange."

Olivia had a strained relationship with Kim and Barry, but she maintained a positive rapport with Ethan's siblings following their separation in October 2023. Explore the Plaths' journey filled with highs and lows by scrolling down below.

Credit: TLC

Welcome to Plathville’s Plath Family’s Ups and Downs Through the Years: Feuds, Arrests and More 

Since Welcome to Plathville premiered, the Plath family has dealt with their fair share of ups and downs.

Kim Plath and her ex-husband Barry Plath gained fame following the debut of their series on TLC in 2019, after announcing their separation in June 2022. The docuseries focuses on their life in rural Georgia, where they raise their children Ethan, Hosanna, Micah, Moriah, Lydia, Isaac, Amber, Cassia, and Mercy. Notably, Hosanna and her husband Timothy Noble have not made appearances on the reality TV show. However, despite their previously tight bond, tensions arose leading up to Ethan's marriage to Olivia Plath in 2018, mainly involving clashes between Olivia and Kim regarding wedding planning.

Olivia recounted her experience of feeling controlled during their dating period, restricted in their actions and words, during an interview with We in August 2021. She vividly remembered the moment it all became clear to her: the night they got engaged. Upon entering the house, Kim was waiting for them and immediately grabbed Olivia's hand to examine the engagement ring. Surprisingly, Kim's first remark was, "Oh, I want to trade rings with you." Olivia couldn't help but find it strange. Despite the ongoing conflict with Kim and Barry, Olivia and Ethan, who ended their relationship in October 2023, maintained a positive relationship with Ethan's siblings.

Scroll below to revisit the Plaths’ ups and downs through the years:

Credit: Youtube/TLC

October 2018

Micah revealed that while Olivia and Ethan were busy organizing their dreamy wedding, tensions had already arisen between the blogger and Kim. However, it was during the reception that things escalated into a heated exchange between them. Speaking exclusively to Us in August 2021, Micah attributed the conflict to his mother's strong desire to make the wedding her own. The event took place at her venue, and she had specific plans in mind. While it's not unusual for parents to become overly involved in wedding planning, Micah acknowledged that this time his mother may have gone a bit too far, leaving Olivia feeling overwhelmed by her involvement.

He added that he didn't have an exact understanding, but the overall impression he had gathered was that there were numerous incidents leading to a significant amount of frustration and poor communication. This included individuals not expressing their intentions, carrying out tasks differently, and engaging in activities that others did not approve of.

Credit: Youtube/TLC

November 2019

Nearly one year after Olivia and Ethan’s dramatic wedding day, the family’s docuseries premiered on TLC. Welcome to Plathville has since been airing for four seasons.

Credit: Courtesy of Ethan Plath/Instagram

August 2021

As the Plaths began filming season 3 of Welcome to Plathville, Ethan and Olivia’s marital struggles were thrust into the spotlight.

"Our relationship had to hit rock bottom before we could wake up, prioritize, and address our own problems," she revealed in an August 2021 interview with Us. She emphasized that couple's therapy played a crucial role in improving their marriage. "Hitting rock bottom was truly challenging. At the beginning of the season, everything was falling apart and reached a breaking point within the initial few weeks. It may seem uncomfortable during the first few episodes and scenes, but things get significantly better over time. It's a matter of getting worse before getting better. Right now, we are in a much better place."

Credit: Youtube/TLC

October 2021

Ethan and Olivia eventually departed from their hometown of Cairo, Georgia, in the concluding episode of season 3. However, they felt the need to "resolve unfinished business" with his family before embarking on their new journey. "It's about time to bring this chapter to a close and embrace the future," affirmed Kim and Barry's eldest son while reflecting on his strained relationship with his parents.

Credit: Youtube/TLC

May 2022

Moriah and her long-term partner, Max Kallschmidt, publicly announced their breakup in February 2022. The confirmation came during the May 31 episode of the popular TLC show, when Moriah revealed to her brother Micah that Max had admitted to cheating on her and tried to hide the truth.

The pain was intense for Moriah, as she felt she had given everything to the relationship. Moving to Tampa added to her pain, as she couldn't understand why Max would betray her like that. In hindsight, reflecting on their relationship, Moriah realized that it may not have been as great as she initially believed.

Credit: TLC

June 2022

Throughout season 4 of Welcome to Plathville, Kim and Barry admitted that they were living separately. By June, they announced their breakup.

"After careful consideration and thoughtful discussions, we have reached the difficult decision to conclude our marriage," the couple stated jointly to Us, having tied the knot back in July of 1997. "Though not an effortless choice, we firmly believe it is the optimal decision for both of us. Throughout our 24 years of marriage, we have encountered numerous ups and downs, and as we embark on this new phase of our lives, we will continue to co-parent our remarkable children."

Credit: Courtesy of Micah Plath/Instagram

August 2022

Olivia claimed in a season 4 episode that Kim had unauthorizedly used Ethan’s credit card, accusing her of stealing from his bank account. However, Ethan insisted that he didn't know his password to remove his mother's access. The siblings later clarified the situation through a social media statement, revealing that Ethan and Kim had an ongoing business agreement. Since then, the brothers and sisters have been transparent about their support for each other.

"Some of us kids have rebelled and are currently finding our paths in life. We are incredibly grateful to have the unconditional love and support of our family, regardless of the choices we make or the individuals we become," their joint Instagram message conveyed. "We kindly ask you to remember that we are all human and prone to making mistakes. Nobody is perfect, and we are committed to learning and growing every day. There is no one to blame in this circumstance."

Credit: Courtesy of Lt. Jeffrey Yarbrough Public Information Officer

October 2022

Kim was arrested on October 20 in Wakulla County, Georgia for driving under the influence, property damage, and personal injury, as confirmed by US authorities. Although Kim has not responded to the charges, the sheriff's office has verified that she surrendered herself for a DUI warrant. The release of the reality TV matriarch took place later that same day.

Credit: Youtube/TLC ; Courtesy of Lt. Jeffrey Yarbrough Public Information Officer

March 2023

Kim has been convicted in her DUI case, as stated by online court records. In addition to a sentence of 50 hours of community service, she is required to attend DUI school and undergo a substance abuse evaluation. Furthermore, as a stipulation, the Georgia native must cover $963 in court costs and adhere to random drug and alcohol testing.

Credit: Courtesy of Ethan Plath/Instagram

October 2023

Nearly five months after Ethan and Olivia sparked split speculation, they announced their plans to separate.

"We simply couldn't make it work, despite our sincere efforts," Ethan expressed on October 27, via Instagram. "Our paths seemed to constantly diverge with incompatible aspirations. I genuinely wish Olivia nothing but the utmost success in her future endeavors. My feelings for her run deep, and they always will."