Zach Roloff Reveals Strained Relationship with Father Matt on 'Little People, Big World'

Little People Big World Star Zach Roloff Says Relationship With Dad Is Not Existent

Tim Heitman/ISI Photos/USSF;Thos Robinson/Getty Images(2) for Discovery

Zach Roloff, 34, from Little People, Big World, discussed on his podcast "Raising Heights" that he and his dad, Matt Roloff, 62, still have a lot of work to do in repairing their father-son relationship. He mentioned that their dynamic is currently "not great" and described their relationship as "non-existent."

After filming wrapped up, Zach shared that he needed some time to process everything before the show aired six months later, which brought up past issues for him. Zach and his wife, Tori Roloff, made their last appearance on the TLC reality show in April during the season 25 finale. Zach mentioned that while he feels like things have calmed down with his father, there are still unresolved issues that need to be addressed.

Zach is one of the eldest sons of Matt and Amy Roloff. In 2016, the couple split, and Amy sold Matt her shares of their Roloff Farms property in Oregon. Nearly five years later, in 2021, Matt decided not to sell part of the land to Zach before listing 16 acres for sale. He mentioned that none of his kids were interested in inheriting the farm, a statement that Zach has contested.

In February, Zach and Tori, aged 31, announced their departure from the family's reality series. Tori shared in a YouTube video, "We are not returning to Little People, Big World. We have decided to move on. That chapter of our lives has come to an end."

Zach agreed with his wife, saying there were several reasons why they decided to leave the show that first aired in 2006. He mentioned that the last season was tough on the family, dealing with farm issues, and they were ready to move on.

At the end of season 25, Zach clarified why they were not going to the farm after his disagreement with Matt.

"No one is holding any grudges or avoiding the farm on purpose, it's just that no one is really interested," he explained. He then mentioned their children, Jackson (6), Lilah (4), and Josiah (2), saying, "The kids don't even ask about it, there's nothing we're keeping from them."

He went on to say, "As for my dad, I'm not sure... that ship has sailed. Our relationship is not very strong, we're just living our own lives. Maybe with time, things will improve and heal, but it will definitely be different."

Matt and his fiancée, Caryn Chandler, were discussing his desire to build a playground for his grandkids on his property. He expressed his hope that his son Zach and daughter-in-law Tori would bring the kids over, or that they would visit on their own when they are older. Caryn acknowledged that they have accepted that Zach and Tori may not want a close relationship.

Editor's P/S:

The strained relationship between Zach Roloff and his father, Matt, is a poignant reminder of the complexities of family dynamics. While it's understandable that past conflicts and unresolved issues can create distance, it's also evident that both father and son desire reconciliation. Zach's acknowledgment that he and his wife are living their own lives suggests a degree of acceptance of the current situation, while Matt's hopes for a future connection with his grandchildren reveal a longing for a mended relationship.

The decision by Zach and Tori to leave "Little People, Big World" further highlights the challenges they have faced as a result of the family's public portrayal. Their departure from the show indicates a desire to protect their privacy and navigate their personal lives without the scrutiny that comes with reality television. It also raises questions about the future of the show itself, which has chronicled the Roloff family's journey for over a decade.