Janelle Brown’s life has changed dramatically since she first appeared on Janelle married Kody Brown in 1993, ing his first wife Meri Brown in the family’s religious calling of plural marriage. Kody soon added another wife, Christine Brown, and he married his fourth and final wife, Robyn Brown, in season 1. Kody and Janelle shared six children. Plural marriage allowed Janelle to continue her career outside the home, while Christine stepped in to help raise the children. Unfortunately, Janelle’s marriage to Kody wasn’t always easy.

The pair drifted apart after their move to Flagstaff, Arizona, and they began having uncharacteristic shouting matches. However, it was Kody’s relationship with his children that sent Janelle over the edge. When Kody grew estranged from their sons and refused to compromise, Janelle had to put her children first. She announced the end of her marriage in late 2022. Since leaving Kody, Janelle’s been adapting to life on her own , moving across the country to establish a farming enterprise in North Carolina. Now, Janelle is thriving on her own, and she knows the best is yet to come.

Janelle Compared Herself To Evelyn In Fried Green Tomatoes

Evelyn Reclaimed Her Life

During the Sister Wives season 19 One On One special, Janelle was asked by host Sukanya Krishnan how she would describe her life as a movie. Without hesitation, Janelle said she would be Evelyn Couch in Fried Green Tomatoes. She remarked of Evelyn, “She’s gonna remake her life. She’s gonna seize her power.”

The 1991 film follows Evelyn, played by Kathy Bates, as she breaks free of her unhappy life after discovering the endless possibilities that await her. Like Evelyn, Janelle endured years of a miserable marriage out of obligation, and she took her fate into her own hands. The comparison is also a nod to Janelle’s new life in North Carolina, with Fried Green Tomatoes similarly set in the southeastern United States.

Janelle Loved Sukanya Krishnan’s Eat, Pray, Love Suggestion

She’s Enchanted With The Idea Of A Spiritual Journey

While Sukanya appreciated Janelle’s suggestion, she had another rebirth story in mind. Sukanya envisioned Janelle’s life as more like Eat, Pray, Love, which documented author Elizabeth Gilbert’s travels around the world after a difficult divorce. Janelle embraced the idea, commenting, “I could do that. Could I please do that?”

She isn’t tied to places or possessions, and she knows that her happiness has to come from within.

Like Elizabeth, Janelle has a spirit of wanderlust. She was happy to follow Kody’s whims, moving frequently throughout their nearly 30-year marriage. Janelle even briefly lived in an RV on the family’s remote Flagstaff property. She isn’t tied to places or possessions, and she knows that her happiness has to come from within. Janelle's eagerness to experience an Eat, Pray, Love-type journey exemplifies her love for adventure and freedom, both of which are hallmarks of her new life as a single woman.

Janelle’s Optimistic About Her New Life

She’s Not Afraid To Embrace The Unknown

Janelle identifying with Evelyn shows her sunny self-esteem - she believed that the best is still ahead. Despite everything she’s gone through, Janelle was willing to leave it all behind to search for happiness. While Evelyn was inspired by other women, Janelle found her motivation in her children. Once Kody gave up on his relationship with his kids, Janelle knew she no longer owed him her loyalty.

By all appearances, Janelle is flourishing in her new life in North Carolina. She’s surrounded by her children and grandchildren, giving her a sense of home amid her fresh start. Janelle has always had a ion for gardening, and her huge investment in her own dreams is a sign of her unshakable self-worth. Janelle’s transformation is amazing - she's been the brightest part of Sister Wives season 19, and it’s inspiring to see her faith in the good that lies ahead.