Sister Wives‘ was surrounded by her loved ones on her first Thanksgiving without late son Garrison.
“First of the ‘big’ holidays without you sweetheart. We all gathered in NC to celebrate together and kept your photo close by,” Brown, 55, captioned an Instagram post on Sunday, December 1. “We laughed about your silly sense of humor and told so many stories honoring you.”
Brown reflected on how Garrison’s family honored him, adding, “We ate, played games and enjoyed each other’s company. Everyone is returning home now and normal life resumes tomorrow. But I feel you close by.”
The reality star shares kids Logan, 30, Madison, 29, Hunter, 27, Gabriel, 23, and Savanah, 19, with her ex . The former couple confirmed in March that Garrison died by suicide at age 25.
“Kody and I are deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beautiful boy Robert Garrison Brown,” Janelle and Kody, 55, wrote in a joint Instagram statement. “He was a bright spot in the lives of all who knew him. His loss will leave such a big hole in our lives that it takes our breath away. We ask that you please respect our privacy and join us in honoring his memory.”
Janelle recently marked the six-month anniversary of Garrison’s death in an emotional post.
“6 months ago today you went away. You come up in my photo memories almost every day,” she wrote via Instagram in September. “Sometimes it doesn’t seem like you’re gone. And then I remember I won’t be getting a call or text from you and it all comes rushing back. I know you fought hard but in the end you just couldn’t stay. I love you so much and will see you again when my journey is done.”
Garrison’s oldest sister, Madison, reflected on their bond, writing in her own post at the time, “My brother, Garrison, had his struggles, but this was not something any of us saw any signs for. We were truly blindsided. We talked regularly, and my mom’s kids have always been close-knit, even as life changed around us.”
She continued: “Garrison was sarcastic and witty, and in moments of seriousness, he seemed almost uncomfortable with it, Like it was hard for him to be vulnerable. I miss him dearly.”
During the season 19 premiere of Sister Wives, which aired in September, the TLC series acknowledged Garrison’s death. “This season of Sister Wives began filming in late 2022,” read a title card at the beginning of the episode. “On March 5, 2024, Kody and Janelle’s son Garrison passed away. He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
