Paedon Brown’s Big Move to North Carolina: Why He’s Choosing Janelle Over Mom Christine

For Christine Brown, the joy of watching her children find their own path is often tangled with the ache of distance. In the latest episode of Sister Wives, the 53-year-old mom finds herself bracing for yet another goodbye — this time, from her only son, Paedon.

In an exclusive preview shared with PEOPLE, the 27-year-old reveals that he’s packing up and heading to North Carolina, a move driven by both family ties and grief. His decision will bring him closer to Janelle Brown, Christine’s longtime friend and former sister wife, who was also “spiritually” married to Kody Brown.

When Christine learns of her son’s plan, her reaction is raw and honest. “It’s actually rubbish that my only son is moving away,” she confesses. “Why? Why does he need to move as well? It’s hard that my kids don’t want to live close to me, yeah, absolutely. What is it about North Carolina that has people moving there? It’s insane.”

A Move Born From Loss

Paedon explains that after completing his service in the National Guard — which he joined in 2019 — he’s considering re-enlisting in North Carolina. But it’s not a simple career decision. The memory of his late brother Garrison weighs heavily on him.

“I very possibly could sign on to the [National] Guard in North Carolina. It’s just — I wanted it to end,” he admits, reflecting on his uncertainty. Garrison, who served in the Arizona Guard, had spent nearly a year trying to transfer units. “It finally went through,” Paedon recalls, his voice trailing as he remembers that it happened “right before he died in March 2024.”

Christine’s heart softens when she talks about the bond her son shared with Garrison. “They joined the military together. So many parts of their life — they’ve been together and they’ve been a unit,” she says, smiling sadly. “They were frick and frack when they were younger — that’s what Kody called them — was frick and frack.”

Seeking Healing in Familiar Bonds

Paedon admits that his decision to move is about more than just location — it’s about connection and healing. “I mean, Janelle’s lost a son, and I lost a best friend. And I really want to be close to her,” he tells Christine. “I really want to be close to Maddie’s kids, I really want to be close to Maddie. I just lost a huge chunk of me, and it’s not here. I’m trying to find something that isn’t here.”

Christine understands, even if it hurts. In a confessional moment, she reflects on one of the unexpected blessings of plural marriage. “One of the best things about plural marriage is — what I wanted most for my kids — was that relationship with their other mom,” she says. “And so I’ve got Paedon, who is so close to Janelle, that, she’s someone that I trust. I trust her influence on Paedon.”

Still, the mom in her feels the sting of separation. “It feels like sometimes I feel like a crappy mom because they’re not choosing to live next to me,” she admits quietly. “Sometimes I feel like Janelle’s a better mom because they’re choosing to live next to her.”

Remembering Garrison

Garrison Brown’s death in March 2024 continues to cast a long shadow over the Brown family. The 25-year-old was found dead in his home in Flagstaff, Arizona — a tragedy that Janelle confirmed on Instagram.

“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,” she wrote. “We ask that you please respect our privacy and join us in honoring his memory.”

As Sister Wives continues to chronicle the family’s evolving dynamics, viewers are reminded that behind the reality TV cameras are very real people navigating loss, love, and the unsteady ground between letting go and holding on.

New episodes of Sister Wives air Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on TLC.

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