Meri Brown has been a key cast member on Sister Wives ever since the premiere of this controversial reality show.
But just because she’s been in the spotlight for a number of years, that doesn’t mean she’s a known commodity.
Far from it, in fact.
Scroll down for a list of Meri Brown facts and figures that may come as a shock, even to those who watch Sister Wives online (or on television) each and every week…
She Was HOW Old When She Married Kody Brown?
Only 19, way back in 1990. Meri was studying to be a psychologist at one point, but gave it up once the reality show became a hit after its 2010 premiere.
For How Long Did She Know Kody Before They Got Married?
Just four months. They got engaged after just two months.
She Has HOW Many Siblings?!?
Six in total: four sisters (Teresa Barber, Rebekah Barber, Elaine Barber, Deborah Barber) and two brothers (Adam Barber and Marc William Barber).
Meri and Kody Struggled with Infertility for Years
They tried to have kids from the very beginning, but it took them nearly a half decade. Finally, Meri and Kody welcomed their first child, a daughter named Mariah Brown, on July 29,1995.
When Did Meri and Kody Get Divorced?
In 2014, after almost 25 years of marriage. But she has remained on the show and by Kody’s side ever since.
Wait… What? Why and How?
She only agreed to the divorce so that Kody could adopt Robyn’s three children from another marriage, which is something which Meri hinted at during an episode of Sister Wives, saying: “If ever I’m having an emotional moment about what I’ve lost, I just think, it’s not about me, it’s about the kids.”
What Did the Divorce Statement Say?
It made no mention of these children, simply stating: “We have chosen to legally restructure our family. We made this decision together as a family. We are grateful to our family, friends and fans for all their love and support.”
Catfished!
After the split, in 2015, it was revealed that Brown had been involved in a catfishing scandal. Seriously! She thought she had been speaking with a man named Sam, but it later became clear to her that she had been duped… and the person with whom she was communicating was actually a woman.
Will She Go Her Own Way?
That’s been the rumor for over a year now. During an interview on TLC in the clip “What She Is Going Through,” fellow Sister Wife Janelle admitted that Meri was “a little more distant from the family,” adding: “We are anxious to help her in any way we can.”
Then There Was This:
On another episode of Sister Wives, Kody addressed Meri and said simply :”You asked me to not be around you. You invited me away. You told me to go away.”
At Least She Had Her Dog?
Well, yes, but Meri still said the following in late 2015: “I just feel lonely. I’m just alone, so much at the time.” The divorce clearly hit her hard.
What is Her Maiden Name?
Random Fact Alert! It’s Barber. Did you know that? Well…now you do!
She Hasn’t Always Gotten Along Well with the Other Wives
“We all just have different levels of jealousy moments, at different times, depending on where we were within ourselves,” Meri once remarked. Also, have you ever noticed how she is rarely alone with Janelle?
A New Path
In 2016, Brown started working for independent fashion retailer for LuLaRoe. She hashtags nearly every Instagram photo now with the brand and is a dedicated worker.
And a New Perspective
Daughter Mariah came out as gay in 2017. It was a challenge for Meri to come to grips with this confirmation, but she subsequently told People Magazine: “I always expected that she would grow up, meet a guy, get married, have kids… but I’m so proud of [Mariah] for having the strength.”
Quick Fact #1:
She was born on January 16, 1971.
Quick Fact #2:
She was born in Alameda, California.
Quick Fact #3:
She stands five feet and five inches off the ground.
Quick Fact #4:
She is estimated to be worth $500,000 — but it’s important to note we cannot verify this number.