In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Kevin Franke has revealed that he plans to start dating once his divorce from Ruby Franke is finalised. The couple’s relationship took a tumultuous turn after Ruby, who gained fame through her YouTube channel “8 Passengers,” pleaded guilty to felony child abuse involving two of her children and was sentenced to up to 30 years in prison. Despite the challenges they have faced, Kevin expressed that he still cares for Ruby but has decided to move forward with the divorce proceedings, which have been ongoing for over a year. He shared, “We’re trying to reach a settlement. It’s been a long process, but it’s ongoing. We’re close.”
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While Kevin acknowledges that dating is on his mind, he emphasised his commitment to honouring the marriage vows until the divorce is officially concluded. He expressed, “Well, of course, it’s something I think about, but I’m a man of my honour, and I’m still technically married. And so I’m holding off until the divorce is finalised.” Kevin, 47, spoke out alongside his son Chad, 20, for the first time about their family’s journey in an in-depth cover story for PEOPLE and in the upcoming docuseries, ‘Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke,’ set to stream on Hulu.
In the docuseries, Kevin, Chad, and their oldest child, Shari, 21, delve into their family’s rise to online stardom as Mormon content creators, attracting millions of subscribers on YouTube and earning a significant income. However, their seemingly idyllic life took a dark turn when their parenting style, particularly Ruby’s strict approach, came under scrutiny from viewers. As tensions escalated, the family became entangled in the controversial counseling methods of therapist Jodi Hildebrandt, eventually leading to a rift within the family.
Hildebrandt’s influence caused Chad to move out and isolated him from his social support network, creating a sense of loneliness and disconnection. Kevin reflected on the impact of Hildebrandt’s techniques, stating, “Jodi insisted that we subject ourselves to pain and discomfort…Pain and discomfort is what would change us, make us stronger.” Despite initial reservations, Kevin found himself gradually accepting Hildebrandt’s directives, highlighting the power of manipulation and gradual indoctrination.
The unfolding events shed light on the complexities of familial relationships and the vulnerabilities that can be exploited under duress. The Franke family’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked influence and the importance of safeguarding individual agency within relationships. As the legal proceedings surrounding Ruby and Hildebrandt unfold, the family continues to navigate the aftermath of a tumultuous chapter in their lives, grappling with healing and rebuilding trust.
Through their candid revelations, Kevin and Chad Franke provide a glimpse into the internal struggles and resilience that have marked their journey towards healing and self-discovery. The upcoming docuseries offers a platform for the family to share their side of the story and reclaim their narrative amidst public scrutiny and judgment. As they move forward, Kevin remains optimistic about the prospect of new beginnings post-divorce, holding onto hope for a future that is defined by healing, growth, and renewed connections.