Kevin Franke and Ruby Finalize Divorce, Granting Him Full Custody

On August 30, 2023, Kevin Franke's life took a dramatic turn. The devoted husband and father of six children learned that his wife of 23 years, Ruby Franke—a popular family vlogger—was under arrest alongside their family therapist, Jodi Hildebrandt. The pair faced charges of abusing their two youngest children, who were just 12 and 9 years old at the time. Authorities discovered the children severely malnourished, emaciated, and covered in wounds. This shocking revelation shattered the image of the seemingly idyllic family life Ruby had meticulously crafted for her YouTube audience.

The Aftermath: A Family in Turmoil

Since Ruby's arrest and subsequent conviction, Kevin has primarily addressed the situation through his lawyer, Kester. However, he recently broke his silence to speak directly about the case. Alongside his two oldest children, Shari and Chad, Kevin participated in the Hulu docuseries Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, which premiered on February 27, 2025. In this series, Kevin and his children shared their experiences and emotions for the first time, offering an intimate look into the trauma they endured.

In an interview with PEOPLE ahead of the docuseries' release, Kevin discussed his current relationship with Ruby. While acknowledging that he still harbors feelings for her, he admitted to feeling anger over what transpired. His words reflect a complex mix of love, betrayal, and heartbreak—a sentiment echoed by many who have followed the high-profile case.

A Divorce Finalized

Ruby Franke, now serving up to 30 years in prison for child abuse, has finalized her divorce from Kevin Franke. According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Kevin was granted full custody of their four minor children. The divorce agreement also awarded him ownership of the couple's properties, while Ruby agreed to waive any claims to child support payments.

This decision comes after months of legal proceedings, during which Kevin advocated fiercely for his children's well-being. He expressed regret over allowing Ruby to document their family life online, stating that he wishes he had intervened sooner to protect their privacy. His stance underscores growing concerns about the impact of social media on family dynamics and child safety.

Ruby Franke: From Influencer to Incarcerated

Prior to her arrest, Ruby Franke was a prominent figure in the world of family vlogging. Based in Utah, she gained fame through her YouTube channel, 8 Passengers, where she shared snippets of her family's life and offered parenting advice to thousands of followers. Her wholesome persona and relatable content earned her a dedicated fanbase.

However, the dark side of her public image came to light when authorities uncovered evidence of severe neglect and abuse within her household. Ruby pleaded guilty to multiple counts of aggravated child abuse and is currently serving her sentence. Her incarceration marks the end of an era for her once-thriving online presence but raises critical questions about accountability and transparency in the digital age.

Kevin Franke Speaks Out

In addition to his appearances in the Hulu docuseries, Kevin Franke spoke candidly in an interview airing on February 25, 2025, on Good Morning America. During the segment, he emphasized the importance of systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Specifically, he called on lawmakers to reform how police and child welfare agencies handle cases involving vulnerable families.

I do still love her, Kevin told TODAY.com in another interview. But that doesn’t mean that I’m not angry. These sentiments highlight the emotional complexity of his situation, as he navigates the dual roles of victim and caregiver. Despite the challenges, Kevin remains committed to rebuilding his life and ensuring a brighter future for his children.

Reflections on Responsibility

As discussions around the Franke case continue, some critics argue that Kevin bears partial responsibility for the abuse inflicted upon their children. They point to Ruby's documented behavior on their YouTube channel, suggesting that warning signs may have been overlooked or ignored. Others, however, emphasize the difficulty of detecting such issues from an outsider's perspective.

Regardless of these debates, one thing is clear: the Franke family's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive exposure on social media platforms. It highlights the need for greater awareness and regulation to safeguard both creators and their audiences.

Looking Forward

Kevin Franke's journey since the scandal has been marked by resilience and advocacy. Beyond caring for his children, he has become actively involved in legislative efforts aimed at protecting minors who participate in online content creation. By sharing his experiences and insights, he hopes to inspire meaningful change and prevent other families from enduring similar hardships.

For Kevin and his children, healing is an ongoing process. As they move forward, they strive to create a new chapter filled with hope, stability, and love—one that stands in stark contrast to the turmoil of their past.

The World of Social Media Influence

The rise of influencers like Ruby Franke demonstrates the immense power—and potential pitfalls—of social media in shaping modern family dynamics. While platforms like YouTube offer opportunities for connection and creativity, they also pose risks if misused or mishandled. As society grapples with these realities, stories like the Franches' remind us of the importance of balance, empathy, and vigilance in navigating our increasingly digital lives.