But once followers got a closer look at Janelle’s boyfriend, Pete, another conversation quickly emerged. Fans weren’t only interested in his profession or the couple’s apparent happiness. Some couldn’t resist commenting on his appearance and seemingly comparing him with Janelle’s famous ex.
Janelle Brown Confirms Her New Romance
On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Janelle made the relationship Instagram-official by posting a selfie alongside Pete.
Rather than simply announcing that she had a boyfriend, Janelle suggested their relationship had been developing privately before she felt ready to share it publicly.
“Some chapters are meant to unfold quietly before they’re shared.”
She continued with a heartfelt message about unexpectedly finding someone special.
“I wasn’t looking. I certainly wasn’t expecting you. And somehow, you turned out to be exactly what I didn’t know I needed.”
Janelle finished her announcement with a straightforward introduction:
“Everyone please meet Pete.”
She didn’t reveal many details about her new boyfriend, but fans soon learned one interesting fact about him: Pete reportedly works in construction.
Christine Brown Gives Pete Her Approval
Christine Brown quickly appeared in the comments, making it clear that she supports Janelle’s new relationship.
“He’s such an awesome guy!! They are so cute together and he’s a construction worker 👷♀️ like David!!”
Christine was referring to her husband, David Woolley, who owns a construction and drywall business in Utah.
Christine and David met through online dating following her separation from Kody and married in October 2023. Her enthusiastic reaction suggests she has already spent enough time around Pete to form a positive impression.
Given the close friendship Christine and Janelle have maintained since leaving their plural marriage, her approval carried particular significance for longtime Sister Wives viewers.
Fans Have Plenty to Say About Pete
Janelle’s followers quickly filled the comments with congratulations.
One person focused on how happy Janelle appeared:
“The light in your eyes is blinding! You both look so sweet in this picture. I’m excited for your next chapter together.”
Another wrote:
“Yes Janelle! He looks super sweet. Beyond happy for you 💕.”
A third follower was equally enthusiastic:
“This is such sweet news! He’s so handsome and you are a beautiful couple!!! Yay!!! Praying all the best for you and Pete! 💗.”
However, comments beneath another post featuring Pete became considerably more pointed.
“He looks way more normal.”
Another follower simply declared:
“He’s attractive! A Step up!”
Neither commenter directly named Kody Brown, but given Janelle’s highly publicized history with her former partner, many longtime followers interpreted the remarks as comparisons.
Janelle Has Spent Years Rebuilding Her Life
The relationship represents a significant change for Janelle, who has spent the years since leaving Kody emphasizing independence and figuring out what life outside plural marriage looked like for her.
Janelle and Kody announced their separation in December 2022 after nearly three decades in a spiritual marriage.
Because they weren’t legally married, Janelle has previously explained that she doesn’t necessarily describe herself as “divorced.”
“Because we never were legally married, I can’t really say I’m divorced.”
Instead, she preferred a simpler description.
“I guess I just consider myself single; I don’t consider myself divorced or separated or whatever. I just think I’m single.”
Christine took a different approach following her own departure from Kody, happily embracing the term “divorced.”
Christine and Janelle Remained Close After Leaving Kody
One relationship that survived the Brown family’s dramatic changes was Janelle and Christine’s friendship.
Their connection grew far beyond simply being two women spiritually married to the same man. Together, they raised large families and experienced many of the same major life transitions.
Janelle once compared her relationship with Christine to the bond she shares with her biological sister.
“With Christine? We didn’t plan it, but we’ve had such a similar life. We’ve done everything together.”
Their paths have certainly contained striking parallels.
Christine announced her separation from Kody in November 2021, while Janelle followed in December 2022. Both subsequently began creating lives independent of the plural family structure viewers had watched for years.
Christine eventually found love with David, while Janelle initially concentrated on rebuilding her own identity.
Now Janelle appears to have found someone as well.
Romantic changes aren’t limited to Christine and Janelle.
Meri Brown has also spoken publicly about returning to the dating scene following the end of her relationship with Kody.
In February 2026, Meri discussed getting to know a man named Ron after meeting him at a speed-dating event.
“I am happy. Ron is a really cool guy, very comfortable. I’m very comfortable hanging out with him.”
Meri and Kody formally announced the end of their decades-long relationship in January 2023 after years of difficulties between them.
Janelle Has Also Endured Unimaginable Loss
The past several years have brought Janelle far more than changes in her romantic life.
In March 2024, her son Garrison Brown died at only 25, an enormous loss for Janelle and the entire Brown family.
That tragedy became part of an already transformative period in Janelle’s life as she navigated grief, independence and an uncertain future after decades spent within the Brown family’s plural-marriage structure.
Her decision to introduce Pete therefore represents more than another reality television relationship update.
After years of dramatic changes, Janelle appears ready to allow someone new into the life she has been building for herself.
And judging by Christine’s enthusiastic reaction, Pete has already earned the approval of one of the people who knows Janelle best.
For now, Janelle isn’t revealing everything about her new romance. But her announcement makes one thing clear: the Sister Wives star has officially entered a new chapter — and this time, she’s writing it on her own terms.