Kevin Franke rebuilds family life and gains custody after ex-wife’s conviction

According to People, Kevin Franke has concentrated on repairing relationships with his children and rebuilding his life since his ex-wife Ruby Franke was arrested and later convicted; their divorce was finalized in March 2025, he was granted full custody and the family home was transferred to him, and he remarried later in 2025.

Kevin first rose to prominence with the family YouTube channel 8 Passengers, which he and Ruby launched in 2015 and grew to millions of followers by 2020. The couple’s youngest children were removed from Ruby’s care after a then-12-year-old escaped and sought help on Aug. 30, 2023; Ruby pleaded guilty in December 2023 to aggravated child abuse and was sentenced to between four and 60 years, though she will not serve more than 30 years under Utah law.

Kevin was living apart from Ruby at the time, was cleared as a suspect early in the investigation and has said he had limited contact with his children while separated. Since the arrests, Kevin filed a lawsuit against family therapist Jodi Hildebrandt in April 2024 alleging intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress and negligence and has sought restitution and regulatory changes; he appeared before Utah legislators in July and October 2024 advocating for child welfare reforms and oversight of life-coaching programs.

Key Topics

Culture, Kevin Franke, Ruby Franke, Jodi Hildebrandt, Utah Dcfs