Kevin Franke, the estranged husband of Ruby Franke, has been vocal about his experiences following a tumultuous period that saw Ruby convicted of child abuse in 2023. Kevin's life took a dramatic turn when authorities arrested Ruby and their family therapist, Jodi Hildebrandt, after discovering severe neglect and abuse of their two youngest children. This incident brought significant public attention to the Franke family, particularly as Ruby had been a popular YouTube influencer known for sharing her family's life online.
Ruby Franke's Conviction and Its Aftermath
Ruby Franke, who gained fame through her YouTube channel 8 Passengers, where she shared insights into family life and parenting, pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. The case shocked her followers and the broader public, leading to widespread scrutiny of the family dynamics portrayed on the channel. Since Ruby’s arrest, Kevin Franke has primarily communicated through his lawyer, Kester, but recently opened up in interviews, including one airing on Good Morning America in February 2025.
In these interviews, Kevin expressed regret over allowing Ruby to document their children's lives online, emphasizing the potential dangers of excessive social media exposure. He also supported legislative efforts in Utah aimed at protecting children's earnings from web content creation. Despite the legal separation, Kevin admitted he still harbors feelings for Ruby but acknowledged the anger and betrayal he felt during this ordeal.
The Divorce and Custody Battle
Kevin Franke filed for divorce in late 2023, shortly after Ruby's arrest. According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Kevin was awarded full custody of their four minor children under an order from the 4th District Juvenile Court. Additionally, Kevin received ownership of the couple's properties and agreed to consider all child support payments from Ruby already fulfilled.
This decision marked the formal end of their marriage, which spanned over two decades. While some critics argue that Kevin bears partial responsibility for the neglect due to his alleged inaction, others believe he acted decisively once aware of the situation. Regardless, the case underscores the complexities of navigating modern family dynamics amidst intense public scrutiny.
A New Chapter for Kevin Franke
Since the divorce, Kevin Franke has focused on rebuilding his life and ensuring the well-being of his children. Alongside his oldest children, Shari and Chad, Kevin participated in the Hulu docuseries Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke. In it, he recounted his decision to leave temporarily to work on himself, hoping to return as a better husband and father.
Kevin's engagement announcement in early 2025 signaled another major shift in his personal life. However, he made it clear that moving forward, he plans to keep his private life off social media. Reflecting on past experiences, Kevin emphasized the importance of safeguarding familial privacy and prioritizing genuine connections over digital presence.
Public Perception and Criticism
Not everyone agrees with Kevin's narrative or actions. Some viewers of the Hulu docuseries criticized him, arguing that he shares equal culpability for the abuse given his involvement in the family's YouTube endeavors. Others defend him, pointing out the lack of evidence suggesting direct participation in harmful behaviors.
Regardless of public opinion, Kevin continues advocating for stricter regulations regarding child exploitation in online spaces. By speaking out about his journey, he hopes to raise awareness about the risks associated with oversharing personal details online and encourage healthier approaches to parenting in the digital age.
Conclusion
Kevin Franke finds himself navigating uncharted territory following the dissolution of his marriage to Ruby Franke and the subsequent fallout from her conviction. As he rebuilds his life, he remains committed to protecting his children and promoting responsible use of social media platforms. Through his advocacy and openness, Kevin aims to contribute positively to discussions surrounding family values and technology's role in modern society.
While challenges remain, Kevin's story serves as a reminder of the resilience required to overcome adversity and the importance of learning from mistakes. For those following the Franke saga, it offers valuable lessons about balancing transparency with discretion in today's hyper-connected world.
