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The Franke Family Now: 5 Shocking Updates On Ruby, Kevin, And The Children In 2025

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The Franke Family saga continues to unfold in 2025, with significant and often shocking updates emerging from the former YouTube family at the center of a high-profile child abuse case. Once known as the picture of a large, devout, and organized family on their "8 Passengers" channel, the reality behind the cameras was exposed with the August 2023 arrest of matriarch Ruby Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. The legal and personal fallout has been extensive, with major developments affecting every member of the family, including a finalized divorce, a new engagement, and the children beginning to speak out about their trauma.

As of late 2025, the focus has shifted from the initial shock of the arrest to the long-term consequences: prison sentences, personal recovery, and the difficult process of rebuilding shattered lives. This article provides the most current and essential updates on the Franke family, detailing the legal status of the convicted parents and the new lives of the children and their father, Kevin Franke.

Franke Family Key Biographies and Current Status

The Franke family became a household name—first as a popular "momfluencer" channel and later as the subject of a disturbing criminal case. Here is a breakdown of the key figures and their current situations, providing the necessary context for the ongoing story.

  • Ruby Franke (Mother):
    • Former Role: Creator and star of the defunct "8 Passengers" YouTube channel.
    • Current Status: Convicted felon. Currently serving a prison sentence of 4 to 60 years for four counts of aggravated child abuse.
    • Legal Date: Sentenced in February 2024.
    • Relationship Status: Divorced from Kevin Franke in March 2025.
  • Kevin Franke (Father):
    • Former Role: Featured on "8 Passengers" and an educator.
    • Current Status: Divorced, caring for the children. He was awarded the couple's properties.
    • Legal Action: Sued Jodi Hildebrandt over the abuse of his children.
    • Relationship Status: Became engaged six months after his divorce was finalized in March 2025.
  • Jodi Hildebrandt (Business Partner):
    • Former Role: Mental health counselor and owner of "ConneXions" with Ruby Franke.
    • Current Status: Convicted felon. Currently serving the same prison sentence as Ruby Franke (4 to 60 years) for aggravated child abuse.
  • The Franke Children:
    • Names: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve.
    • Current Status: All six children are reportedly safe and are being cared for, primarily by their father, Kevin Franke, and potentially other family members.
    • Public Voice: Oldest daughter, Shari Franke, is actively speaking out about the abuse and is preparing to release a new memoir. Oldest son, Chad Franke, shared a "heartwarming update" about his life one year after the sentencing.

The Shocking Collapse: Divorce, Lawsuits, and Prison Sentences in 2025

The transition from a YouTube empire to a criminal courtroom was swift and devastating. The legal and personal fallout has dominated headlines throughout 2024 and into 2025, with major milestones being reached that signify a definitive end to the "8 Passengers" era and the beginning of a new chapter for the family.

Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt: Behind Bars

Both Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. The charges stemmed from horrific details of abuse, including the severe malnutrition and physical injuries of two of Ruby’s younger children, one of whom escaped Hildebrandt’s home and sought help from a neighbor.

In February 2024, both women were sentenced to four terms of one to 15 years in prison, to be served consecutively, meaning they face a minimum of four years and a maximum of 60 years behind bars. This lengthy sentence reflects the severity and cruelty of the crimes committed. The court’s decision sent a clear message about accountability for the abuse that occurred under the guise of "counseling" and "parenting advice." The public fascination with how a "momfluencer" could become a convicted felon has even led to the production of a Lifetime movie, 'Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story,' highlighting the cultural impact of the case.

Kevin Franke’s New Life: Divorce Finalized and Engagement

For Kevin Franke, 2025 brought significant personal developments. His divorce from Ruby Franke was officially finalized in March 2025. The stipulation granted Kevin ownership of the couple's properties, and he agreed to handle all child support considerations from Ruby.

The finalization of the divorce marked a clear separation from the toxic past. Furthermore, Kevin Franke has begun to move forward with his personal life, announcing his engagement just six months after the divorce was finalized. This quick turnaround signifies a determined effort to find stability and happiness for himself and his children after the traumatic events of the previous years. Kevin has also taken legal action, suing Jodi Hildebrandt for her role in the abuse, demonstrating his commitment to seeking justice for his children.

The Children’s Voices: Recovery and Telling Their Story

The most important element of the Franke family update is the well-being and recovery of the six children: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve. Their journey from victims of severe child abuse to survivors speaking out is a testament to their resilience. The children are now reportedly in a safe and supportive environment, focusing on healing and regaining a sense of normalcy.

Shari Franke’s Memoir and Public Advocacy

Shari Franke, the oldest daughter, has emerged as a powerful voice for her siblings and for victims of parental abuse. She has been outspoken on social media since her mother’s arrest, and recent updates from early 2025 indicate she is taking a major step forward by writing a memoir. This book is expected to provide an unprecedented, first-hand account of the abuse she and her siblings suffered, offering a crucial perspective on the internal dynamics of the "8 Passengers" family and the destructive influence of Jodi Hildebrandt’s "ConneXions" program.

Shari’s decision to publish a memoir is a significant development in the story, transforming her from a silent victim into an advocate. Her public statements and forthcoming book are essential for understanding the psychological manipulation and trauma inflicted upon the Franke children.

Chad Franke’s Positive Update

Chad Franke, the oldest son, has also provided a positive update on his life one year after his mother's sentencing. While the children have a right to privacy, these small, public assurances from the older siblings provide a comforting indication that they are finding stability and working toward recovery. The focus is now on their future, away from the constant scrutiny of a family vlogging channel and the shadow of their mother's crimes.

The Franke family case has served as a stark warning about the dangers of "momfluencer" culture and the lack of oversight in family vlogging. The ongoing updates in 2025, particularly the children’s efforts to reclaim their narratives and the definitive end of Kevin and Ruby’s marriage, underscore a powerful theme of survival and the slow, difficult process of healing from profound betrayal and trauma.

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franke family

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