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The Five Shocking New Chapters Of Kevin Franke's Life After Ruby Franke's Conviction

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The tumultuous saga of the Franke family has taken several dramatic and definitive turns, particularly for Kevin Franke, the former patriarch of the '8 Passengers' YouTube channel and estranged husband of convicted child abuser Ruby Franke. As of late December 2025, the legal and personal landscape surrounding Kevin Franke has been completely reshaped, moving him from a co-star in a controversial vlogging empire to an outspoken advocate and a man rebuilding his life.

The most significant recent developments confirm the final dissolution of his long-term marriage and a very public new chapter in his personal life, while his professional career and public statements offer a stark contrast to the dark years of the family's online presence. These updates provide the freshest and most current perspective on the man who stood by—and then separated from—one of the most scrutinized figures in the digital parenting world.

Kevin Franke: Complete Biography and Profile

  • Full Name: Kevin R. Franke
  • Spouse (Former): Ruby Franke (Married 2000, Divorced March 2025)
  • Fiancée: (Name not publicly released, but engagement announced in July 2024)
  • Children: Six (Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, Eve)
  • Profession: Civil and Environmental Engineer; Assistant Professor at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah.
  • Military/Government Role: Formerly served as Lieutenant Colonel and Deputy Commander, Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC).
  • Public Persona: Former patriarch of the "8 Passengers" YouTube family vlogging channel (now defunct).
  • Legal Status: Not charged in the criminal child abuse case against Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt.
  • Current Advocacy: Actively campaigning for legislation to protect children financially from family vlogging income.

The Finalized Divorce and New Engagement: A New Personal Life

The most definitive update in the Franke family's legal drama is the finalization of Kevin and Ruby Franke's divorce. After 25 years of marriage, a Utah judge officially signed off on the agreed terms in March 2025, formally ending their union.

Kevin Franke was the one who filed for divorce in September 2023, approximately three months after Ruby’s shocking arrest on child abuse charges. The divorce decree awarded Kevin full ownership of the couple's properties, including the family home.

Moving On: Kevin Franke’s New Chapter

In a clear sign of moving forward, Kevin Franke announced his engagement to a new woman in July 2024. This announcement came just months after the divorce was finalized and while Ruby Franke is serving her prison sentence of up to 60 years.

Kevin’s legal team has consistently maintained that he had been separated from Ruby for over a year prior to her August 2023 arrest, a crucial detail that separated him legally and physically from the abuse that occurred in the home of Jodi Hildebrandt.

Advocacy and Regrets: Speaking Out Against Family Vlogging

Since the collapse of the '8 Passengers' channel and his wife's conviction, Kevin Franke has taken a remarkably public stance, not just on his family's situation, but on the broader issue of family vlogging. He has transformed his personal tragedy into a platform for legislative change.

Kevin has actively urged Utah lawmakers to pass a bill aimed at protecting children financially from the profits generated by family vlogging. This advocacy stems from his deep-seated "regrets" about his own family's participation in the YouTube industry.

The 'Devil in the Family' Documentary

Kevin Franke has also participated in a new documentary series, *Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke*, where he has been candid about the events leading up to the arrests. In the documentary, he detailed the "crazy" and destructive relationship between Ruby and her accomplice, Jodi Hildebrandt, shedding light on the extent of the manipulative influence that led to the severe child abuse.

He revealed that during Ruby's incarceration, he had to ask her to stop sending him letters from prison. This public sharing provides an unprecedented look into the personal turmoil and emotional distance he has had to navigate to protect himself and his children.

The Custody Battle and Children's Current Status

Following the arrests, the custody of the four minor Franke children—Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve—was a central concern. The children were placed under the care of the Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS).

While the exact, day-to-day custody arrangements remain private, Kevin Franke has been focused on reunifying his family and providing a stable, safe environment. His non-involvement in the criminal charges was key to his ability to regain custody and focus on the children's recovery from the trauma they endured.

The oldest daughter, Shari Franke, who had publicly distanced herself from her mother's actions, has been a vocal supporter of her younger siblings and has offered glimpses into the family's healing process. The goal for Kevin has been to ensure the children's well-being and to shield them from the continued public scrutiny.

Kevin Franke's Professional Life: Stability Away from the Camera

In stark contrast to the drama of the YouTube world, Kevin Franke's professional life has remained stable and highly respected.

He holds a position as an Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Brigham Young University (BYU). His academic and engineering career, which also includes a background as a Lieutenant Colonel and Deputy Commander in the military, provides a foundation of credibility and professionalism separate from the '8 Passengers' controversy.

This professional stability is a critical factor in his ability to provide a secure future for his children, demonstrating a commitment to a life far removed from the sensationalism that defined his marriage. His focus has shifted entirely from generating viral content to advocating for a safer online environment and focusing on his engineering and teaching commitments.

ruby franke husband
ruby franke husband

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  • Name : Layla Jakubowski
  • Username : brisa11
  • Email : francesco.volkman@gmail.com
  • Birthdate : 1971-02-02
  • Address : 62182 Zackary Forges Suite 091 Albaburgh, IA 92629-5756
  • Phone : (541) 593-8905
  • Company : Muller-Collier
  • Job : Command Control Center Officer
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