The loss has brought Janelle Brown and her ex-husband Kody Brown closer together.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE Sisterwives The 55-year-old star opens up about how the heartbreaking suicide of her and Kody’s son Garrison at age 25 in March brought her family closer together. Reflecting on how tragedy can unite loved ones, Janelle shares that the loss of Garrison renewed some of the complicated relationships within their former polygamous marriage.

“Especially the relationships with the children, Christine’s children, Meri’s children, my children, have really strengthened and maybe revived some of those who were having problems,” she explains. “They’ve grown closer and that’s been really wonderful to see because once you grow up you drift apart.”

Despite their “busy lives,” Janelle says her children have “really tried to connect” and be there for each other. While the other “adults” live their “separate lives” in their unconventional families, the TLC star reveals that she and Kody stay in touch during their respective grieving processes.

“Kody and I check in on each other regularly, and he’s grieving in his own way, but I live a very different life than he does and I wish everyone well,” she says. “I think maybe it puts the situation in perspective, maybe it does that, maybe you’re not quite as angry or something.”

Kody and his wives Meri, Christine, Janelle and Robyn Brown lived in harmony in their polygamous marriage for years and documented the ups and downs of their lives on TLC’s SisterwivesWithin 14 months, three of Kody’s marriages fell apart after Christine announced the couple’s separation in November 2021 after more than 25 years of marriage.

A year later, in December 2022, it was announced that he had separated from Janelle. A month later, in January, the dissolution of his marriage to Meri was confirmed, after years of the couple’s relationship being platonic and distant.

Still, Janelle tells PEOPLE she hopes to be “busy” with all of her children “forever and ever.”

“I love the kids. I love spending time with them,” she continues. “And Christine and I remain close. Of course we lead very different lives, we go in different directions, but we still remain very close.”

As for her relationships with her other ex-Sister Wives, Janelle says fans will see her and Meri get a chance to “get together” in the upcoming season of the TLC show.

“I just really hope, I really wish the best for Kody, Robyn and Meri,” she adds.

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Season 19 of Sisterwives Premieres Sunday, September 15 at 10pm ET on TLC.