Thanksgiving was a bittersweet occasion for Janelle Brown, as the “Sister Wives” star marked the first major holiday since her son Garrison Brown’s death in March 2024.
The 25-year-old appeared to have died by suicide, police in Flagstaff, Arizona, told NBC News at the time of his death. Garrison Brown was one of six children Janelle Brown shared with her ex-husband Kody Brown.
The reality star paid tribute to her late son on Instagram, posting a photo of herself holding a framed photo of her son.
“First of the ‘big’ holidays without you darling. We all gathered in NC to celebrate together and held your photo close,” Janelle Brown captioned the post.
The mother of six then described how she and her family paid tribute to Garrison Brown over the holidays.
“We laughed at your silly sense of humor and told so many stories in your honor,” she wrote. “We ate, played games and enjoyed each other’s company.”
The reality star ended her caption by noting that she felt her late son’s presence throughout the holiday weekend.
“Everyone is returning home now and normal life will resume tomorrow. But I feel you close,” she wrote.
Janelle Brown’s Instagram followers showered her with support in the comments, with many sharing their own stories of grief.
“Holidays are hard. But you have such inner strength,” one person wrote.
Another commented: “Hugs to you Janelle. I’m also a mother who lost my son to suicide… Be kind and gentle to yourself. Sending lots of love to you and your family ❤️🌻.”
In September, Janelle Brown posted another tribute to her late son on Instagram, marking six months since his death.
“You appear in my photo memories almost every day. Sometimes it doesn’t seem like you’re gone. And then I remember I don’t get a call or text from you and it all comes back quickly. I know you I fought hard, but in the end you just couldn’t stay. I love you so much and I will see you again when my journey is over,” she captioned the post.
A few weeks after Garrison Brown’s death, his sister Maddie Brown Brush discussed the mental health issues her brother faced in an Instagram video.
“Mental health is so important and I don’t think we talk about it enough and I don’t think we do enough to raise awareness. It wasn’t bullying. It wasn’t a lack of love that Garrison had. It was mental health,” she said.
Brown Brush went on to describe how social media had a negative impact on her brother.
“Social media isn’t really… it’s highlights and that was something Garrison and I talked about a lot. Garrison always felt like he wasn’t doing enough because he compared himself to things on social media. I don’t think it’s real and I think we need to remember that,” she said.
This story is about suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255text HOME to 741741 or stop by SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
