Where Are They Now? A 2025 Update On Ruby Franke's Six Children And Their New Lives

The story of Ruby Franke, the former family vlogger behind the massive "8 Passengers" YouTube channel, continues to captivate and horrify the public. As of December 2025, the focus has shifted entirely from the sensational details of her crime and subsequent sentencing to the quiet, crucial journey of her six children as they rebuild their lives away from the spotlight and the trauma of their mother's abuse. The children's current status is closely guarded, but recent legal and public developments provide a clear picture of their new reality.

Following the February 2024 sentencing of both Ruby Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, the Franke family entered a new, definitive chapter. The most significant legal update came in March 2025, when Ruby and her estranged husband, Kevin Franke, finalized their divorce. This legal conclusion granted Kevin Franke full custody of the four minor children, establishing a stable, private environment for them to begin healing.

Ruby Franke's Family Profile and The Six Children

Ruby Franke, born Jennifer Ruby Franke, rose to prominence as a "momfluencer" on YouTube with her channel, "8 Passengers," which chronicled the daily life of her large Mormon family in Utah. The channel, which amassed over 2.5 million subscribers before its deletion, documented her life with her husband, Kevin Franke, and their six children.

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The channel, which began in 2015, frequently drew criticism for Franke's strict and often controversial parenting style, which viewers flagged as potentially abusive. This public scrutiny foreshadowed the tragic events that led to her arrest in August 2023.

The Franke Family: Biography and Entities

• Mother: Ruby Franke (Convicted of aggravated child abuse, sentenced in February 2024 to four consecutive terms of one to 15 years in prison).
• Father: Kevin Franke (Divorced Ruby Franke in March 2025, granted full custody of the minor children).
• Business Partner/Co-Defendant: Jodi Hildebrandt (Sentenced alongside Ruby Franke for aggravated child abuse).
• Former YouTube Channel: 8 Passengers (Now defunct).
• The Six Children:
  • Shari Franke (Oldest): Now an adult, she was instrumental in speaking out against the abuse and has been a strong advocate for her younger siblings.
  • Chad Franke: Now an adult, he has shared personal updates on his journey toward healing and a new life.
  • Abby Franke (Minor)
  • Julie Franke (Minor)
  • Russell Franke (Minor)
  • Eve Franke (Minor)

The Legal Resolution: Divorce, Sentencing, and Custody in 2024–2025

The legal proceedings surrounding Ruby Franke and her family have provided the most concrete updates on the children's future. The case involved two distinct legal tracks: the criminal sentencing of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt, and the civil divorce and custody battle between Ruby and Kevin Franke.

The Aggravated Child Abuse Sentencing

On February 20, 2024, Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were both sentenced in a Utah courtroom after pleading guilty to four counts of second-degree felony aggravated child abuse. The charges stemmed from the horrific conditions and abuse suffered by two of Franke's minor children, who were found severely malnourished, with one child escaping Hildebrandt’s home to seek help.

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Franke and Hildebrandt each received four consecutive prison sentences of one to 15 years, meaning they could each serve up to 30 years in prison, with the final determination to be made by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole. During the sentencing, Franke expressed remorse, stating her deep regret for the pain she caused her children.

Kevin Franke Gains Full Custody of Minor Children

A critical step toward stability for the younger children was finalized in March 2025, when Kevin Franke's divorce from Ruby Franke was complete. The divorce agreement, obtained by media outlets, stipulated that Kevin would be granted full custody of the four minor children: Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve. This decision effectively removed the children from the state's custody and placed them permanently in the care of their father.

This finalization of custody is a major turning point, allowing the children to establish a new, private life free from the public and legal turmoil that has dominated their recent years. While the details of their new living situation are sealed for their protection, the legal framework ensures their safety and well-being under Kevin's care.

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Life After '8 Passengers': Updates on Shari and Chad Franke

The two oldest Franke children, Shari and Chad, are now adults and have been more vocal about their experiences, providing glimpses into the family's healing process and their efforts to move forward. Their public statements and actions have been crucial in providing a narrative of survival and resilience.

Shari Franke's Advocacy and Upcoming Memoir

Shari Franke, the oldest daughter, has been a prominent figure in the aftermath of her mother's arrest. She was the first to speak out publicly, expressing relief and support for her younger siblings. Shari, who was estranged from her mother before the arrest, has used her platform to advocate for victims of child abuse and to share her personal journey of recovery.

In a major development in early 2025, Shari announced that she is writing a memoir. This book is expected to provide an unfiltered, in-depth account of the abuse she and her siblings suffered, the toxic environment of the "8 Passengers" channel, and the long road to healing. Her decision to share her story is seen as a powerful step toward reclaiming her narrative and raising awareness about the dangers of family vlogging and child exploitation.

Chad Franke's Focus on the Future

Chad Franke, the oldest son, has also shared updates, focusing on his personal growth and a return to normalcy. In a heartwarming update shared in 2025, approximately one year after his mother's sentencing, Chad expressed gratitude for the support he and his siblings have received. He has emphasized his commitment to his education and building a life separate from the shadow of the '8 Passengers' controversy. His updates reflect a deliberate choice to look forward and embrace a positive future.

The current status of the Franke children is one of quiet progress. While the wounds of the past remain, the legal finality of the divorce and custody agreement, coupled with the public advocacy of Shari and Chad, signals a definitive turning point. The six children are now on a path toward a stable, private future, protected from the very public life that ultimately enabled their suffering.