Ruby Franke's ex-husband, Kevin Franke, got remarried after previously becoming entangled in the former YouTube star's child abuse scandal.
Kevin, 47, and Ruby's eldest daughter, Shari, shared an Instagram photo on Sunday, December 21, from her father's wedding, writing, "I don't even have words to describe how amazing it was to see my dad get married! When I was younger, I could always see he wasn't happy, and I prayed that one day he'd find someone that made him happy like he deserved. I'm so glad I was there to witness his love story."
Shari shut down any potential negativity surrounding Kevin and now-wife Becca Bevan's special day.
"Any negative comments towards him or his beautiful wife will be deleted," she continued. "You do not know my dad, you don't know amends made or conversations we've had. He is a wonderful man, and I'm so happy for the new addition to the family!"
Kevin previously announced his engagement after remaining largely out of the public eye. "A lot has transpired since I've been on Facebook several months ago. I am thrilled to announce my engagement to a wonderful and amazing woman, Becca Bevan," he wrote via Facebook in October. "I just wanted to share my happy news with all of you, my friends."
In the rare social media post, Kevin reflected on the development in his personal life.
"Redemption is a real thing," he continued. "There were moments during the past three years when I didn't think I would ever feel happiness or the warm embrace of a loving partner again. I'm so grateful for grace, resilience, a loving God who gives me hope, and family and friends that buoyed me when I couldn't stand on my own. Here's to new beginnings and fresh starts!"
Kevin's family achieved YouTube stardom in 2015 when Ruby, 43, started a channel documenting their adventures with their six children. Since then, only the eldest, Shari and Chad, have chosen to remain in the spotlight after being the focus of daily vlogs that showcased Ruby's days as a stay-at-home mom.
In 2023, Ruby and her friend Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested and charged with six counts of felony child abuse. The arrest came after Ruby's youngest son, who was 12 years old at the time, escaped from Hildebrandt's home and asked for help from a neighbor.
In response to Ruby's legal issues, her three sisters released a statement, which read, "For the last three years, we have kept quiet on the subject of our sister Ruby Franke for the sake of her children. Behind the public scene, we have done everything we could to try and make sure the kids were safe."
The statement continued: "Ruby was arrested which needed to happen. Jodi was arrested which needed to happen. The kids are now safe, which is the No. 1 priority."
Ruby pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse in December 2023 and admitted she tortured her children. As part of her plea deal, she agreed to serve a prison term and agreed that her sentences would run consecutively. She also agreed to testify against Hildebrandt, who pleaded guilty.
During her sentencing, Ruby issued an apology to her kids and Kevin, saying in a February 2024 court hearing, "You are the love of my life. The ending of our marriage is a tragedy."
Kevin, however, made it clear that he had no plans to reconcile with his ex.
"I'm not ashamed to say that after being married over 20 years to that woman, I truly did and still do love her," Kevin, who was separated from Ruby when the abuse took place, admitted to People in February. "But that doesn't excuse what she did, and it doesn't excuse how she hurt our children and how she hurt me."
He continued: "There's some bridges that you just can't cross and then cross back. She burned the bridges, and so I'm moving on. And I'm going to do what's best for my children, for my family, and for myself, and that's not going to include her."
YouTube has banned Ruby and Hildebrandt and deleted the channels associated with their names. Kevin, meanwhile, made a legal effort to seek custody of his children. Both Ruby and Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse and were sentenced to between 4 and 60 years in prison. They won't appear before the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole -- which determines the exact length of their sentences -- until December 2026.
To report child abuse, consult the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Child Welfare Information Gateway for state-specific reporting phone numbers.
