SISTER Wives stars Christine & Kody Brown’s daughter Ysabel was “frustrated” with her father for not being by her side during her spine surgery.
The disagreement played out on the latest episode of the TLC show.
The 18-year-old headed to New Jersey with her mother Christine, 49, to undergo an operation to correct her scoliosis, while her father opted to stay back in Arizona.
Kody explained his decision citing fears over the pandemic and travelling were his primary concerns.
“I’m not traveling with Christine and Ysabel on the way to surgery, I’m not going to surgery, I think it’s very risky,” Kody said in a confessional.
“I also feel like a total hypocrite if I’m not keeping the rules that I’m asking — begging, literally begging — everybody to keep.”
However, the teen was hoping her father would make the trip as she revealed she was “nervous” about the procedure.
In defense of her daughter, Christine told the camera: “I mean, honestly, it’s Ysabel that I care about more. I think Ysabel is really going to have a hard time being without Kody because she really, really relies on him when she’s in pain.”
Ysabel opened up about how she felt about her dad’s choice saying: “I think his priorities are a little screwed up.
“And l don’t want to disrespect him because he is my dad and I understand, I do. I do understand why he’s doing it, it’s just really frustrating and really, really hard,” she confessed through tears.
Christine also voiced her concerns over the surgery but was trying to stay positive for her daughter.
“I am worried and nervous about a big surgery like this, but while I’m with Ysabel, I’m going to be as upbeat as possible,” she said.
DAUGHTER’S PAIN
The purpose of the operation was to fix a severe curve in Ysabel’s spine, which the TV star admitted the x-rays were difficult to look at.
“It’s heartbreaking. The first time I saw her curve was heartbreaking, when I showed it to all the parents what her curve looked like… it’s hard. It’s hard to see an x-ray like that on your kid. It’s real hard,” she said.
The duo then continued to discuss how much Kody’s absense was affecting them as Christine reiterated again: “Ysabel’s really hurt that Kody’s not here. She’s really hurt.”
“I think I’m a little upset that he can’t go because he’s always talking about how family comes first,” Ysabel added.
“But when it comes down to it, I need him there, and he’s not putting his daughter above the fear that he has of the pandemic.”
Ahead of the procedure, Christine reflected on how it will feel to be able to give her daughter the care she needed.
“I’ll feel like a good mom tomorrow, not that I don’t but just, I’ll finally be able to give her what I wanted to.”
THE SPLIT
The reality star and Kody, 52, separated in November following months of split speculation.
Christine previously announced the breakup, as she wrote on Instagram: “After more than 25 years together, Kody and I have grown apart and I have made the difficult decision to leave.
“We will continue to be a strong presence in each other’s lives as we parent our beautiful children and support our wonderful family.
“At this time, we ask for your grace and kindness as we navigate through this stage within our family. With love, Christine Brown.”
Kody and Christine spiritually married in 1994.
She joined his first wife Meri and second wife Janelle, while his fourth spouse Robyn entered the family in 2010.
‘EMBRACING CHANGE’
Following the breakup, Christine has shared that she’s lost weight and “embraced change.”
She even revealed that her new single status has helped her “really embrace the holidays.”
Christine recently showed off her holiday decorations, which include a Christmas tree decorated with gold angels.
She also shared how the snow was falling outside, which left her yard and fence covered in a white, frosted blanket.
In her Instagram caption, Christine posted: “YESSS!! It’s snowing outside and the tree is decorated and Dean Martin is crooning on the record player.
“Yep a record player! I get to really embrace the holidays this morning! #snow #christmas #christmastree #blessed #simplethings.”
Fans reacted instantly to Christine’s upbeat attitude, with one posting: “I love seeing your life and how happy you are now. Your move to live your life how you want to is inspirational to me. Thank you.”
Another commented: “You seem so much happier.”
The former couple are also parents to Mykelti, 25, Aspyn, 26, Paedon, 23, and Gwendlyn, 20.
