Polygamist Father of 25 Children Advocates for Progressive Family Life
Brady Williams, a 56-year-old reality television personality, leads a domestic life that many would consider extraordinary, yet he insists his household of five wives and 25 children is perfectly normal. Residing in Salt Lake City, Utah, Williams describes his polygamist family as "normal, just five times over," and regards himself as a progressive feminist within this unconventional setup.
A Glimpse into the Williams Family Dynamic
The family gained public attention through the TLC reality show My Five Wives, which aired for two series in 2014, offering viewers an intimate look at their daily lives. At the time of the show, Williams worked as a project manager in construction and had 24 children, later welcoming his 25th child in 2015. The family lives in two enormous houses situated side by side, accommodating their large brood.
Williams married his first wife at age 29, and all five wives—Rosemary, Robyn, Nonie, Paulie, and Rhonda—are cousins who were raised in the Mormon faith. Initially taught to be compliant "sister wives," the family has since distanced themselves from organized religion, choosing not to align with any particular faith. Williams, who previously served as a bishop in the Mormon Church, emphasizes that their household operates on egalitarian principles, rejecting patriarchal norms.
Egalitarian Polygamy and Financial Management
In an interview with ABC News, Williams explained that while polygamist families often face amplified versions of typical family hardships, such as financial struggles, his approach is different. He advocates for "egalitarian polygamy," where women have equal say in family decisions, including finances. "Many polygamist families think that the man is in charge of the money and the women just have to accept what he says. I say bull," Williams stated. "We as a family believe in an egalitarian polygamy where the women have just as much right to decide family government as the man."
Despite this progressive stance, supporting such a large family has proven challenging. Reports indicate that Williams filed for bankruptcy in 2014 due to mounting debts, highlighting the financial pressures of their lifestyle.
Spiritual Unions and Daily Routines
Legally, Williams is married only to Paulie, with the other four relationships considered "spiritual unions." The wives reportedly coexist without jealousy, united in their goal to raise their children in a forward-thinking environment. Each child is free to choose whether to continue this lifestyle upon reaching adulthood.
To maintain order, the family follows a structured routine. Williams rotates sharing a bed with each spouse, moving to the next wife at midday every day, ensuring he cycles through all five partners every five days. He maintains that he shares a spiritual bond with each wife, stating, "Sadly, I think most of the time in polygamy [having a spiritual connection] doesn't exist with all the relationships. I am just a very lucky man to have it with all my wives."
Challenges and Celebrations in a Large Family
Life in the Williams household is not without its difficulties. With so many children, Williams admits to struggling to recall all their names in age order. He became a grandfather in 2014 when his daughter Karlie welcomed her son Jessop, adding another layer to the family tree.
Family gatherings require meticulous organization and substantial resources. For example, during one Thanksgiving celebration, the family consumed two turkeys, a ham, yams, 20 pounds of mashed potatoes, two massive bowls of stuffing, two gallons of gravy, 36 bread rolls, and 20 different types of pie for dessert, not including beverages or snacks. Such feasts strain even generous budgets, underscoring the logistical and financial demands of their lifestyle.
Despite these challenges, Williams views his polygamist family as a progressive evolution of traditional relationships, emphasizing equality and mutual respect among all members.
