AceShowbiz - Janelle Brown, star of the TLC series "Sister Wives", has revealed that the loss of her son Garrison has brought her closer together with her ex-husband, Kody Brown. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Janelle shared how Garrison's heartbreaking death by suicide at age 25 in March has strengthened the bonds within their family.

Reflecting on the ways tragedy can unite loved ones, Janelle explained that losing Garrison has renewed some strained relationships within her former plural marriage. "Especially with the children, Christine's children, Meri's child, my children, have really reinforced relationships and maybe renewed some that were struggling," she said.

"They've drawn closer and that's been a really wonderful thing to see because once you get to be adults you drift away." Despite their busy lives, Janelle shares that her children have made "real efforts to connect" and to be "present" with each other.

While the other "adults" within their unconventional family live their "separate lives," Janelle reveals that she and Kody remain in touch during their respective grieving processes. "Kody and I will periodically check on each other, and he's kind of grieving in his own way, but I live a very separate life from him, and I do wish everybody well," she said.

Despite their separation, Janelle expresses hope to remain involved in the lives of all of their children "until forever and ever and ever." "I love the kids. I love hanging out with them," she continues. "And Christine and I remain close. Obviously we have very different lives, we're kind of going in different directions but we still remain very close."