Here's How Welcome To Plathville's Barry And Kim Met
TLC's Welcome to Plathville introduced viewers to the insular world of the Plaths, a large family that lives on a farm in rural Georgia and observes a highly conservative religious faith. The nine children, Ethan, Hosanna, Micah, Moriah, Lydia, Isaac, Amber, Cassia, and Mercy, are presided over by parents Kim and Barry Plath whose strict rules forbid them from drinking soda or watching movies, among many other things. They're a tight knit group, even performing gospel songs together as the Plath Family Band, but Ethan's new wife Olivia caused a noticeable split during Season 1 thanks to her refusal to abide by the Plath parents' rules.
They might not agree with Ethan and Olivia's approach to marriage, but Kim and Barry Plath's own love story is unique to say the least. After nine kids and over two decades together, they must be doing something right.
God had a plan for Barry and Kim Plath
The Plath family's website notes the impressive longevity of their marriage, while advising readers that the busy parents homeschool their children while simultaneously managing their band and working regular jobs, too. By their own admission, the story of how Barry and Kim Plath came to be together is pretty remarkable. "In the spring of '97, on the exact same day, before either of us either talked about it or showed any interest in the other, God revealed to Barry and I that we were going to marry," advises Kim on their family site. That was it; they tied the knot that very year and haven't looked back since.
The smitten couple continues to seek guidance from God in all matters of life, with Kim revealing that they ask for assistance regarding, "Major life decisions as well as the minor, day-to-day choices," and teach their children to do likewise. This, according to Kim, provides for both a happy marriage and a happy home life for their entire family.
Welcome to Plathville's Barry and Kim's relationship was seriously tested
In 2008, the Plaths were rocked by inconceivable hardship after losing their young son Joshua in a tragic accident. Kim accidentally ran over the 17-month-old with the family car while doing chores on the farm, shocking the family to its very core. On the family website, Kim acknowledges how much of a rock Barry was to her after the tragic event.
"I thought of the accusations I would have thrown at Barry if the situation had been reversed. I knew what would have happened if Barry ever said anything like that to me. I was so fragile and had totally lost my will to live. I would have just curled up and died," she admitted. As the Plath family matriarch acknowledges, Barry never even came close to blaming her, instead, "he just loved me."
After more than 20 years of marriage, nine living kids and one in heaven, the Welcome to Plathville stars remain just as committed to each other as when they first realized they should be together.