During the October 19 episode of Southern Charm, the cast learned of the sudden death of Olivia Flowers’ brother Connor. Though a cause of death wasn’t immediately disclosed, Olivia later revealed that her brother passed from Lyme Disease. She honored his struggle on her Instagram page during Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May.
As her family grieved their loss, Olivia recalled his final words to her. “One of the last things he said to me was, ‘You’re doing everything right,”’ she said. “‘You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. I hope you can look at me and be proud of me, like I’m proud of you.'”
While Olivia’s family mourned their loss, Olivia’s Southern Charm family gathered around to support her.
Charmers step up in the wake of Olivia Flowers’ brother Connor’s death
While Craig Conover baked a vegan, gluten-free lasagne for Olivia, Shep Rose opened his home to her family. Since Shep lives right next door to Olivia, he offered his house to her friends and family during their time of mourning.
Meanwhile, the girls gathered at Venita Aspen’s to cocoon their friend with love and support. They cuddled on the floor with blankets and pillows, while enjoying all of Olivia’s favorite vegan snacks.
“I haven’t been able to go in his room,” Olivia told her friends, discussing her grieving process. “Whereas my mom just wants to stay in it. We’re all just on different pages.”
As she reflected on her relationship with her older brother, Olivia began to cry. “He was so thoughtful, sweet and kind,” she told Venita and Leva Bonaparte. “I just hope he knew how loved he was. I just hope he knew that.”
Olivia and her ex-boyfriend Austen Kroll had been on the outs after she learned that he and her BFF Taylor Ann Green shared a kiss. But all of that was no longer important, as Austen, who also lost a sibling as a child, offered Olivia his support.
“Everyone stepped up in such a way that meant so much,” she shared. “Having Austen step up is comforting. It’s hard to stay mad at someone who’s experienced something similar. It sucks that we have that in common. It’s a common ground, nonetheless.”
A feud put on hold
Even Taylor and Oliva were able to call a truce with each other and shared a hug at the gathering, despite Taylor having lied that the kiss never happened.
“My feelings are still very hurt,” Olivia confessed to the cameras. “But you don’t really think about who you want around during something like this. You just appreciate the people who are there. At the end of the day, I really care about our friendship. I want to move forward.”
Southern Charm airs Thursdays at 9/8c on Bravo.
TELL US – DID YOU EXPECT EVERYONE TO STEP UP FOR OLIVIA AND HER FAMILY?
