A SEXTUPLET whose family was featured on a reality TV show says growing up in front of America was “embarrassing” – and admits it's difficult to watch.
We TV's Raising Sextuplets premiered in 2009, and followed the lives of Jenny McClendon and Bryan Masche from Arizona, raising they had via
Now, one of the girls, Savannah, 17, has spoken out about what it was like to grow up
While mum Jenny McClendon, 50, confesses it was a fun distraction from the reality of raising six one-year-old's, Savannah admits it's difficult to watch her father Bryan.
In 2010, Masche was for threatening domestic violence, and days later, McClendon filed for legal separation.
Savannah, from Santa Rosa Beach, , who is graduating next year, said: “It's odd when people at school have seen such an intimate aspect of your life, but it's definitely cool and funny for the most part.
“It's more embarrassing seeing friends watch the show and see the way my dad treated my mum poorly and how he used to act.
“I just think they weren't meant to be together…
“Other than that, I think it's a funny show. It's reality TV, so they always dramatise it and add fake drama.”
After welcoming sextuplets in 2007, Jenny and then-husband, Bryan opened their home to America – who watched Savannah and siblings Cole, Bailey, Grant, and Blake, and Molli, grow up.
Jenny always dreamed of becoming a mum, though she never expected to have six children at once.
“That's just what God gave me,” she said, noting the reality show was the “most fun” part of her life at that time.
“It got me out of my normal daily routine of being stuck in the house because you can't take six one-year-olds anywhere,” Jenny added.
“You just can't do it by yourself. And so the show was really, really fun for that season. I almost feel like it was a gift.”
She separated from husband and co-star Bryan following his arrest.
Despite the past, Savannah – who now has a good relationship with her dad – acknowledges her father's growth.
“My dad has grown a lot since the show for the better,” she continued.
“He loves us all six so much, and some of us have a better relationship with him than others, but that's similar to lots of parent-kid relationships.”
Though she and her siblings made headlines as one of the few sets of surviving sextuplets in the U.S., Savannah says her life feels “normal.”
“That's just been my life for 17 years,” she said. “So I've never thought of it as, ‘Oh my gosh, this is a cool story.'
“It's always a cool story you can use to your advantage.
“People have recognised us a few times, and it's funny when people say they've watched it.
“I mean, I think it's pretty cheesy – it was made in the 2000s! But it's cool that people know about it and that it's all over YouTube.
“People from school have commented on it, which is pretty funny.”
Growing up with five siblings the same age has had its challenges, but Savannah takes pride in her individuality.
“It's definitely interesting being a sextuplet because everybody always knows you as, ‘There's the six of them,'” she said.
“For me, I've always been very independent and strive for my individuality. I am Savannah, not just part of the six.
We're obviously going different paths after high school, and I think ultimately that will make us stronger.
“When you're apart from people, it makes you realize what you're missing.
“I love all my siblings. I'd do anything for them. I'd take a bullet for them.
“Sharing a room our whole life and always being grouped together – it's all credits to my mom and dad for raising us that way.”
Savannah is looking ahead to a future far removed from reality television – one that involves serving her country, mastering foreign languages, and ultimately joining the FBI.
It's reality TV, so they always dramatise it and add fake drama!
Sextuplet Savannah
For Savannah, the military was always part of her vision.
“I always knew I wanted to serve my country. My dad was in the Air Force, so that was always a big thing I wanted to do,” she said.
As she prepares to embark on her next chapter, Savannah is focused on personal growth and making a difference.
But she isn't sure if she wants kids of her own.
“I definitely want to get married someday, but not for a while, especially because my career and what I want to do is so specific,” she said.
“I don't know if I want to have any of my own, but foster care and adoption is something I'm really interested in.
“Growing up with six siblings and having an amazing family and support system, the saddest thing to me is seeing kids who don't have that.
“Every single kid deserves a great family, and I want to be able to provide that for someone.”
After Jenny and Bryan's divorced was finalised, she married Levi McClendon, 51, in 2012.
The pair share sons Walker, eight, and Cash, 12.
