What Happened to the Duggar Family? Where are They Now?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jun 05, 2023
19 Kids and Counting
"19 Kids and Counting" was a beloved American reality TV series that captured the hearts of viewers for seven remarkable years until its cancellation in 2015. The show revolved around the extraordinary lives of the Duggar family, led by devoted parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, along with their 19 children. Yes, you read that right—19 children! What made this family even more unique was that all their names began with the letter "J," adding a charming touch to their remarkable story. With nine wonderful daughters and ten remarkable sons, the Duggars embodied the values of purity, modesty, and unwavering faith in God, which were openly discussed on the show.
One of the defining aspects of their lifestyle was their decision to let God determine the size of their family, leading them to forgo the use of birth control. This philosophy, deeply rooted in their devout Independent Baptist beliefs, was just one facet of their commitment to living a life guided by faith. Alongside this, they embraced homeschooling as a means of education, allowing them to instill their values and beliefs in their children. The Duggars' approach to courtship also set them apart. They practiced chaperoned courtship, where couples would get to know each other within a group setting, ensuring purity and a focus on building a strong foundation for their future together.
While some associated their values with the Quiverfull movement, a movement emphasizing strict family conformity, gender roles, and the rejection of birth control, the Duggars maintained that they were not affiliated with it. Nevertheless, their references to biblical passages in relation to their family size drew connections to the movement. The Duggar family's extraordinary journey touched the hearts of millions, making "19 Kids and Counting" TLC's most popular show at the time. Viewership soared, with an average of 2.3 million viewers tuning in for each new episode in Season 10, placing it among the top-rated cable shows according to Nielsen ratings.
While the show may have come to an end in 2015, the impact of the Duggar family's story continues to resonate with many. Their unwavering commitment to their faith, values, and one another has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who followed their extraordinary journey.
What Happened to the Duggar Family?
After the wrap-up of 19 Kids and Counting many want to know about the current status of the Duggar Family So here we share all details about each member of the family.
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar
Jim Bob Duggar, 57, and Michelle Duggar, 56, have been quietly focused on raising their younger children since the cancellation of their popular reality TV show. The couple, who got married in 1984, rose to fame with a TV special called "14 Children and Pregnant Again!" in 2004, which eventually led to their own show on TLC, "19 Kids and Counting." In 2009, Jim Bob and Michelle renewed their vows after 25 years of marriage in a touching episode of their show. However, following the cancellation of "19 Kids and Counting" and the subsequent launch of the spin-off series "Counting On," the couple made fewer appearances on the new show.
Their son Josh's legal troubles brought further challenges for the family. When Josh faced child pornography charges in December 2021, Jim Bob and Michelle released a statement expressing their grief and offering support to their daughter-in-law Anna and their grandchildren. They emphasized their unwavering love for Josh and their commitment to praying for him and all their children, placing their trust in God during difficult times. Since the scandal, Jim Bob and Michelle have maintained a low profile, residing in Tontitown and limiting their social media activity.
Their most recent Instagram post dates back to May 2022. However, on June 1, they released a statement on their website addressing the new Amazon docuseries, "Shiny Happy People," which focuses on their family. The statement expressed sadness over the portrayal of their family in the documentary, criticizing the media and those with ill intentions for causing harm. They highlighted that, like any other family, they have experienced both joys and heartbreaks in life and emphasized their love for every member of their family, committing to maintaining positive relationships. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar continue to navigate life away from the public eye, prioritizing the upbringing of their younger children and relying on their faith as a source of strength and refuge during challenging times.
Josh
The oldest of the Duggar children, Josh Duggar, had his courtship and wedding to Anna Keller documented on season two of "19 Kids and Counting." The couple went on to have seven children together. Josh initially worked as the executive director of FRC (Family Research Council) Action, a conservative evangelical lobbying group. However, in 2015, a police report surfaced, revealing allegations that Josh had molested minor girls, including some of his sisters, when he was 14 years old. The controversy deepened when it was discovered that Josh had been a paying member of the extramarital affair website, Ashley Madison. He publicly admitted to being a hypocrite in a statement.
Following these revelations, TLC decided to cancel "19 Kids and Counting" and introduced a spin-off series called "Counting On." However, the new show featured Anna and their children but excluded Josh from the cast. In April 2021, Josh once again made headlines when he was charged with receiving and possessing child pornography. TLC swiftly canceled "Counting On" to allow the Duggar family the privacy to address the situation. Josh pleaded not guilty, claiming that someone else had downloaded the material onto his work computer. However, in December 2021, he was found guilty on two counts and subsequently sentenced to 151 months (approximately 12.5 years) in prison. He is currently serving his sentence at a facility in Seagoville, Texas.
Jana
On a 2020 episode of "Counting On," Jana Duggar, the eldest unmarried Duggar sibling, openly discussed her decision to remain single. Reflecting on her siblings' marriages at a young age, she addressed assumptions that she might be picky, stating that she didn't believe that to be the case. In 2019, Jana surprised her parents, Jim Bob and Michelle, by renovating their bedroom while they were away, a gesture she shared on Instagram. However, in December 2021, Jana faced legal troubles when she was charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
According to her statement on Instagram stories, she was babysitting at the time when one of the children accidentally wandered outside and was subsequently reported to local authorities. Jana clarified that the child was unharmed, and child welfare recognized it as an accident. She pleaded guilty to the charge in January 2022 and was fined $880. Presently, Jana's Instagram account portrays her involvement in activities such as caring for her younger siblings, gardening, and home remodeling.
Notably, in more recent photos, she is seen wearing pants, which is a departure from the traditional attire of skirts that the girls grew up wearing in their parents' household. The Duggar family emphasized wearing skirts as a central aspect of modesty, as mentioned in Jinger's book "The Hope We Hold: Finding Peace in the Promises of God," co-authored with her husband, Jeremy Vuolo.
John-David
In 2018, John-David Duggar married Abbie Burnett, and the couple now has two children. Alongside his family life, John-David has pursued a career as a constable in Washington County, Arkansas, and he is also a skilled pilot. However, in October 2021, John-David encountered a challenging situation when the plane he was piloting experienced double engine failure and crashed in a field in Waverly, Tennessee, as reported by People magazine. Fortunately, no one sustained any injuries in the incident.
In a statement released in January 2022, John-David and Abbie expressed gratitude for God's protection and the absence of injuries during the crash. They acknowledged the fear and seriousness of an emergency landing or plane crash but highlighted that pilots are trained to handle such situations. They also expressed appreciation for the love and support they received from others following the incident.
Jill
Jill Duggar's courtship and wedding to Derick Dillard were prominently featured on the reality show "19 Kids and Counting" in 2014. However, Dillard's time on the spin-off series "Counting On" came to an end in 2017. He had posted transphobic messages on social media about Jazz Jennings, another TLC star, prompting the network to distance themselves from his views. In November 2020, the Dillards released a YouTube video explaining that they had left the show to gain more control over their lives.
In a separate video from September 2020, Jill and Derick revealed that they had not received payment for their appearances on the show and had taken legal action to recover the missing payments. TLC declined to comment on the matter. Jill mentioned that there had been some distancing within her family and acknowledged disagreements but expressed a desire for healing and restoration. Jill, a certified midwife, actively maintains a YouTube channel, sharing her expertise in the field. She and Derick are currently featured in the Amazon Prime Video docuseries, "Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets."
During the series, Jill opened up about feeling obligated to participate in a Fox News interview where she stated forgiveness toward her brother, Josh, who had been accused of sexually abusing her. She later expressed that given the choice, she would not repeat the Fox interview, as reported by Insider's Esme Mazzeo.
Jessa
Jessa Duggar's courtship and wedding to Ben Seewald were showcased on the reality show "19 Kids and Counting" in 2015. The couple has since welcomed four children into their family. Jessa actively engages with her audience through her YouTube channel, where she regularly shares updates and content. Additionally, she collaborates with various brands, including Walmart and Christian Healthcare Ministries, to create sponsored content on her Instagram account.
Jinger
Jinger Duggar's wedding to Jeremy Vuolo was featured on an episode of "Counting On" in 2016. The couple now has two children. In 2019, Jinger and Jeremy made a significant move from Laredo, Texas, to Los Angeles. The relocation was prompted by Jeremy's decision to pursue studies at The Master's Seminary, as reported by People magazine. In her memoir titled "Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith From Fear," published in 2023, Jinger shared her personal journey of questioning and ultimately breaking away from the strict rules and beliefs of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP). She expressed her disagreement with the teachings she had grown up with, acknowledging her past role in promoting them alongside her sisters in their 2012 book, "Growing Up Duggar." Jinger emphasized her shift in beliefs, stating her strong dissent from those teachings.
Joseph
Joseph Duggar became the first member of the Duggar family to pursue higher education, attending Crown Bible College in Knoxville, Tennessee, for one year. However, he eventually decided to return to the family construction business. Although his departure from college was featured in the trailer for the eighth season of "19 Kids and Counting," the episode never aired. In 2016, Joseph obtained his real estate license. He later married Kendra Caldwell in 2017, and the couple has since welcomed three children into their family.
Josiah
In April 2015, the Duggar family made an announcement that Josiah Duggar had entered into a courtship with Marjorie Jackson. Their relationship was intended to be featured on the season of "19 Kids and Counting," but the show was canceled before their courtship could be aired. Unfortunately, Josiah and Marjorie's courtship came to an end in August 2015. In 2018, Josiah married Lauren Swanson, and the couple has since welcomed two children into their family. In 2019, Josiah registered a company called Milagro Designs LLC, although it does not appear to be currently active. Furthermore, their joint Instagram account is now set to private, limiting public access to their updates and posts.
Joy-Anna
Joy-Anna Duggar's courtship with Austin Forsyth in 2016 and their subsequent engagement in 2017 were showcased on the television series "Counting On." The couple now has three children together. Joy-Anna and Austin maintain an active presence on their YouTube channel, where they regularly share content with their audience.
Jedidiah
Jedidiah Duggar, commonly known as Jed, ventured into politics in 2019 by running for Arkansas State House District 89. Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful in his bid, losing to the Democratic incumbent Megan Godfrey. In 2021, Jedidiah tied the knot with Katelyn Nakatsu. Although they kept their courtship and engagement private, they shared videos of their wedding on their YouTube channel. The couple now has one child together. Currently, Jedidiah is employed at his father's car dealership, Champion Motorcars, located in Arkansas.
Jeremiah
Jeremiah Duggar, as announced on the official Duggar family Facebook page, obtained his real estate license in 2020. His Instagram bio indicates that he is also engaged in work as a flight instructor and contractor. Jeremiah and his wife, Hannah, tied the knot in 2022 and now run a shared YouTube channel together. The couple has been blessed with one child.
Jason
Jason Duggar, known for his involvement in flipping and selling houses alongside his family, currently owns Build Master Construction in Arkansas, as stated in his Instagram bio.
James
According to the Duggar family's official website, James Duggar is described as "the rancher in the family" and is responsible for tending to a herd of cattle on the family property. Additionally, James holds a commercial driver's license and is currently pursuing his pilot license. He shares vlogs documenting his travels on YouTube.
Justin
Justin Duggar's courtship with Claire Spivey was showcased on the television show "Counting On." The couple exchanged vows in 2021 and relocated to Texas, Claire's hometown. In 2021, Justin and Claire acquired a residence in Fort Worth, Texas, for $134,700. They undertook renovations on the property and subsequently listed it for sale at $199,900 in 2022, as reported by The Sun. The couple also documented their camper renovation project on their YouTube channel.
Jackson
The Duggar family's official website lists ALERT (Air, Land, Emergency Resource Team) Academy as one of their preferred ministries. Jackson Duggar completed the academy's nine-week basic training course in 2022. ALERT Academy is a military-style Christian service organization that is associated with IBLP (Institute in Basic Life Principles).
Johannah
Johannah, along with her younger sisters Jennifer, Jordyn-Grace, and Josie, as well as her niece Mackynzie, collaborated on a special project in 2018. They recorded an album titled "Happy Heart," showcasing their musical talents and sharing their joyful spirit with the world. Currently, Johannah continues to reside with her parents and does not maintain her personal presence on social media platforms.
Jennifer
Nineteen-year-old Jackson Duggar recently accomplished a significant milestone by completing the nine-week basic training course at ALERT (Air, Land, Emergency Resource Team) Academy. This military-style Christian service organization, affiliated with IBLP, holds a special place among the Duggar family's preferred ministries, as indicated on their official website. Jackson's successful completion of the rigorous training program in 2022 marks a significant achievement in his personal and spiritual journey.
Jordyn-Grace
Jordyn-Grace is characterized on the Duggar family's official website as a "sweet-hearted, confident girl" with a fondness for calligraphy, art, and fashion. Currently residing at the Duggar family home, she does not maintain any personal social media accounts.
Josie
Josie, who was born prematurely, faced a challenging start to life spending six months in the NICU. She has since encountered ongoing health complications, including seizures. During the filming of "19 Kids and Counting" in 2014, director Scott Enlow provided assistance and support when Josie experienced a seizure. Currently residing at the Duggar family home in Arkansas, Josie occasionally makes appearances in her siblings' vlogs and Instagram posts, giving glimpses into her life and activities.
Duggar Family Background
The Duggar Family: Background and Marriage
Family and Business Ventures
Family Values and Practices
Income and Current Status
What Happened to the Duggar Family: FAQs
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have a total of 19 children.
The Duggar family follows the beliefs of the Fundamental Baptist denomination.
The Duggar family gained recognition through several TLC and Discovery Health one-hour specials, mainly focused on Michelle's deliveries.
After initially using birth control pills and experiencing a miscarriage, the Duggars stopped using contraception and allowed God to determine the number of children they would have.
The Duggars adhere to certain standards of modesty in clothing, with specific guidelines for both males and females. They also practice chaperoned courtship, where couples get to know each other in a group setting and require parental permission to begin a courtship.