Jessa Duggar believes in counting on her sister.
During her announcement of the birth of their sixth child, the former star of “19 Kids and Counting” shared how her sister Jordan Duggar played an important part in their unique birth story.
In a YouTube video on August 4th, Jessa jokingly advised Ben, saying, “This time you should consider cutting the cord,” implying he hadn’t done so before.
As an ardent admirer, I must say, he’s got a sensitive constitution when it comes to such matters. He’s been my rock and inspiration throughout the labor process, always there to boost my spirits. But when it comes to being close to all that, he politely declines, saying something along the lines of, “No, I appreciate it.
Jessa, who has children Spurgeon (9), Henry (8), Ivy (5), Fern (3), and George (20 months) together with Ben, expressed that she had invited her sister to join in the birth experience, seeing it as a significant chance.
Jessa mentioned that her sister Jordan had never attended one of her deliveries before. She suggested, “Jordan, why don’t you cut the umbilical cord this time?” Jordan seemed thrilled at the prospect and ended up being the one who did it.
The 32-year-old, who is one of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar’s 19 children and fifth oldest among them, expressed delightfully when speaking about her sister, saying, “She exclaimed, ‘Wow! This is amazing. This is so exciting.’ That was a heartwarming moment following the birth.
Beyond sharing her “amazing birth support group” and Jordan assisting in clipping the umbilical cord, Jessa also highlighted the significant role her mother played during the delivery of her 37th grandchild – offering unwavering support throughout the entire process.
She expressed that her mother is truly remarkable. Throughout her journey, her mother stood by her side, offering assistance, encouragement, and guidance at every turn.
As a dedicated admirer, I can’t help but express my delight over the fact that our cherished Michelle continues to be an integral part of our lives post-baby. She’s there for us, ready to provide tender care for our little one during those precious, sleepless nights should we require her assistance.
Jessa chose not to disclose the name or gender of her newborn, but hinted at a future revelation which would likely include the participation of her five other children.
Until then, read on to learn more about the Duggar family tree.
The original high school sweethearts, now the parents of more than thirty grandchildren, began their relationship as teenage lovers.
Michelle shared a story about being rescued at the age of 15. On a particular evening, Jim Bob was conducting house visits as a representative of his Baptist church when he was informed by a friend that a “cheerleading schoolgirl who had recently been saved” resided in the Ruark household.
Michelle was invited to attend Sunday school at a church by her new acquaintances, including Jim Bob. He expressed hope that they could guide each other spiritually, although their initial meeting didn’t seem very impactful for Michelle. A year later, she applied for a job at a frozen yogurt shop owned by Jim Bob’s parents. In a blog post from 2017 celebrating Jim Bob’s birthday and their wedding anniversary, Michelle wrote about their first encounter: She recalled that he was shy but friendly when they met at the counter where he worked, and he asked her to attend his junior-senior banquet with him. However, she didn’t remember much else from that conversation.
In a simpler and more conversational style, the sentence could be rephrased as follows: After attending dinner together at Shiloh Christian, they spent hours discussing the Bible at her home, which is when she felt their bond deepen significantly. Michelle later shared that this was the moment their hearts connected. They graduated high school in May of 1984 and got married in July, with Michelle being 17 years old and Jim Bob being 19.
The couple dedicated themselves to God and each other for the long run.
As an ardent admirer, let me share my insights: I used to be enamored with a remarkable figure named Jim Bob, who once held the position of a state legislator in Arkansas. From 1999 up until 2002, he proudly represented the sixth district within the House of Representatives. During this tenure, he was no less than the vice chair of the House Corrections and Criminal Law Subcommittee, demonstrating his dedication to these critical areas.
His political ambitions extended beyond the state legislature, as evidenced by his unsuccessful attempts to secure a U.S. Senate seat in 2002 and the Republican nomination for Arkansas State Senate District 35 in 2006. Despite these setbacks, his spirit remained undaunted, making him an inspiring figure to many like myself who admire his resilience and commitment to public service.
They, along with Michelle, who are duly certified realtors, have been actively involved in conservative movements – a part of their lifestyle that has earned them both admiration (as supporters) and criticism (as fierce opponents). This pair is also known for their support and criticism towards the show “19 Kids and Counting,” which debuted in 2008 as “17 Kids and Counting.
As of October 2024, they were grandparents of 33 with three on the way.
The oldest member of the Duggar family, Josh Duggar, was born on March 3, 1988. Similarly, he joined the ranks of conservative activists and advocated for causes like the Family Research Council.
In 2015, police records from earlier years emerged, alleging that he had been accused of inappropriately touching multiple girls, including his sisters Jessa Duggar and Jill Duggar, when he was a young teenager. However, Jessa came to her brother’s defense during an interview with Fox News in June of the same year, asserting that the harsh accusations against Josh were “excessive and untrue,” a statement that drew criticism due to her status as one of the alleged victims.
His spouse, Anna Duggar, who tied the knot with him during their September 26, 2008 wedding ceremony that was showcased on “19 Kids and Counting”, remained loyal to him even following his confession of infidelity.
In 2016, when he admitted himself to a rehabilitation facility, his parents considered it as an important initial move towards his recovery and healing process.
The parents of Mackynzie (born October 8, 2009), Michael (June 15, 2011), Marcus (June 2, 2013), and later Anna gave birth to Meredith on July 16, 2015 – the same day TLC canceled “19 Kids”. Their fifth child, Mason Garett, was born on September 12, 2017, Maryella Hope arrived on November 27, 2019, and their seventh baby, Madyson Lily, joined the family on October 23, 2021.
In April 2021, Josh faced charges for receiving and possessing child pornography in a federal court case. He pleaded not guilty to both accusations. However, in 2022, he was found guilty of both offenses, but the possession charge was later dismissed by the judge. As a result, Josh received a sentence of 12 and a half years in prison.
A short while following the birth of Josh, Michelle experienced another pregnancy, unfortunately resulting in a miscarriage. As they mourned this loss and sought solace in prayer, they discovered they were expecting twins instead.
She expressed that it felt like a rare double blessing to her,” Love to Know was told. “It seemed as if God was providing extra support during a time of learning for her. This was quite uncommon, given that she breastfed her children and they were born so closely together. Another surprising aspect of this situation, it appears, is something the Lord has chosen to orchestrate for them.
John David Duggar and his twin sister Jana Duggar were born on Jan. 12, 1990.
After many years of knowing each other, but not spending much time together until a church gathering in Oklahoma, John David and Abbie-Grace Burnett got married on November 3, 2018, following a brief engagement period.
This paraphrase aims to make the sentence more accessible by using everyday language and avoiding complex terms like “whirlwind courtship.
On January 7, 2020, they happily welcomed their daughter, Grace Annette Duggar, into the world, while their son, Charlie Duggar, joined them in September 2022.
On Janaw’s 30th birthday in January 2020, she wrote a heartfelt note to John saying, “People have often wondered if John and I share some sort of ‘twin connection,’ like feeling each other’s emotions or thoughts. I’ve always denied this-but when our daughter Gracie was born, I felt every ounce of joy that you did, so maybe there is something to it after all!
Jana added, “It’s such a delight to see you and Abbie in your parental roles! You two are truly natural at it! The very traits that have made you an exceptional sibling will undoubtedly make you a fantastic father.
Jana waited as 11 out of her 18 siblings tied the knot before she found love with Stephen Wissmann, who shares a sibling, Hannah Wissmann, with TLC alum Jeremiah. Although there were moments when Jana felt discouraged, she believed it was all part of God’s larger plan.
In an interview with People in August 2024, just prior to her wedding, Jana expressed that she hasn’t always grasped the grand scheme of things, but she trusts that God has the best intentions for everyone. Consequently, she decided to wait before getting married. She elaborated, “Everyone’s story unfolds uniquely; if we were all identical, life would be monotonous.
Jill Dillard, as she is now known, was born on May 17th, 1991. Her romantic tale mirrors that of her parents’. On Christmas Day in 2011, Jill had her first encounter with Derick, who lived approximately 45 minutes away. This meeting took place when he dropped by the Duggar residence while out caroling with his church group.
Jim Bob served as a cupid, facilitating a connection between Jill and Derick that blossomed over email and video calls. In November of the same year, they visited Derick in Nepal, where their bond deepened even further. As their affection for each other grew, Derick requested Jim Bob’s permission to marry his daughter in February 2014. Their wedding took place on June 21, 2014. Together, they have welcomed three sons: Israel, born on April 6, 2015, Samuel, born July 8, 2017, and Frederick, born July 7, 2022.
Come April 2024, I found myself pouring out my heart, disclosing a heartrending experience – a miscarriage that occurred when we were eagerly anticipating the arrival of our precious little girl with Derick.
In June of 2023, when the Amazon Prime Video documentary named Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets was released, Jill and Derick pondered over the debatable aspects and religious views connected to her family that were featured in it.
Jim Bob and Michelle’s fifth child, Jessa Duggar, was born Nov. 4, 1992.
Jessa encountered Ben at church, and he started pursuing her romantically in 2013, which was an antiquated yet refreshing take on courtship for many spectators. Before their engagement, the couple didn’t discuss their relationships openly. Jim Bob clarified to People that courting involves getting to know each other in a group setting, with both families spending time together and the couple establishing shared goals to determine if they are suitable for marriage. Unlike dating, where couples often spend private one-on-one time, courting aims to prevent physical relationships from developing prematurely.
In August 2014, Ben asked for Jessa’s hand in marriage and made the proposal. They sealed their union by holding hands for the first time. Their wedding took place on November 1, 2014. When Jessa was pregnant with their first child, the show “19 Kids and Counting” was canceled. TLC then aired a special about sexual abuse, featuring Jill and Jessa, to educate viewers further on the topic. That winter, Jessa and Jill became the main stars of their own show, “Jill and Jessa: Counting On.” The series later expanded to include other Duggar siblings, becoming known as “Counting On.
During November 5, 2015, Jessa and Ben became parents to their firstborn named Spurgeon. They welcomed their second son, Henry, on February 6, 2017, followed by the arrival of Ivy Jane on May 28, 2019, and Fern in July 2021. Unfortunately, Jessa experienced a miscarriage during the holiday season of 2022. However, she gave birth to their fourth child, George, in December 2023.
In August 2025, Jessa announced baby No. 6 had arrived.
The sixth Duggar child, Jinger Vuolo, was born Dec. 21, 1993.
Jinger and Jeremy first crossed paths while serving in ministry in Laredo, Texas, around 2016, and soon began dating. They tied the knot on November 5, 2016, which happened to be Spurgeon (Jinger’s nephew)’s birthday. Given that they are part of a large family with 19 members, it was inevitable that their union sparked pregnancy speculations almost immediately.
In simpler terms, Jinger mentioned during a June 2017 episode of Counting On that they anticipate spending the next year in Laredo, continuing their ministry work, and striving to serve God in whatever capacity possible.
On July 19, 2018, their child, named Felicity, was born. It was in May of that year when they announced that Jinger was expecting another child, and unfortunately, she had experienced a miscarriage the previous autumn. In November 2020, they were blessed with the arrival of their daughter, Evangeline Jo.
Son Finnegan Charles was born March 29, 2025.
On January 20, 1995, Joseph Duggar was born. He took the opportunity during the romantic atmosphere of his sister Joy-Anna’s wedding in May 2017, after only a few months of getting to know Kendra (who he had met at church), to propose marriage to her.
Joseph expressed to People that he felt quite anxious leading up to the proposal, yet he wasn’t fearful of a rejection because she had already told him, “‘I’m merely waiting for you!'” After popping the question, Joseph shared. Kendra added, “I am overjoyed and utterly stunned. There are so many things I wish to express, but all I can think is shocked.
Since then, they’ve revealed the births of their son Garrett (born in June 2018), daughter Addison (born in November 2019), and another daughter Brooklyn (born in February 2021).
Eighth in line, Josiah Duggar was born on Aug. 28, 1996.
A few months after their relationship became public, they made an announcement about their engagement in March 2018. He stated that the location where he proposed to Lauren was the same spot where her parents got engaged. This place holds a lot of family history and is particularly significant for Lauren due to its rich past on this property.
In a video shared on their blog, Michelle (future mother-in-law of Lauren) expressed her affection by saying, “Lauren is truly a gem we cherish.” Jessa and Ben added their congratulations as well, along with treats in the form of chocolate x’s and o’s. She hinted at a special surprise for Lauren by holding up a sweet treat, suggesting it might serve as a substitute for their first kiss before the wedding day.
In the summer of 2015, Josiah and Marjorie Jackson’s relationship came to an end after they had spent some quality time together. As he shared with People in March 2016, Josiah remembered their time fondly. They were both aiming to follow God’s guidance throughout their courtship. However, Marjorie felt that the timing wasn’t right, so they temporarily parted ways.
On June 30, 2018, they got married, and as they shared with People, their wedding day was “simply perfect.” Their first child, Bella Milagro, arrived on Nov. 8, 2019, which translates to “miracle baby” in English, a name chosen after the couple had previously experienced a miscarriage in October 2018. They were blessed with another daughter, Daisy, in 2022, and a son named Ezra in May 2023.
Ninth sibling Joy-Anna Duggar was born Oct. 28, 1997.
She had been friends with Austin Forsyth for fifteen years, but their relationship took a new turn when he began pursuing her. Once he did, there was no delay. He asked for her hand in marriage in February 2017, and they tied the knot on May 26, 2017, at Cross Church in Rogers, Arkansas – the very same church where Joseph proposed to Kendra.
Joy-Anna and Austin were blessed with their firstborn son Gideon Martin Forsyth on February 23, 2018, followed by the arrival of their second child, daughter Evelyn Mae Forsyth, on August 21, 2020. Their family grew again when they welcomed their third child, son Gunner James Forsyth, on May 17, 2023.
On December 30, 1998, Jim Bob and Michelle welcomed their second pair of twins, named Jed Duggar and Jeremiah Duggar, into the world.
In the spring of 2021, Jed tied the knot with Katey Nakatsu following a year of dating. Their family has since expanded to include their son, Truett, who was born in May 2022, and their daughter, Nora Kate, who arrived in June 2023.
In July of 2024, Jed and Katey shared the exciting news that they were expecting twin girls. These beautiful babies, named Elsie Kate and Emma Kate, arrived on January 8, 2025.
Jeremiah, who is a licensed aviation instructor, is married to Hannah Wissmann (sister of Stephen, Jana’s husband) and they have two children together: Brynley, born in December 2022, and Brielle, born in February 2024.
They announced the arrival of their third daughter, Emery ‘Emy’ Jane Duggar, on May 18, 2025.
No. 12 Jason Duggar was born on April 21, 2000.
In January 2017, according to the Daily Mail, Jim Bob assisted Jase in purchasing a $33,000 fixer-upper in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, approximately half an hour from the Duggar family’s main residence. Eventually, he established his own construction business.
In May 2024, he made their relationship public on Instagram with Maddie Grace, and they got married the very next October.
Charmed No. 13, James Duggar was born July 7, 2001.
He doesn’t have a public romantic relationship yet, but he takes great care of numerous nieces and nephews as a loving uncle.
On his 19th birthday in 2019, mom Michelle posted: “James is like a cool uncle (fun uncle) to all the younger lads here, and they admire him deeply, wishing to emulate him!”
In simpler terms, James was often seen as a role model by the younger boys due to his unique qualities. As a child, he would frequently tinker with household appliances, taking them apart to understand their workings, making improvements, and then reassembling them. Even at such a young age, he demonstrated an ability to solve problems creatively!
This year, James dedicated himself to earning his Commercial Driver’s License. Now, he’s a proficient operator of large trucks and heavy equipment! We’re eagerly looking forward to witnessing the divine plans that await him in the times to come!
No. 14 Justin Duggar arrived on Nov. 15, 2002.
In September 2020, he made their relationship with Claire Spivey official. They became engaged in November of the same year, and they tied the knot on February 26, 2021.
In the company of his elder sister Jill, Jim Bob and Michelle welcomed their fifteenth child, named Jackson Duggar, on May 23, 2004.
When Jackson turned sixteen, his mother, Michelle, applauded his wit and mentioned how eager he was to obtain his driver’s license.
Or,
On his 16th birthday, Michelle, Jackson’s mom, commended his humor and acknowledged that he couldn’t contain his excitement for getting his driver’s license.
Johannah Duggar, who made her grand entrance on October 11, 2005, was featured in the initial family documentary titled “16 Kids and Starting a New Home Life“.
On her 15th birthday in 2020, Michelle expressed that this girl is full of joy and sociable, always eager to meet new people. She added that her younger siblings simply idolize her and believe she’s an embodiment of the moon itself. Lastly, Michelle expressed her immense gratitude towards God for allowing her the privilege of being this child’s mother.
Jennifer Duggar arrived on Aug. 2, 2007, then the baby of the family.
Their TLC show that premiered Sept. 29, 2008, was christened 17 Kids and Counting.
Now, OMG, she’s a teenager.
Michelle expressed that Jennifer is reliable, devoted, and always brings joy when her niece turned 13. Adored by her nieces and nephews who often cling to her, she seldom lets them go. Moreover, Jennifer holds a deep affection for animals and is diligent in caring for her pets daily. Recently, she even assisted in raising a brood of seven little bunnies!
Here on the right, the penultimate Duggar child was born Dec. 18, 2008.
As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’d describe myself in 2019 as an outgoing soul, a beacon of friendliness who seems to effortlessly connect with everyone I meet. My laughter, much like the sun breaking through the clouds, consistently adds a radiant touch to our shared moments.
Josie Duggar, who is seen here cradling her niece Meredith, was born on December 10, 2009. However, she came three months early, weighing a mere 1 pound and 6 ounces, and as a result, spent the first six months of her life receiving specialized care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
2020 marked little Josie’s 11th birthday, and I, as a lifestyle enthusiast, can confidently say that she’s an endless well of vitality. From the moment the sun greets her in the morning to when her dreams take flight at night, this energetic dynamo seldom pauses!
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