Where Jill Duggar Stands With Parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

Where Jill Duggar Stands With Parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

As I delve deeper into this captivating narrative, it becomes increasingly evident that Jill Duggar‘s life has been a rollercoaster ride of experiences, both joyous and tumultuous. Her journey from being a reality TV star to standing up for her beliefs against familial expectations is nothing short of inspiring.


Jill Duggar is getting honest.

The former star of “19 Kids and Counting” has shared insights on her current relationship with her parents, Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar, following her departure from the series in 2017 and her subsequent separation from her family’s faith-based way of life over the ensuing years.

As a die-hard fan, I’d say, “When someone recently inquired about my relationship with my folks, I simply put it out there on my November 2nd Instagram Story: ‘It’s intricate.’

She clarified, “Currently, I sense we’re going through a phase where we’re rebuilding, while maintaining our healthy boundaries.” She added a pink heart emoji for good measure. “We make an effort to spend time together when it suits us both and we have the energy to handle any challenges that may arise.

The news follows Jill’s revelation in January that she and her husband Derick Dillard had not met with her parents for more than a year, which was after the publication of her memoir titled “Counting the Cost” in September 2023. Co-authored by her husband and ghostwriter Craig Borlase, this book delves into many aspects of her upbringing, including her disagreement with Jim Bob over show compensation and the consequences that ensued after her brother Josh Duggar’s molestation scandal became public knowledge.

On the topic of whether her parents had listened to her memoir, she shared during the January 10th episode of The Unplanned Podcast that “I’ve heard they may have listened to it as an audiobook or something similar. I’m not certain. They are my parents, so I’ll be cautious. I don’t wish to stir up any more drama.

Where Jill Duggar Stands With Parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

Jill explained that it’s similar to when families gather during holidays, there are topics that aren’t really enjoyable to discuss, and she referred to them as sensitive issues. She added that these topics might be painful or uncomfortable for everyone involved.

The 33-year-old also noted that her parents would likely want to sit down with a therapist “and just hash it out,” but that Jill would prefer not to go down that road.

She clarified, “We’ve already given that a shot, but it’s not exactly the best approach for wellness.” She added, “We’re still in the process of finding our way.

Where Jill Duggar Stands With Parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

During the release of their memoir, neither Jim Bob nor Michelle provided a comment when contacted by TopMob News. However, they expressed their love for all their children in a statement given to People magazine. They stated, “Family conflicts or problems are among the most painful experiences one can endure, especially when it involves loved ones. We have always strived to handle our family matters, finances, and other ventures with integrity. Although we are not perfect, our goal is to live a life that upholds Christian values.

Furthermore, acknowledging that they believe private discussions are more suitable for resolving disagreements rather than in public or via media, they stated, “Moving forward, we’ll carry on cherishing our family, offering prayers for their well-being, and savoring each moment as parents and grandparents that life has granted us.

For more on the biggest revelations from Jill’s memoir Counting the Cost, keep reading.

Where Jill Duggar Stands With Parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

Jill Duggar shares that it was when she was 11 years old that her father, Jim Bob Duggar, informed her of his older brother Josh Duggar confessing certain actions he had taken.

In this particular incident, she doesn’t elaborate on the specifics of her discussion with her parents or Josh’s actions, but the sequence suggests that it was around this time when Josh confessed to Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar about inappropriately touching several of his sisters, including Jill and Jessa Duggar, between 2002 and 2003 (as they confirmed in 2015). According to a police report from Springdale, Ark., made public later on, Michelle reported the incident to the authorities in 2006, stating that after Josh’s confession, they sent him to live with a family friend who was involved in home remodeling.

During his absence, Jill wrote that discussing Josh wasn’t forbidden, but growing up, they were frequently advised against causing discord among their peers.

In “Counting the Cost“, Jill views withholding conversations on sensitive matters as a means to enforce silence, exert control, and instill feelings of guilt.

Where Jill Duggar Stands With Parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

As a dedicated follower, I recall the year 2006 when the Arkansas Department of Human Services initiated an investigation into the Duggars’ household, following a tip suggesting potential abuse (as outlined in the Springdale police report). At that time, my primary concern was not to make any missteps in my words and unintentionally jeopardize the family bond we held dear.

As I reflect upon those harrowing times, let me tell you, it proved far more challenging to conceal the lingering dread stirred up by the investigation, than it was to suppress the initial terror born from the abuse that DHS was scrutinizing. (At that point in time, no charges were leveled against any of my kin.)

Jill found it upsetting too when she discovered that some members of the church were talking negatively about her family, thinking they were envious of their success on the TV show and viewed them with mistrust.

Where Jill Duggar Stands With Parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

As a lifestyle enthusiast, let me share an interesting anecdote from my past. When I found myself in Nepal, visiting my then-potential beau, Derrick Dillard, I was informed by producers of 19 Kids and Counting that they intended to film our journey there. They made it clear that regardless of the outcome of our relationship, the footage would be aired on television.

Jill concurred, yet firmly stated that she required a minimum of two weeks for the project instead of just a five-day shoot.

In this instance, I found myself victorious, yet I can’t help but feel a pang of regret that the fateful encounter between Derick and me in the enchanting landscapes of Nepal wasn’t entirely ours to cherish. However, the unexpected bonus time proved beneficial, and on June 21, 2014, we officially became husband and wife. (We spent our honeymoon basking in privacy.)

Where Jill Duggar Stands With Parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

After the Duggar family started appearing on television, Michelle Duggar went on to have six more children. On the other hand, Anna Duggar, Josh’s wife, already had three children before Jill and Derick tied the knot.

In the book, it’s stated that Jill was supposed to inform the producers about her pregnancy beforehand, followed by revealing the news on-camera to her parents and in-laws at a later time.

She admitted to bending the rules, confiding in some of her siblings and friends. However, she and Derick decided to keep it a secret from their parents for a while.

Where Jill Duggar Stands With Parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

In 2015, Jill made it clear that she preferred no cameras during the delivery room for the arrival of her and Derick’s first baby. However, a compromise was reached, allowing selected family members to film certain moments for the TV show.

In her book, Jill notes that her mother skillfully balanced setting boundaries while granting access, ensuring a firm approach to what could be utilized.

However, contrary to sister-in-law Anna’s express wishes, the team incorporated footage from one of her births that she hadn’t given permission for. As Jill explains, this footage was edited out of rebroadcasts of that specific episode, but it found its way into later flashback scenes.

TLC declined to provide a statement regarding TopMob News’ inquiry about Jill’s memories of the production as detailed in her book.

Where Jill Duggar Stands With Parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

Initially, Jill planned for a home delivery for her newborn, as she put it in writing. However, with minimal progress over 40 hours following the rupture of her waters, they made their way to the hospital. Eventually, baby Israel arrived via C-section, marking the end of an extended labor that lasted 68 hours.

Following the necessity of an emergency C-section during the birth of her second son, Samuel, in 2017, Jill opted for birth control to give her body ample time to recover fully before attempting another pregnancy.

Fearing some relatives might disapprove, she chose to conceal it from almost everyone.

Where Jill Duggar Stands With Parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

Upon reading the shocking 2015 article in Touch Weekly about the 2006 police report detailing molestation allegations against Josh, Jill was immediately consumed by a profound, all-embracing, overwhelming feeling of dread. “They had revealed everything,” she notes, emphasizing that they had spotlighted the most disturbing, scandalous, agonizing aspects of the story.

Jill mentions receiving both praise from the public and backlash, as some felt she was unfairly pointing fingers at the media and law enforcement instead of her own parents. However, she quickly clarifies, “I firmly believe that Josh is accountable for his actions.

In 2017, Bauer Publishing was no longer involved in lawsuits accusing them of breaching privacy due to their First Amendment freedom to publish the story, as decided by a federal judge. The legal actions against Springdale, Arkansas, the Springdale Police Department, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office were all dropped in 2022. In his ruling, the judge stated that these authorities felt compelled to disclose documents because they believed it was necessary for compliance with the Freedom of Information Act.

Where Jill Duggar Stands With Parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

In her account, Jill mentions that she was taken aback when she first encountered Josh and his family at their parents’ house following the scandal, as he seemed unusually calm. Later on in the day, she also found it surprising when he chuckled – it was evidently nervous laughter – while recounting being swarmed by photographers.

In my professional opinion as a lifestyle expert, I remember my mother reprimanding me strongly when she saw me appearing overly jovial: “Son,” she said sternly. “I want to make it clear that you aren’t responsible for this situation, but you should understand the role you played in it. Try to curb your pride.

Where Jill Duggar Stands With Parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

In a situation where Josh’s name appeared on an exposed list of Ashley Madison users (although he claimed not to have used the extramarital affair platform, he openly admitted infidelity towards Anna), it is stated that Jill wrote about having confronted him via text, questioning whether the allegation was accurate.

“I got no reply,” she recalls.

Where Jill Duggar Stands With Parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

Jill remembers how her father reacted when she and Derick asked him to discuss the matter with their lawyer, following his denial of Jill’s request to review the contract she signed on her wedding day concerning the payment (or absence thereof) for her role in 19 Kids and Counting.

Jill mentions that there has been a collective attempt from multiple members of her family to persuade her on a matter. They’ve been making countless phone calls and sending numerous messages throughout the day, all urging us to find a solution. When their initial attempts failed, some of her family members started visiting. They wanted lengthy conversations aimed at understanding our predicament and why we weren’t complying with what Grandfather desired.

“Jill shares that a sibling disobeyed the group’s solidarity, disclosing that Jim Bob had instructed them: ‘If we don’t back you two here, it implies we’re backing him instead.'”)

In their own curiosity about unpaid wages, Jill and Derick inquired. In response, Jim Bob and Michelle provided each of their adult children with a single, lump sum payment of $80,000 as a means to help them kick-start their lives.

Eventually, Jill writes, she and Derick received $175,000 for their years on TV.

Where Jill Duggar Stands With Parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

Jill penned down that she along with Derick had a meeting with her parents, as well as a mediator, in an attempt to resolve their conflicts. However, Jim Bob alleged that Jill falsely accused him of verbal abuse in a text conversation.

As stated by Jill, her father expressed being upset or hurt over that assertion, and inquired whether an apology was forthcoming from her.

She started to cry, she writes, and her father told her she was crying because she was “guilty.”

However, Jill remembers responding defensively by stating that Jim Bob was acting as if she had abandoned him, comparing his treatment to how he treated her more criminal brother, who was a pedophile.

Where Jill Duggar Stands With Parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

At the moment, Josh is incarcerated for approximately thirteen years due to his conviction in December 2021 on charges related to receiving illegal child pornography. However, he maintained his innocence by pleading not guilty.

Jill mentions that when it seemed Josh could go to prison, some of her siblings began contacting her. For the first time, it appeared that they were questioning the story they had been told at home. As they examined the Duggar family’s public spectacle, they started asking their own questions.

When Josh was declared guilty, Jill remembers saying to Derick on the phone, “I believe they made the correct decision.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit denied Josh’s appeal for a new trial in August.

Where Jill Duggar Stands With Parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

Growing up with the advice to avoid chatting with individuals outside the family, Jill and Derick sought guidance from a counselor to better understand their past experiences and shared journey.

In the acknowledged list of the book, their therapist is included, as they provided a multitude of useful resources – ones that turned out to be precisely what was required at the critical moment when it mattered most.

2022 saw Jill and Derick relocating to Oklahoma after he secured employment as an assistant district attorney within the 27th District of the state.

Instead of being homeschooled according to the teachings of their church like Jill, the boys Israel (age 8) and Samuel (age 6) attend a public school instead.

As an ardent admirer, I must confess that while Jill doesn’t specifically carve out time exclusively with her father, she does maintain a connection with both of her parents. Interestingly, the book features a captivating image of Jim Bob and Michelle, along with Jill and Derick’s youngest, Frederick (who’s now 14 months old), shortly after his birth.

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2024-11-04 00:49