Amy Duggar King is standing by her truth.
After the reality star openly criticized the Christian fundamentalist beliefs of her uncle, Jim Bob Duggar, and aunt, Michelle Duggar, as revealed in “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets,” she offered explanations for her choice to publicly express her views.
Amy shared with TopMob News exclusively that she chose to disregard any potential distractions or negativity that might arise, instead concentrating solely on the truth. She likened the truth to a beacon of light that illuminates particularly vividly in the midst of darkness.
The TV personality, who was featured with relatives such as Jana Duggar, Jessa Duggar, and Jinger Duggar on the show “19 Kids and Counting”, viewed this opportunity as a chance to openly criticize her family’s significant association with the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) organization.
Highlighting the importance of discussing such topics, she stressed that doing so will empower us to champion those affected by pain inflicted by the church and religious distress.
Amy and her mother, Deanna Duggar (Jim Bob’s sister), disclosed details about the conservative way of life followed by the Duggar family, who adhere to the teachings of IBLP and its founder, Bill Gothard. According to Gothard’s beliefs, women should prioritize their husbands, avoid contemporary cultural trends, and strive to have a large number of children.
In the first season of Shiny Happy People, Amy clarified that every facet of their lives stood in stark contrast to hers. She admitted her ignorance about what they were being educated, only aware that they were homeschooled. At an early age, she swiftly understood that it was a disciplined household.
As a child, she initially perceived it as something ordinary. Yet, over time, she came to understand that it encompassed more than just that. A key principle of the IBLP was the use of physical punishment to ensure compliance. When inquired about whether her cousins were punished, Amy described it as “encouragement.
She emotionally shared that they suggested, “Please enter the room so we can offer you a boost of confidence,” which felt almost like a gentle question disguised as, “Could you possibly use some encouragement?
TopMob News had previously reached out to Jim Bob and Michelle for comment and did not hear back.
When Amazon decided to continue the series for another season – one that delves into Teen Mania, formerly the biggest teen evangelical youth group in the U.S. – Amy was thrilled to rejoin the cast. Upon her return, she read out loud a statement penned by Jim Bob and Michelle about the initial episode.
The recently watched documentary about our family is unfortunate as it showcases media and those with malicious intentions causing harm to people dear to us. It appears the documentary portrays many in an offensive and sensational manner. We have always held the belief that the most effective way to mend broken relationships or bridge differences is by expressing love in a personal, private setting.
The 38-year-old, visibly annoyed, noted on the show that Jim Bob really “ticks” her off.
For Amy, seeing her cousins’ lives firsthand, it was important to speak out.
She expressed to TopMob, “If there’s an opportunity to illuminate paths and aid others in overcoming their spiritual wounds, I’m all for it. I want to champion this cause.
For a closer look at the Duggar family, keep reading.
Originally a high school couple, the parents of nineteen children (and grandparents to many more than three dozen) began their relationship together.
Michelle shares a memory of feeling “rescued” at the age of 15. One evening, Jim Bob was conducting house visits for his Baptist church when a friend informed him about a cheerleader from school who had recently experienced a spiritual transformation living in the Ruark household.
They extended an invitation to Michelle to attend Sunday school at their church, and Jim Bob expressed his hope to serve as her spiritual guide, although it seemed their initial encounter didn’t stand out much for Michelle. A year later, she applied for a position at the frozen yogurt store owned by Jim Bob’s parents. In a letter shared on their family blog in 2017 for Jim Bob’s birthday and their 33rd wedding anniversary, Michelle recalled that encounter: “You approached the counter where I was working near the cash register and introduced yourself. You were timid but kind! To be honest, I don’t recall much about that chat, except that you eventually found the courage to ask me if I would accompany you to your junior-senior dance!
It was during the dinner they shared at Shiloh Christian that she spent time with him, but it wasn’t until later, when they continued their conversation about the Bible for extended hours at her parents’ home, that she realized a strong connection had formed. As Michelle puts it, “Our hearts were united from there.” They graduated high school in May of 1984 and got married in July, with both being 17 (Michelle) and 19 (Jim Bob) years old at the time.
The couple dedicated themselves to God and each other for the long run.
Jim Bob previously held the position of a state legislator, representing Arkansas’s sixth district in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2002. During his tenure, he served as vice chair of the Corrections and Criminal Law Subcommittee. He attempted to secure a seat in the U.S. Senate in 2002 but was unsuccessful in the primary. In 2006, he also failed to win the Republican nomination for Arkansas State Senate District 35.
As a dedicated follower, I, along with Michelle, have been actively involved in conservative movements, which is an integral part of our lives. This aspect earned us the support and criticism of “19 Kids and Counting,” a show that first premiered as “17 Kids and Counting” back in 2008.
As of October 2024, they were grandparents of 33 with three on the way.
The eldest child in the Duggars, Josh Duggar, came into this world on March 3, 1988. Just like his family, he also took up a role as a conservative advocate, working to promote the Family Research Council’s causes.
In 2015, he resigned following the disclosure of old police records detailing allegations against him from his teenage years, which included accusations made by his sisters Jessa Duggar and Jill Duggar. Later that June, during an interview with Fox News, Jessa defended her brother, stating that the harsh labels being used against Josh were “extremely exaggerated and untrue; people get upset when I say this, but as one of the victims, I can say it.
His wife, Anna Duggar, who exchanged vows with him during their wedding on September 26, 2008 (as depicted in the TV show “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 viewed it as an essential initial move towards recovery and healing.
The parents of Mackynzie (born October 8, 2009), Michael (June 15, 2011), Marcus (June 2, 2013), and later Meredith (July 16, 2015) – the day TLC canceled “19 Kids” – welcomed their fifth child, Mason Garett, on September 12, 2017. Maryella Hope was born November 27, 2019, and Madyson Lily joined the family October 23, 2021, making her baby number 7.
Back in April 2021, charges for receiving and possessing child pornography were brought against Josh in a federal court case. He pleaded not guilty on each of these counts. In 2022, he was convicted of both offenses, but the possession charge was later dismissed by the judge. As a result, he was sentenced to serve 12 and a half years in prison.
Immediately following Josh’s birth, Michelle became pregnant once more, unfortunately experiencing a miscarriage. As they mourned this loss and sought solace through prayer, they discovered that twins were expected.
She expressed that it felt like a special gift, “We considered it a twofold blessing,” she shared with Love to Know. “God was providing us with strength and guidance. We’re continually growing. It’s quite extraordinary since I nurse my babies, but my children are so close in age. In our unique circumstances, it seems the Lord has chosen to work in an uncommon way.
John David Duggar and his twin sister Jana Duggar were born on Jan. 12, 1990.
After a long period of acquaintance (they had known each other for several years), followed by a rapid romantic pursuit (which began at a church event in Oklahoma, where they first met), John David and Abbie-Grace Burnett tied the knot on Nov. 3, 2018.
On January 7, 2020, they joyfully welcomed their daughter Grace Annette Duggar into the world, while their son Charlie Duggar joined them in September 2022.
Jan expressed in a heartfelt manner on her 30th birthday in January 2020, “Ever since John and I were kids, people have asked if we share a special ‘twin’ connection—the sensation of feeling each other’s emotions or knowing what the other is thinking… Well, John, for a long time I would say no to that question. But when our daughter Grace was born, I felt every ounce of joy you did, so maybe there really is something to it!
Jana went on to say, “It’s truly heartwarming to see you and Abbie in your parental roles. You both seem so natural at it! The very traits that have made you an exceptional brother will undoubtedly make you a fantastic father.
Jana observed as 11 out of her 18 siblings tied the knot before she met her partner, Stephen Wissmann – whose sister, Hannah Wissmann, is married to Jeremiah, one of Jana’s own brothers. Although she acknowledged some feelings of impatience, she believed it was all part of a divine arrangement orchestrated by God.
In August 2024, just before her wedding, Jana shared with People that she hasn’t always grasped the overall plan, but she trusts that God knows what’s best for everyone. For her personally, getting married later was the right choice. She explained, “Everyone’s story unfolds uniquely. If we were all identical, life would lack excitement.
Born on May 17, 1991, Jill Duggar Dillard shared a romantic tale similar to her parents’. It was during the festive season of Christmas 2011 that she crossed paths with Derick, who lived approximately 45 minutes away. This chance encounter took place when he paid a visit to the Duggar residence while caroling with his church group.
Jim Bob acted as a cupid, and Jill and Derick found themselves drawn to each other through emails and Skype conversations. In November of the same year, they visited Derick in Nepal, and their bond deepened even further. As time passed, Jill and Derick’s feelings for one another grew stronger. Derick eventually asked Jim Bob for his daughter’s hand in marriage, which was granted on June 21, 2014. They are now proud parents to three sons—Israel (born April 6, 2015), Samuel (born July 8, 2017), and Frederick (born July 7, 2022).
In the month of April 2024, Jill announced that she had experienced a miscarriage during her pregnancy with their first daughter, along with Derick.
In the Amazon Prime Video documentary titled “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets,” which debuted in June 2023, Jill and Derick contemplated the debates and religious viewpoints related to her family’s background.
Jim Bob and Michelle’s fifth child, Jessa Duggar, was born Nov. 4, 1992.
Jessa became acquainted with Ben at church, and their courtship started in 2013 – a traditional way of pursuing love that was quite novel to many viewers. The couple avoided discussing their romantic history before getting engaged, so Jim Bob clarified to People magazine, “Courting means spending time together in a group setting, with both families involved. The couple works together to establish goals to determine if they are destined for marriage. Unlike dating, where a couple often spends private time together, which can lead to a more intimate relationship.
In August 2014, I was fortunate enough to ask my beloved Jessa’s hand in marriage, a momentous occasion indeed! Our hearts intertwined, we exchanged vows on November 1, 2014. As fate would have it, Jessa was expecting our first child when our series, “19 Kids and Counting,” came to an end. To further enlighten the public on the subject of sexual abuse, TLC aired a special episode featuring my sister Jill and myself.
Fast forward to that winter, we found ourselves at the helm of our own show, “Jill and Jessa: Counting On.” Over time, this series transformed into “Counting On,” welcoming other Duggar siblings into the limelight as well.
Jessa and Ben had four children: Spurgeon (born Nov. 5, 2015), Henry (born Feb. 6, 2017), Ivy Jane (born May 28, 2019), and Fern (July 2021). Sadly, Jessa had a miscarriage during the 2022 holiday season, but she gave birth to son George in December 2023.
On May 7, 2025, Jessa announced baby No. 6 is on the way.
The sixth Duggar child, Jinger Vuolo, was born Dec. 21, 1993.
Jinger and Jeremy first met while working on ministry projects in Laredo, Texas, and began dating in 2016. They tied the knot on November 5, 2016, which happened to be their nephew Spurgeon’s birthday (quite a coincidence given they have 19 family members!), and soon enough, people started speculating about a possible pregnancy for the couple.
In a year from now, I envision us finding our rhythm, continuing our service within the ministry right here in Laredo. I’m just eager to serve the Lord in whatever capacity I can. (Quoted on a June 2017 episode of Counting On)
On July 19, 2018, their daughter named Felicity was born. It was in May of that same year when they announced that Jinger was pregnant once more; unfortunately, she had experienced a miscarriage the previous autumn. In November 2020, they were blessed with another daughter, Evangeline Jo.
Son Finnegan Charles was born March 29, 2025.
On January 20, 1995, Joseph Duggar was born. He took the opportunity during a romantic setting to propose to Kendra, whom he had met through church, at his sister Joy-Anna’s wedding in May 2017, after only a few months of dating.
Joseph confessed to People magazine that he was undeniably anxious leading up to it, but he wasn’t worried she would decline because she had already expressed, “I’m merely waiting for you!” After proposing, Joseph said. Kendra added, “I’m overjoyed and astonished. There are countless things I want to express, but all I can say is shocked.
Since then, they have officially announced the births of their son Garrett (born in June 2018), their daughter Addison (born in November 2019), and their other daughter Brooklyn (born in February 2021).
Eighth in line, Josiah Duggar was born on Aug. 28, 1996.
A few months following the public revelation of his relationship with Lauren, the duo revealed their engagement in March 2018. In an announcement, he mentioned that the location where he proposed to Lauren was the very same spot where her parents got engaged. He stated that this property is filled with family history, making it a particularly meaningful place for Lauren.
In a video shared on their blog, Michelle (who will be Lauren’s mother-in-law) expressed her affection for Lauren, saying “Lauren is truly a treasure.” Jessa and Ben added their congratulations, along with a chocolate treat shaped like X’s and O’s. Michelle then playfully suggested that if they visited her, she would offer them a sweet reward before their wedding kiss.
In the summer of 2015, a romance between Josiah and Marjorie Jackson didn’t last, and they chose to part ways. As he shared with People magazine in March 2016, their time together was enjoyable. They were both attempting to act according to God’s guidance at every step. Unfortunately, Marjorie felt it wasn’t the right moment for them, so they temporarily ended their relationship.
On June 30, 2018, they got married, and they told People that their wedding day was “just perfect.” Their first child, Bella Milagro, was born on November 8, 2019, which means “miracle baby.” This was significant because Lauren had previously experienced a miscarriage in October 2018. They then welcomed another daughter named Daisy in 2022 and a son named Ezra in May 2023.
Ninth sibling Joy-Anna Duggar was born Oct. 28, 1997.
I’ve been friends with Austin Forsyth for a solid fifteen years before our courtship ensued. Once we began, there was no delay in our actions. He popped the question in February 2017, and just three short months later, on May 26, 2017, we tied the knot at Cross Church in Rogers, Arkansas – the very same venue where Joseph proposed to Kendra!
Joy-Anna and Austin became parents to their son Gideon Martin Forsyth on February 23, 2018, their daughter Evelyn Mae Forsyth on August 21, 2020, and another 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.
In April 2021, Jed tied the knot with Katey Nakatsu following a year of romance. Their family now includes their son Truett, who was born in May 2022, and their daughter Nora Kate, born in June 2023.
In July 2024, Jed and Katey shared the exciting news of their upcoming twins, who were later named Elsie Kate and Emma Kate. These lovely girls made their entrance into the world on January 8, 2025.
Jeremiah, a qualified flight instructor, is married to Hannah Wissmann (sister of Jana’s husband Stephen). Together, they are proud parents to their daughter 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 property requiring repairs in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, which is approximately a 30-minute drive from the Duggar family’s main residence. Subsequently, he established his own construction company.
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’s very affectionate towards his numerous nieces and nephews.
On his 19th birthday in 2019, Michelle wrote that James is a highly admired figure among the younger boys, who aspire to emulate him. With an uncanny knack for problem-solving, James was known to repair various household appliances even as a child. He has always been one to disassemble, understand, and reassemble things, occasionally making unique improvements!
As a lifestyle connoisseur, let me share a story about an individual named James. This year, he dedicated himself tirelessly to earning his CDL, and the result? He’s now an accomplished driver of all those impressive big trucks and heavy machinery! I can only imagine the exciting paths that await him in the future, guided by fate’s gentle hand.
No. 14 Justin Duggar arrived on Nov. 15, 2002.
In September 2020, he made their relationship with Claire Spivey known to the public. They became engaged a month later in November, and they tied the knot on February 26, 2021.
In the company of his elder sister Jill, Jim Bob and Michelle’s fifteenth child, Jackson Duggar, made his arrival on May 23, 2004.
When Jackson turned sixteen, his mother Michelle commended his wit and mentioned that she was well aware of his eagerness to obtain a driver’s license.
Johannah Duggar, who entered the world on October 11, 2005, became the center of attention when her family’s reality TV show titled “16 Kids and Growing Up” was aired for the first time.
In a post on her daughter’s 15th birthday in 2020, Michelle expressed that the girl is full of life and enjoys meeting new people. She also mentioned that her younger sisters deeply admire her and consider her as if she’s the moon itself. Lastly, Michelle expressed her deep gratitude to God for allowing her to be this daughter’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 wrote that Jennifer is reliable, devoted, and always lively when her granddaughter turned 13. Everyone adores her among the nieces, nephews, and often finds one of them clinging to her because they don’t want her to let go! Beyond her affection for children, Jennifer also has a deep bond with animals and is diligent in caring for her pets daily. Not too long ago, she even assisted in raising a brood of 7 tiny bunnies!
Here on the right, the penultimate Duggar child was born Dec. 18, 2008.
In 2019, Jordyn-Grace was described by her mother as an outgoing girl who never shies away from meeting new people. Her laughter is often one of the most uplifting moments we experience daily.
Josie Duggar, who can be seen cradling her niece Meredith, was born on December 10, 2009. However, she arrived three months early and weighed just 1 pound and 6 ounces at birth. Consequently, she had to spend a prolonged period of six months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
On her baby’s 11th birthday in 2020, Michelle remarked that Josie is like a perpetual whirlwind of activity. From the moment she gets up each day to when she finally falls asleep at night, she seldom takes a break!
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2025-08-02 15:18