Amy Duggar Reveals Where She & Josh Duggar Stand After His Arrest

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Amy Duggar King is maintaining her distance.  

Three years after Josh Duggar received a 12-year prison sentence for crimes involving receiving and possessing child pornography, his cousin explained why she chose to stop communicating with him.

“That’s a line I will always maintain,” Amy-who shares son Daxton, 5, with husband Dillon King-told Us Weekly in an interview released on October 1st. “Now that I’m a mother and I’ve experienced the joy and purity of children, I’m committed to doing everything I can to advocate for their safety, and that’s something I’ll always stand firm on.”

The 19 Kids and Counting star shared that she contacted Josh’s wife, Anna Duggar, right away after his arrest to offer her support, but she “never received a response.”

Even so, Amy remembered her time with her cousins fondly, sharing that when they were younger, Josh was a really fun child who had all sorts of playful tricks and jokes.

Learning about Josh’s arrest in 2021 completely shifted how the reality star viewed her cousin and everything she previously believed to be true about him.

“I didn’t know that person,” she continued. “So, I don’t feel their loss. … The most frightening realization is that you can spend your entire life knowing someone, and still not truly know them at all.”

Josh-who has tried and failed to get his conviction overturned several times-isn’t the only family member Amy is willing to cut ties with. She also thought about her choice to stay distant from her Uncle Jim Bob Duggar, Aunt Michelle Duggar, and some of her cousins.

I think it’s really important to have boundaries,” she explained to TopMob in July. “If your values don’t align with mine, I’ll have to set a clear limit. Unfortunately, that’s the situation we’re in.”

“I’ve moved past feeling resentful,” the 39-year-old explained. “I definitely went through a period of sadness and heartbreak. Making that decision was really tough, but I fully support it now. It’s alright to acknowledge that we’re on different paths.”

Despite not being particularly close to most of her extended family, she stated, “I wish them all the best, but I’m going to be honest and say what I believe is right.”

Oh my gosh, I’ve been following this for *years*! It’s just amazing to see how much closer she’s gotten to Jill Duggar Dillard. Especially since Jill started breaking away from all that… well, you know, her family’s really strict way of life. I’m so happy for them both! It’s like, finally, they can really be themselves and connect without all that pressure. I’ve been obsessed with following their journey, honestly!

“Jill and I are incredibly close,” she shared enthusiastically. “We have a deep level of trust and a wonderful relationship as cousins. We’ve both confided in each other, sharing personal stories and experiences. It’s a two-way street – she trusts me completely, and I feel the same about her.”

For a closer look at the Duggar family tree, keep reading.

Oh my gosh, you will *not* believe this! These two? They were high school sweethearts! Can you even imagine?! And now? They’re the parents of 19 kids – nineteen! – and grandparents to over three dozen little ones! It’s the most adorable, amazing thing ever. I’ve been following their story for years, and it just gets better and better. Seriously, they’re relationship goals!

Michelle remembers accepting Christianity when she was 15. Later, Jim Bob was visiting people’s homes as part of his church’s outreach program. He went to the Ruark family’s house because a friend mentioned a “newly saved cheerleader” from school lived there.

Michelle was invited to Sunday school at Jim Bob’s church, and he told her he prayed they could become each other’s spiritual guides-though Michelle didn’t recall their first meeting being particularly striking. A year later, she applied for a job at the frozen yogurt store owned by Jim Bob’s parents. “You came up to the counter where I was working the cash register and introduced yourself,” Michelle recalled in a letter posted on the family blog in 2017, celebrating Jim Bob’s birthday and their 33rd wedding anniversary. “You were a bit shy, but very kind! I don’t remember much of what we talked about, except that you eventually found the courage to ask me to go to your junior-senior banquet with you!”

She went to dinner with him at Shiloh Christian, but it was the hours they spent afterward talking about the Bible at her parents’ house that really solidified her feelings. Michelle has explained, “From there, we believe our hearts were knit together.” They finished high school in May 1984 and got married in July. Michelle was 17 years old, and Jim Bob was 19.

The couple dedicated themselves to God and each other for the long run.

Jim Bob previously served as a state legislator, representing the sixth district in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1999 to 2002. During his time in office, he was the vice chair of the House of Corrections and Criminal Law Subcommittee. He ran for U.S. Senate in 2002, but didn’t win the primary. He also sought the Republican nomination for Arkansas State Senate District 35 in 2006, but was unsuccessful.

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, both working real estate agents, are known for their involvement in conservative activism. This aspect of their lives made them both strong advocates for and vocal opponents of 19 Kids and Counting (originally called 17 Kids and Counting when it first aired in 2008).

As of October 2024, they were grandparents of 33 with three on the way.

The oldest child of the Duggar family, Josh Duggar, was born on March 3, 1988. Like his parents, he became involved in conservative activism, working with the Family Research Council.

He resigned from his position after old police records from 2015 came to light, showing he’d been accused of sexually abusing several girls, including his sisters Jessa Duggar and Jill Duggar, while he was a teenager. In June of that year, Jessa spoke to Fox News, defending her brother and stating that the harsh accusations against Josh were “so overboard and a lie, really. I mean people get mad at me for saying that, but I can say this because I was one of the victims.”

His wife, Anna Duggar-who he married on September 26, 2008, in a ceremony shown on 19 Kids and Counting-remained supportive, even after he confessed to infidelity.

In 2016, when he entered a treatment center, his parents described it as “a crucial first step in recovering and healing.”

Anna and her husband are parents to seven children: daughter Mackynzie (born October 8, 2009), sons Michael (born June 15, 2011) and Marcus (born June 2, 2013). Shortly after a scandal became public, they welcomed their fourth child, Meredith, on July 16, 2015-the very same day TLC canceled 19 Kids. Their family continued to grow with son Mason Garett born September 12, 2017, daughter Maryella Hope arriving November 27, 2019, and their seventh child, Madyson Lily, born October 23, 2021.

In April 2021, Josh was federally indicted on charges of receiving and possessing child pornography. He entered a plea of not guilty to both charges. In 2022, he was convicted on both counts, although the judge later dismissed the possession charge. He received a sentence of 12 and a half years in prison.

Soon after Josh arrived, Michelle became pregnant again, but sadly had a miscarriage. While Michelle and Jim Bob were still saddened by this loss and seeking direction from God, they were overjoyed to discover they were expecting twins.

It felt like a wonderful gift from God,” she shared with Love to Know. “He was really lifting our spirits. We are still figuring things out. It’s quite rare, since I nurse my babies, but my children are born very close together. I have a baby, and then I’m pregnant again just eight months later. It’s just another unexpected thing God has allowed to happen in our lives.”

John David Duggar and his twin sister Jana Duggar were born on Jan. 12, 1990.

John David and Abbie-Grace Burnett married on November 3, 2018, following a quick romance and engagement. They had known of each other for several years prior to meeting at a church event in Abbie’s home state of Oklahoma.

They welcomed daughter Grace Annette Duggar on Jan. 7, 2020 and son Charlie Duggar in September 2022.

I’ll never forget what Jana wrote to John on his 30th birthday back in January 2020. It was so touching! She said people had *always* asked if they had that “twin thing” – you know, that feeling of knowing what the other is thinking or feeling. She’d always said no, but then little Gracie was born, and she said she genuinely felt *all* of John’s happiness. She wrote, “so I guess it must be real!” It just perfectly captured their connection, and it was such a sweet moment to read about. It’s a story I often think about.

Jana went on to say, “It’s really heartwarming to see you and Abbie as parents! You both seem to take to it so easily! And all the wonderful qualities that make you a great brother will definitely help you be an incredible dad.”

Jana saw 11 of her 18 siblings tie the knot before she met Stephen Wissmann. Interestingly, Hannah Wissmann, Stephen’s sister, is married to Jana’s brother, Jeremiah. Even though she sometimes felt discouraged, Jana believed everything happened according to God’s plan.

I didn’t always see the full plan, but I trust that God knows what’s best for everyone. That’s why I’m choosing to get married a bit later in life,” Jana explained to People before her wedding on August 15, 2024. “We all have unique paths, and if we were all identical, life would be quite dull.”

Just over a year later, the couple shared that they’re expecting their first baby.

Jill (Duggar) Dillard was born on May 17, 1991. Her relationship with Derick began much like her parents’ – they first met in December 2011 when he and his church group were caroling and stopped by the Duggar family home. Derick grew up approximately 45 minutes away.

Jim Bob helped Jill and Derick meet, and they quickly connected through email and Skype. That November, Jill and her father visited Derick in Nepal, and their relationship continued to blossom. In February 2014, Derick formally asked Jim Bob for Jill’s hand in marriage, and they were married on June 21, 2014. They now have three sons: Israel, born on April 6, 2015, Samuel, born July 8, 2017, and Frederick, born July 7, 2022.

In April 2024, Jill revealed she experienced a miscarriage while expecting her and Derick’s first daughter.

In the Amazon Prime Video documentary Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets, which first aired in June 2023, Jill and Derick discussed the issues and religious convictions connected to her family.

Jim Bob and Michelle’s fifth child, Jessa Duggar, was born Nov. 4, 1992.

Jessa and Ben first connected at church, and he began courting her in 2013-a traditional way of pursuing romance that was new to many viewers. Because the couple didn’t discuss their relationships before getting engaged, Jim Bob explained to People magazine, “Courting involves getting to know each other with both families involved, spending time together as groups, and setting shared goals to see if marriage is right for them. Unlike dating, where couples often spend time alone, courting avoids a more physical relationship developing before marriage.”

Ben first asked for Jessa’s hand in marriage, and then officially proposed in August 2014-it was then that they first held hands. They got married on November 1, 2014. Jessa was expecting their first child when 19 Kids and Counting was canceled. Afterward, TLC broadcast a special episode about sexual abuse, with Jill and Jessa sharing information to help educate the audience. That winter, the sisters became the focus of their own series, Jill and Jessa: Counting On, which later developed into Counting On, also featuring other members of the Duggar family.

Oh my goodness, I’ve been following Jessa and Ben for *years*, and it’s been such a joy to watch their family grow! They welcomed their first son, Spurgeon, on November 5th, 2015 – I remember being SO excited! Then came Henry on February 6th, 2017, and then their precious daughter, Ivy Jane, on May 28th, 2019. Another little girl, Fern, arrived in July 2021, making their family even more complete. It was heartbreaking to hear that Jessa experienced a miscarriage over the 2022 holidays, but I was sending all my love and prayers. And then, the wonderful news! They welcomed another son, George, in December 2023! I’m just so thrilled for them and their growing family!

In August 2025, Jessa announced the birth of son Edward.

The sixth Duggar child, Jinger Vuolo, was born Dec. 21, 1993.

Jinger and Jeremy first connected while doing ministry work in Laredo, Texas, and began dating in 2016. They got married on November 5, 2016-which happened to be the birthday of the bride’s nephew, Spurgeon-but it’s tough to avoid coinciding with important dates when you’re part of a large family of 19 children! Soon after, people started speculating that they were expecting a baby.

As someone who’s followed Jinger’s journey, I remember her sharing on Counting On back in June 2017 what she and her husband hoped for. She said they envisioned themselves being settled in Laredo, continuing their work in ministry, and simply looking for ways to serve the Lord in any capacity they could. It was a really humble and sweet picture of their future plans!

Their daughter Felicity arrived on July 19, 2018. Earlier that year, in May, they shared the news that Jinger was expecting another baby, but they had previously experienced a miscarriage in the fall. Then, in November 2020, they were happy to welcome their daughter Evangeline Jo.

Son Finnegan Charles was born March 29, 2025.

Oh my gosh, Joseph Duggar is just… perfect! He was born on January 20, 1995, and seriously, his love story is the sweetest. He proposed to Kendra – I mean, they met through church, how adorable is that? – at his sister Joy-Anna’s wedding in May 2017! Can you believe it? After only a few months of courting, he just *knew*! It was so romantic, I was practically crying. I’ve been following them since the beginning, and it’s just… everything! You can find more about them on their official website, of course. I’m obsessed!

I was pretty nervous beforehand, but I didn’t worry about her rejecting me, since she’d already told me, ‘I’m just waiting on you!’” Joseph shared with People after he proposed. Kendra added, “I’m incredibly happy and really shocked. I have so much I want to say, but I’m just shocked!”

Since then, they’ve welcomed three children: son Garrett, who arrived in June 2018, daughter Addison, born in November 2019, and daughter Brooklyn, who was born in February 2021.

Eighth in line, Josiah Duggar was born on Aug. 28, 1996.

Only a few months after they began dating publicly, the couple announced they were engaged in March 2018. In a statement, he explained, “I proposed to Lauren at the very same location where her parents got engaged.” He added, “This property has a lot of family history, which makes it a particularly meaningful place for Lauren.”

Lauren’s future mother-in-law, Michelle, shared in a video on the family’s blog, “We love Lauren, she is such a precious girl.” Jessa and Ben also sent their congratulations, along with chocolate candies shaped like x’s and o’s. “Pretty sure that y’all want to save your first kiss for your wedding day,” Michelle said, “but if you come over here we’ll give you…” She then held up the chocolate as a sweet consolation prize.

A past relationship with Marjorie Jackson ended in the summer of 2015, and they decided to go their separate ways. “Marjorie and I enjoyed our time together,” Josiah told People magazine in March 2016. “We were both trying to understand what God wanted for us. She didn’t feel the time was right, so we took a break from the relationship for a while.”

He and Lauren got married on June 30, 2018, and told People magazine that their wedding day was “absolutely perfect.” They had their first daughter, Bella Milagro, on November 8, 2019-the name means “miracle baby,” as they had previously shared that Lauren experienced a miscarriage in October 2018. They expanded their family with another daughter, Daisy, in 2022, and then welcomed 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 15 years before they began dating, and things moved quickly after that. He proposed in February 2017, and they got married on May 26, 2017, at Cross Church in Rogers, Arkansas-you might remember it as the wedding where Joseph proposed to Kendra!

Joy-Anna and Austin became parents to son Gideon Martin Forsyth on February 23, 2018. They then welcomed daughter Evelyn Mae Forsyth on August 21, 2020, and another son, Gunner James Forsyth, on May 17, 2023.

Jim Bob and Michelle welcomed their second set of twins, Jed Duggar and Jeremiah Duggar, on December 30, 1998.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve been following Jed’s personal journey, and it’s lovely to share that he married Katey Nakatsu after a year of dating back in April 2021. Their family has quickly grown, and they are now proud parents to son Truett, who arrived in May 2022, and their daughter, Nora Kate, born in June 2023.

In July 2024, Jed and Katey shared the exciting news that they were expecting twin girls. Their daughters, Elsie Kate and Emma Kate, arrived on January 8, 2025.

Jeremiah is a certified flight instructor and is married to Hannah Wissmann, who is the sister of Stephen (Jana’s husband). Together, they have two daughters: 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.

Back in January 2017, the Daily Mail said that Jim Bob assisted Jase in purchasing a rundown house in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, which is roughly 30 minutes from the Duggar family’s property. Jase then went on to launch his own construction business.

He publicly acknowledged his relationship with Maddie Grace on Instagram in May 2024, and they got married the next October.

Charmed No. 13, James Duggar was born July 7, 2001.

He’s not actively dating anyone right now, but he’s a very loving and attentive uncle to many nieces and nephews.

He’s the ‘funcle’ (that’s a fun uncle!) and all the younger boys in the neighborhood really admire him and want to be just like him!” mom Michelle wrote on his 19th birthday in 2019. “James can pretty much build or do anything he sets his mind to. Even when he was little, we’d often find James ‘repairing’ things around the house. He’s always been curious-taking things apart, understanding how they function, and then reassembling them, often with his own unique improvements!

This year, James put in a lot of effort to earn his Commercial Driver’s License, and now he’s skilled at operating large trucks and heavy equipment! We are excited to see what God has planned for him going forward!

No. 14 Justin Duggar arrived on Nov. 15, 2002.

He started dating Claire Spivey publicly in September 2020. They announced their engagement the next November and then got married on February 26, 2021.

Born on May 23, 2004, Jackson Duggar is the 15th child of Jim Bob and Michelle, pictured here with his older sister, Jill.

For Jackson’s 16th birthday, his mom, Michelle, complimented his funny personality and mentioned she knew he was really eager to get his driver’s license.

As a lifestyle expert, I often get asked about the backgrounds of well-known families, and it’s fascinating to look at how things began! Johannah Duggar entered the world on October 11, 2005, which is actually how the family first gained attention with their original special, 16 Kids and Moving In. It really marked a turning point for them!

“She’s such a lively and friendly person, and really enjoys meeting people,” Michelle shared on her 15-year-old daughter’s birthday in 2020. “Her little sisters completely idolize her, and I’m incredibly thankful to God for letting me be her 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 described her daughter, Jennifer, as someone who is reliable, devoted, and a joy to be around when Jennifer turned 13. She’s very popular with her nieces and nephews, often found carrying one because they always want to be with her! Jennifer also deeply cares for animals, consistently making time to care for her pets. Recently, she even helped nurture a group of 7 baby bunnies!

Here on the right, the penultimate Duggar child was born Dec. 18, 2008.

In 2019, Jordyn-Grace’s mom described her as an outgoing girl who easily makes friends, and shared that her laugh always brightens everyone’s day.

No. 19 Josie Duggar, pictured here with her niece Meredith, was born on December 10, 2009. She arrived three months early and weighed just 1 pound, 6 ounces at birth. She then spent six months receiving care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve seen a lot of kids, but Josie is truly special! Michelle, her mom, perfectly captured her spirit when she wrote on Josie’s 11th birthday in 2020: “Josie is a ball of energy.” It’s so true – from the moment she wakes up until bedtime, she rarely slows down! It’s amazing to witness such vibrant energy, and it’s something I always encourage in the families I work with. It’s a beautiful thing to see a child so full of life!

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2025-10-01 21:57