Friday Frenzy: Duggar Family Health Crisis

Amy Duggar King is navigating a family health crisis.

As a devoted follower, I’d like to share that I, on my husband Dillon King’s 37th birthday, posted a photo of him in a doctor’s office with medical IVs connected to his arm. On this special day, things weren’t unfolding as ideally as I had hoped.

In a post on Instagram on April 3rd, she expressed that typically we would celebrate extravagantly, but at present, there are some serious health issues that could potentially be life-threatening.

As a devoted follower, I myself, being a relative of Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar (specifically Amy), did not delve into the specifics about Dillon’s condition. However, in a bid for comfort and solidarity, the 38-year-old turned to her audience, seeking their support during this challenging time.

She went on to request that people pray for him today. Even though she believes he’s in God’s hands, she appreciates the added support through prayers! There isn’t anything more valuable than prayers for him!

As fans offered well wishes in the comments section, so did some of Amy’s cousins.

Jinger Duggar Vuolo wished “Happy Birthday, Dillon!” and sent her prayers, while Jill Duggar Dillard expressed “Happy Birthday Dillon! Sending prayers for you all!

Despite the current health concerns, Amy took time to honor Dillon, her son Dax’s father and her dearest individual in the universe, affectionately referring to him as “my top pick among all beings.

She exclaimed, “I truly cherish this man, he’s simply wonderful! Dax is undeniably the finest father anyone could ask for, and he’s deeply admired by countless family members and friends.

Amy ended her message by offering warm support to her husband, saying, “Dillon, we can face any challenge side by side.

Recently, Amy has found herself distanced from certain members of her larger family following her public criticism of her cousin Josh Duggar. He is currently incarcerated for 12 and a half years due to convictions related to child pornography offenses.

In an interview with People in April 2024, she stated, “I haven’t communicated with him, and I won’t. When one steps over such morally questionable boundaries, it’s irreversible. To me, it seems there’s no going back.

Keep reading for a complete guide to the Duggar family tree.

Originally a pair of high school sweethearts, these 19’s parents and the grandparents of more than three dozen children first met each other.

Michelle mentions having felt “rescued” at the age of 15. One evening, Jim Bob, who was carrying out home visits for his Baptist church, was directed to the Ruark family’s residence by a friend, who had mentioned that “a girl from school who recently found faith and is a cheerleader” resided there.

They extended an invitation for Michelle to attend Sunday school at their church, and Jim Bob mentioned he had prayed to God for them to guide each other spiritually – although it seemed their initial encounter wasn’t particularly memorable for Michelle. A year passed, and she applied for a job at the frozen yogurt shop owned by Jim Bob’s family. In a letter posted on their blog in 2017 for Jim Bob’s birthday and their 33rd wedding anniversary, Michelle recounted the encounter, stating that she stood behind the counter where he was standing near the cash register. She mentioned that he was timid but charming, and her only clear memory of that conversation was when he finally found the courage to ask her if she would accompany him to their junior-senior banquet!

She went to dinner with him at Shiloh Christian, but it wasn’t until they spent hours discussing the Bible at her parents’ house afterward that she realized a deep connection had formed between them. Michelle has shared that this is when their hearts became one. They both graduated high school in May 1984 and got married in July, with Michelle being 17 years old and Jim Bob being 19 years old.

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

Jim Bob previously held the position of a state legislator in Arkansas, representing the 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. In 2002, he attempted to run for the U.S. Senate, but this effort was unsuccessful in the primary round. Similarly, a 2006 bid for the Republican nomination for Arkansas State Senate District 35 also did not result in victory.

They, along with Michelle, who are both real estate agents, have been actively involved in conservative movements – a part of their lifestyle that earned them support and criticism from both sides, including the reality TV 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 eldest member of the Duggar family, Josh Duggar, was born on the 3rd of March in 1988. Similar to his activism, he also took up the cause of conservatism and advocated for the Family Research Council.

In 2015, he resigned following the emergence of police records that dated back to his teenage years, implicating him in accusations of molestation against multiple girls, including his sisters Jessa Duggar and Jill Duggar. Later that same year, Jessa defended her brother during an interview with Fox News, stating that the harsh criticisms leveled against Josh were “extremely exaggerated and false.” She could make such a statement because she was one of the victims herself.

His wife, Anna Duggar, who exchanged vows with him during their wedding on September 26, 2008 (a ceremony shown on 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 described it as the “initial vital move towards recuperation and restoration.

The parents of Mackynzie (born October 8, 2009), Michael (June 15, 2011), and Marcus (June 2, 2013) had another child named Meredith on July 16, 2015. This was the same day TLC canceled their show, “19 Kids.” Their fifth child, Mason Garett, was born on September 12, 2017, Maryella Hope followed on November 27, 2019, and their seventh child, Madyson Lily, joined the family on October 23, 2021.

Back in April 2021, Josh faced charges for receiving and possessing child pornography, as outlined in a federal indictment. He denied the allegations on both counts. In the year 2022, he was convicted of both offenses, although the possession charge was later dismissed by the judge. As a result, he received a sentence of 12 and a half years in prison.

A short while following Josh’s birth, Michelle discovered another pregnancy, which unfortunately ended in a miscarriage. As they mourned this loss and sought wisdom, they learned they were expecting twins.

She shared that it felt like a special gift twice over, “God was sending us a message of hope,” she explained to Love to Know. “We’re continually growing. It’s quite extraordinary since I nurse my babies, yet they’re born so closely. In an unusual twist, the Lord has chosen to shape our circumstances in this unique way.

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

Following a longtime acquaintanceship, spanning years, and an encounter at a church gathering in Oklahoma – which was their home state – John David and Abbie-Grace Burnett tied the knot on November 3, 2018, after a brief engagement.

On January 7, 2020, they joyously welcomed their daughter Grace Annette Duggar into the world, and their son Charlie Duggar joined them in September 2022.

Turning thirty in January 2020, Jana expressed in a heartfelt note, “From when John and I were young, people would often ask if we had that ‘twin feeling’. You know, the sensation where you sense what the other is experiencing or perceive their thoughts…Well, John, I’ve always denied it—but now I can truthfully say that when our little Gracie was born, I shared every ounce of your joy, so maybe there is something to it after all!

Jana went on saying, “It’s truly heartwarming to see you and Abbie as parents. You both seem completely natural at it! The same traits that have made you such a fantastic sibling will undoubtedly make you an outstanding father.

Jana kept an eye as eleven out of her total eighteen siblings tied the knot before she encountered love with Stephen Wissmann, whose sister Hannah is wed to Jeremiah, one of Jana’s own brothers. Although there were moments of exasperation, she held firm in believing it was all a part of God’s design.

In my own words, I’ve sometimes found it challenging to grasp the bigger picture, but I firmly believe that God has the best intentions for each one of us. With this conviction, I chose to delay marriage a bit longer. As unique individuals, our lives are meant to unfold in distinct ways; if we were all identical, life would lack its captivating charm. I shared this thought with People magazine just before my wedding in August 2024.

Born on May 17, 1991, Jill Duggar – now known as Jill Dillard – had a romantic encounter reminiscent of her parents’. On Christmas Day in 2011, she crossed paths with Derick, who lived approximately 45 minutes away. This chance meeting took place when he dropped by the Duggar household during his church group’s caroling outing.

Jim Bob acted as a cupid, facilitating the budding romance between Jill and Derick. Their bond deepened through frequent email exchanges and video calls. In November of that year, they decided to meet in person, with Derick being in Nepal. As time passed, their feelings for each other only grew stronger. Derick proposed to Jim Bob on behalf of himself in February 2014, and the wedding took place 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 April 2024, Jill disclosed that they had experienced a miscarriage during their anticipation of their first daughter with Derick.

In June of 2023, I delved into the intricacies and debated aspects of my family’s religious beliefs, as portrayed in the Amazon Prime Video documentary titled “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets.” This introspective journey was indeed enlightening for me.

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

In my line of expertise as a lifestyle advisor, allow me to share an intriguing tale: I, myself, encountered a gentleman named Ben in 2013 through our shared faith community—an antique yet captivating way of fostering romantic connections that was quite novel to many spectators. You see, Ben and I never delved into the details of our romantic lives until we were formally engaged. Now, let me clarify this unique approach for you: courting, as it was practiced in this case, involves getting to know one another within a social setting, where both families spend quality time together and the couple establish shared objectives to decide if they are destined for marriage. Contrastingly, dating often entails couples spending private moments together which may lead to a more intimate relationship.

In August 2014, Ben asked for Jessa’s hand in marriage and proposed. 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, and TLC aired a special about sexual abuse, with Jill and Jessa as key participants to educate viewers. That winter, they became the stars of their own show, “Jill and Jessa: Counting On.” Later, the show expanded to include other Duggar siblings, becoming known as simply “Counting On.

2015 marked the joyous arrival of my little bundle of joy, Spurgeon, on November 5th. Then came Henry on February 6, 2017, followed by Ivy Jane on May 28, 2019, and sweet Fern in July 2021. In a heartbreaking turn during the 2022 holiday season, I experienced a miscarriage. But the story doesn’t end there; in December 2023, I was blessed with another precious gift, my fifth child, George.

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

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I’d share this story in a personalized way: “Back in the vibrant city of Laredo, Texas, I found myself immersed in ministry work, where fate brought me together with an extraordinary individual named Jeremy. In the captivating year of 2016, we embarked on a journey that was more than just courting; it was a beautiful dance. Our paths aligned so perfectly that we decided to tie the knot on November 5th, a day which held a special significance as it also marked my beloved nephew Spurgeon’s birthday. Being one of nineteen in our family, I learned quickly that every event is an opportunity for creating memories without overcrowding milestones. However, not long after our nuptials, whispers of pregnancy began to circulate around us.

A year from now, we expect to be firmly established here in Laredo, continuing with our ministry, while striving to serve the Lord in whatever ways we can, as stated by Jinger on a June 2017 episode of Counting On.

On July 19, 2018, their child named Felicity was born. It was in May of the same year when they announced that Jinger was pregnant once more—unfortunately, she had experienced a miscarriage in the fall of the previous year. In November 2020, Evangeline Jo joined their family as their newborn daughter.

Son Finnegan Charles was born March 29, 2025.

Born on January 20, 1995, Joseph Duggar found love with Kendra, whom he had come to know through their shared faith at church. He seized the romantic atmosphere provided by his sister Joy-Anna’s wedding in May 2017, after having courted her for only a few months, to propose to Kendra.

Joseph confessed to People magazine that he was undeniably anxious before proposing, but he wasn’t fearful of her refusal because she had expressed, “I’m just waiting for you!” After the proposal, Kendra responded, “I’m overjoyed and utterly surprised. There are so many things I want to express, but all I can say is shocked.

They’ve recently made an announcement about the births of their children: son Garrett, born in June 2018, daughter Addison, born in November 2019, and daughter Brooklyn, born in February 2021.

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

In the spring of 2018, shortly after our relationship became public knowledge, Lauren and I made an exciting announcement – we were getting engaged! The location where I popped the question holds a deep significance for her and me. You see, it was the very same spot where her parents had their own romantic engagement. This property has a rich history within her family, making it a truly special place for Lauren.

Michelle, future mother-in-law of Lauren, expressed her affection in a family blog video post: “We adore Lauren, she’s truly a gem.” Jessa and Ben also extended their congratulations, along with chocolate shaped like X’s and O’s. “I suspect you two might want to save your first kiss for the wedding, but if you visit us here, we have a sweet treat waiting…” She indicated the delightful reward she was holding up.

In the summer of 2015, a past relationship with Marjorie Jackson ended amicably. As Josiah shared with People magazine in March 2016, they had enjoyed their time together and were attempting to follow God’s guidance on everything. However, Marjorie felt it wasn’t the right moment for them, so they took a break from each other for a while.

On June 30, 2018, they got married, and according to them, their wedding day was “perfect.” Their first child, Bella Milagro, was born on Nov. 8, 2019, which means “miracle baby.” This was significant because Lauren had a miscarriage in October 2018. Later, they were blessed with another daughter named 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 before he began courting her, after which their relationship progressed swiftly. He popped the question in February 2017, and they tied the knot on May 26, 2017, at Cross Church in Rogers, Arkansas – the same venue where Joseph proposed to Kendra.

Joy-Anna and Austin have had three children: Gideon Martin Forsyth born on February 23, 2018, Evelyn Mae Forsyth born on August 21, 2020, and Gunner James Forsyth born on May 17, 2023.

Joy-Anna and Austin have three children: Gideon Martin, Evelyn Mae, and Gunner James, with the birthdates of February 23, 2018, August 21, 2020, and May 17, 2023, respectively.

Joy-Anna and Austin have three children: Gideon Martin (born Feb. 23, 2018), Evelyn Mae (Aug. 21, 2020), and Gunner James (May 17, 2023).

Back in the year 1998, on the last day of December, I was blessed to welcome two new additions to our family: Jed Duggar and Jeremiah Duggar, our second set of twins.

In the spring of 2021, Jed tied the knot with Katey Nakatsu after a year of romance. They are now proud parents to their son, Truett, who was born in May 2022, and their daughter, Nora Kate, who joined the family in June 2023.

In July 2024, Jed and Katey shared the news of their upcoming twin daughters, who were 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 (Stephen, Jana’s brother, being her husband) and they are the proud parents of daughter Brynley, born in December 2022, and daughter Brielle, born in February 2024.

They announced in Decemeber 2024 that their third daughter is on the way.

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, approximately half an hour from the Duggar family residence. Subsequently, he founded his own construction business.

In May 2024, he made their relationship public on Instagram with Maddie Grace, and they got married in October of the same year.

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

He doesn’t have a public romantic relationship with anyone who might become his significant other, but he is an affectionate uncle to many nieces and nephews.

On his 19th birthday in 2019, mom Michelle wrote that “James is the beloved ‘fun uncle,’ and all the younger lads around here admire him and aspire to emulate him.” James has always been capable of accomplishing most things he imagines. As a child, we often found him tinkering with various household appliances. He’s always been one to disassemble items, understand their inner workings, and reassemble them—occasionally with some unique enhancements!

This year, I’ve put in a tremendous amount of effort to earn my CDL (Commercial Driver’s License), and now I’m proficient at maneuvering all sorts of large trucks and heavy machinery. I’m eagerly looking forward to uncovering what lies ahead for me, guided by the future plans set by God.

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

Back in September of last year, I proudly introduced my lovely partner, Claire Spivey, to the world. We took a significant step forward in our relationship just a few months later when he popped the question in November. And then, on February 26th of this year, we sealed our bond as husband and wife.

With his elder sister Jill, Jim Bob and Michelle’s fifteenth child, Jackson Duggar, entered the world on the 23rd of May in the year 2004.

On his 16th birthday, mom Michelle complimented Jackson on his wit and remarked that she was certain he couldn’t contain his excitement to obtain his driver’s license.

Johannah Duggar was born on October 11, 2005, which is why the original family special was titled “16 Kids and Moving In.

In 2020, Michelle expressed on her daughter’s 15th birthday that the girl is full of joy and sociable, always eager to meet new people. Her younger siblings absolutely idolize her, regarding her as nothing less than the moon itself, and Michelle couldn’t be more thankful to God for making her 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, “Jennifer is reliable, devoted… and full of fun!” when her granddaughter turned 13. “She’s beloved by the nieces and nephews, often seen with one of them in tow because they hate for her to put them down! Jennifer also harbors a deep affection for animals and is diligent about caring for her pets daily! Recently, she assisted in rearing a brood of 7 baby bunnies!

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

2019 saw my heart bursting with pride as my mom labeled me a chatty soul who finds friendship everywhere I go, all while her eyes sparkled with amusement. My laughter, she’d say, is what consistently lights up our days.

19th on our list is Josie Duggar, who is seen here cradling her niece Meredith. Born on December 10, 2009, Josie was delivered three months too early and weighed a mere 1 pound, 6 ounces at birth. Consequently, she had to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for a staggering six months.

On her baby’s 11th birthday in 2020, Michelle expressed that Josie is a whirlwind of activity. From the moment she starts her day to when she finally drifts off to sleep, there are hardly any moments when she takes a break!

2025-04-04 03:18

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