Inside Conjoined Twins Abby & Brittany Hensel’s Surprising World

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13 years ago, Abby Hensel and Brittany Hensel embarked on a new phase of their lives by sharing more of their experiences.

Having already shared glimpses of their lives as conjoined twins through documentaries and interviews earlier in life, the sisters invited their audience to explore their world during their adulthood via the TLC reality show “Abby & Brittany”.

In the introduction of the series which debuted on Aug. 28, 2012, Abby and Brittany said, “Ever since we were born, people have been interested in us due to our unique condition as conjoined twins. However, our parents always encouraged us not to use that as an excuse. Although being conjoined sometimes presents challenges, we were brought up to believe that we could accomplish anything we set our minds to – and we do.”

The program tracked the lives of the 22-year-old twins as they pursued college, graduated, traveled globally, and began their careers as teachers. They expressed, “We pride ourselves on being just like everyone else.

Despite their reality show lasting just one season, sisters Abby and Brittany, now 35, have occasionally shared glimpses of their lives on TikTok. For instance, they posted pictures from Abby’s 2021 wedding to Josh Bowling. Recently, TMZ published photos showing the siblings with a baby in their home state of Minnesota, but the connection to the child remains unclear as Abby and Brittany didn’t respond to our request for comment. It is known that Josh has a daughter named Isabella from a previous marriage.

Although Abby and Brittany have been in the public eye since childhood, it doesn’t necessarily imply they ought to disclose all aspects of their personal lives to their followers.

In a 2006 documentary titled “Joined for Life: Abby and Brittany Turn 16,” their mother Patty Hensel stated that people who work in television have approached her, suggesting she should provide a clearer explanation about Abby and Brittany. However, Hensel firmly believes that she owes nothing to the world, and neither do Abby and Brittany.

Regarding their daily lives, what fans see on screen barely scratches the surface. In 2024, Abby and Brittany shared on TikTok, “We know you think you know us.” For those who are interested in learning more about these reality TV stars, there is much more to discover.

Abby and Brittany were born on March 7, 1990. Their mother, Patty Hensel, revealed in a 2007 documentary titled “Extraordinary People: The Twins Who Share a Body” that she initially anticipated delivering only one child, according to ultrasound scans. At birth, Abby and Brittany had three arms, but one of them was non-functional and later removed.

Patty and her spouse, Mike Hensel, learned that Abby and Brittany had an incredibly close bond as infants. As Patty pointed out, it might have been feasible for the girls to grow apart as they matured, but their parents decided to keep them joined because they could lead a complete and healthy life together.

In the 2007 documentary, Abby and Brittany expressed that they were grateful for not being separated as it allows them to enjoy various activities together such as playing softball, making new acquaintances, and running.

In a 2007 documentary, Abby and Brittany shared that they frequently predict each other’s responses when composing emails or messages online. They often perceive themselves as a single entity, using the term ‘we’ most of the time. However, when they have differing opinions, they make it clear by stating “Abby thinks” or “Brittany thinks.

They also now share singular social media accounts, which are private and mostly inactive. 

Abby and Brittany often acknowledge the public’s interest in their lives. However, they sometimes grow weary when encountering unwelcome reactions, particularly instances of being photographed without consent by strangers.

Abby clarified back in 2007 that she strongly dislikes it when people snap photos of her. If someone were to do so, she would become quite upset and make the person feel awkward.

Furthermore, as children, doctors often expressed interest in understanding their health and growth, yet Mike and Patty Hensel ensured that excessive medical tests were avoided for their daughters, Brittany and Abby. It is also noted that these two girls disliked visiting the doctor’s office intensely during that period.

Although they’re special, the family prefers to view them as ordinary individuals,” Dr. Joy Westerdahl expressed back in 2007, being careful about the family’s desire for minimal involvement.

Following her wedding with veteran and nurse Josh Bowling on November 13, 2021, Abby welcomed another family member, his daughter Isabella, into her life. It might have come as a surprise to the public, but Abby and Brittany had been thinking about starting a family for quite some time.

In the book “Joined for Life: Abby & Brittany Turn 16” published in 2006, Brittany stated, “Yes, we’re going to become mothers, but we haven’t given much thought as of now about how motherhood will play out for us.

In their early thirties, Abby and Brittany have continued to keep their personal lives private since the debut of the reality show Abby & Brittany back in 2012. This short-lived series followed the lives of these two women as they completed college and transitioned into adulthood.

Straight out of college, you’d find me, elated and brimming with enthusiasm, stepping into the realm of education, hand-in-hand with Abby and Brittany. Our first job placements didn’t come with a traditional salary; instead, we were offered separate contracts that required us to split our earnings right from the get-go.

They currently teach fifth grade together at an elementary school in Minnesota. 

In an episode of Abby & Brittany, Abby stated that her knack lies in mathematics and science. Meanwhile, Brittany has a stronger interest in areas related to language arts such as reading.

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2025-08-28 10:17