Inside the Duggar Family Tree: Meet All 19 Kids and Their Love Stories

by

The Duggar family is running out of days on which a celebration is not in order.

Currently, Jessa Duggar Seewald and her husband Ben Seewald are eagerly waiting for the birth of their sixth child, while Joy-Anna Duggar and her husband Austin Forsyth are happily marking their eighth wedding anniversary on May 26.

However, it was just over 20 years ago that Joy-Duggar, who is one of Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar’s 19 children, and Austin met as a reminder to fans celebrating their milestone. This encounter took place when Joy was only 4 years old, and Austin was 8. The Forsyth family had just arrived in Arkansas from Texas, and they happened to drop by the church where the Duggars were attending services.

Initially, it wasn’t that instant, profound love. However, as Joy mentioned in a video on her Instagram from May 23, while she was getting ready for an anniversary photoshoot by doing her makeup and choosing an outfit, “at around 13 or 14,” upon their families reconnecting, she started developing a strong crush on him.

However, at the age of 17 nearing 18, Austin paused and contemplated, ‘Perhaps I should consider Joy?’ His current spouse, who is now 27, added this playful comment.

When Joy discovered through her father that her crush had asked about dating her, she burst into tears of joy. Nine months later, following this initial stage, they got married.

I’m utterly thrilled to find myself part of the same family circle as the extraordinary Austin, sharing our lives with his three remarkable offspring: the energetic 7-year-old Gideon Martin Forsyth, the adorable 2-year-old Gunner James Forsyth, and the charming 4-year-old Evelyn Mae Forsyth. Who knows, one day our paths could cross in the most unexpected of places, possibly leading to a future bond that’s even more magical than this shared journey we’re on now!

Joy acknowledged they weren’t flawless, as they had their disagreements from time to time. However, eight years on, she was incredibly grateful for the life they shared. Austin truly was an exceptional blessing in her life.

Over the past eight years since her marriage, the Duggar family has seen an incredible growth, with numerous new branches emerging.

The latest members joining the family are Jeremiah Duggar and his wife Hannah Duggar, who recently welcomed their third child, a daughter named Emery ‘Emy’ Jane Duggar on May 18th. This was closely followed by the birth of Jinger Duggar Vuolo and her husband Jeremy Vuolo’s third child, son Charles Finnegan Vuolo, on March 29, 2025.

This implies that Jim Bob and Michelle currently have 36 grandchildren, with possibly more on the way. To stay updated on the entire family prior to Jessa and Ben welcoming their sixth child, you might want to catch up on them first.

Originally a sweetheart couple in high school, these parents of 19 and grandparents to more than three dozen children began their journey together.

In my fervent passion, I can’t help but reminisce about a life-altering moment that took place when I was 15. One starry night, as I was immersed in the rhythm of my daily life, a man named Jim Bob, representing his Baptist church, unexpectedly appeared at our doorstep. A friend had tipped him off, sharing that “a girl from school who’s just found her spiritual salvation and is a cheerleader” resided within our home.

In a church gathering on Sundays, they asked Michelle to attend and Jim Bob hoped to become her spiritual mentor, although it seemed their initial encounter didn’t leave a lasting impression on Michelle. A year passed, and she applied for a position at the frozen yogurt store owned by Jim Bob’s parents. In a blog post commemorating his 33rd wedding anniversary in 2017, she recalled their first meeting at the store: “You stood behind the counter where I was working at the cash register, and you introduced yourself. You were timid but kind! I don’t recall much about that exchange, except that after gathering courage, you asked me if I would attend your junior-senior banquet with you!

She went to a dinner with him at Shiloh Christian, but it wasn’t until they spent hours discussing the Bible at her parents’ house afterward that she felt their bond deepen. As Michelle put it, “Our hearts became intertwined from there.” They graduated high school in May 1984 and got married in July; she was 17 years old, and he was 19.

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. In 2002, he attempted a run for the U.S. Senate but was unsuccessful in the primary. Similarly, his attempt in 2006 to become the Republican nominee for Arkansas State Senate District 35 also ended in the primary.

They, along with Michelle, being real estate agents with valid licenses, have been actively involved in conservative movements – a lifestyle element that earned them admiration (as supporters) and criticism (as opponents). This duo is recognized as both supporters and vocal critics of the television show “19 Kids and Counting”, which initially debuted in 2008 under the title “17 Kids and Counting”.

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

The oldest Duggar child, Josh Duggar, came into the world on March 3, 1988. Similar to his activism, he also took up the role of a conservative advocate, championing causes for the Family Research Council.

In 2015, I found myself in a challenging position when some old police records emerged, alleging that I had been accused of inappropriate behavior towards several girls, including my sisters Jessa and Jill Duggar, during my teenage years. Later that year, Jessa spoke out in an interview with Fox News, asserting that the harsh labels being thrown at me were excessive and untrue. She bravely defended her stance, stating that she could say this because she was one of the victims herself.

His spouse, Anna Duggar, who tied the knot with him during their September 26, 2008 wedding that was highlighted on “19 Kids and Counting”, remained loyal to him even in the wake of his confession about infidelity.

In 2016, when he admitted himself to a rehabilitation facility, his parents referred to it as an essential initial move towards recovery and healing.

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

As a lifestyle expert, I’d like to share some unfortunate news about a previous event that made headlines last year. In April 2021, an individual named Josh faced charges related to child pornography – specifically, one count each for receiving and possessing such content. He chose to plead not guilty on both accounts.

Fast forward to 2022, after a trial, Josh was found guilty of the receipt charge, but luckily for him, the judge vacated the possession charge. Despite this partial victory, he was sentenced to serve 12 and a half years in prison for his crime. It’s always crucial to remember that such actions are unacceptable and have severe consequences.

A short while following Josh’s birth, Michelle conceived another child, however, she had a miscarriage. During their mourning period and seeking divine guidance, it was discovered that twins were expected.

She shared that it felt like a special gift, saying to Love to Know, “God was providing us comfort for our hearts. We’re continually growing. It’s quite uncommon because I nurse my infants, yet my children are so close in age. In just another remarkable twist, the Lord chose to bring about a new life for us eight months after we had the previous one.

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

Following a prolonged period of acquaintanceship – they had known each other for several years prior, having first met at a church gathering in Oklahoma, which was Abbie’s home state – John David and Abbie-Grace Burnett tied the knot on November 3, 2018, after a swift courtship and brief engagement.

On January 7, 2020, they warmly received a new addition to their family, Grace Annette Duggar, and welcomed Charlie Duggar into the family in September 2022.

On their 30th birthday in January 2020, Jana wrote a heartfelt message to John: “Ever since we were kids, people have asked if John and I share some kind of twin-like connection – the feeling or understanding of each other’s emotions or thoughts. Previously, I would always deny this, but the moment little Gracie was born, I experienced the same joy that you did, so it seems there might be something to it after all!

Jana went on saying, “It’s such a delight to see you and Abbie in your parental roles! You both seem so natural at it! The traits that make you a fantastic brother will undoubtedly make you an incredible father as well.

Jana looked on as 11 out of her 18 siblings tied the knot, before herself finding love with Stephen Wissmann – whose sister Hannah is married to Jeremiah Duggar, a former TLC cast member’s brother. Although she admitted to some feelings of frustration, she believed it was all part of God’s design for her life.

Back in August 2024, just before my big day, I confided in People magazine that my path hasn’t always been crystal clear, but I trust that God has the best plan for us all. So, I chose to wait for marriage, savoring the uniqueness of each individual’s journey. If we were all identical, life would lose its charm and adventure.

As a dedicated follower, I was born on May 17, 1991. My romantic journey echoes that of my parents’, for it was during the festive season of Christmas in 2011 that I crossed paths with Derick, who resided approximately 45 minutes from me. This encounter took place when he dropped by our home while out caroling with his church group.

Jim Bob acted as a cupid, facilitating a connection between Jill and Derick. Through frequent email exchanges and Skype calls, they found themselves growing fond of each other. In November, the father-daughter duo traveled to Nepal to meet Derick, and their bond deepened further. As time passed, Jill and Derick continued to develop feelings for one another. Derick formally proposed to Jim Bob on February 2014, and they got married on June 21, 2014. The couple is proud parents to three sons: Israel (born April 6, 2015), Samuel (born July 8, 2017), and Frederick (born July 7, 2022).

Back in April 2024, Jill revealed they experienced a miscarriage, which was their anticipated first daughter with Derick.

In the Amazon Prime Video documentary, titled “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets“, which was released in June 2023, Jill and Derick pondered over the debates and religious convictions tied to her family, as depicted in the series.

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

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it as follows: Back in 2013, I crossed paths with Ben at church, and he started pursuing me in a traditional, courtship style—a concept that was quite novel to many viewers. Before our engagement, you wouldn’t have heard us discussing our romantic endeavors. Jim Bob, insightfully explained to People magazine that courtship involves getting to know each other within a group setting, with both families spending quality time together and the couple establishing shared goals to decide if they are destined for marriage. In contrast, dating often consists of couples spending private time together, which can sometimes lead to a more physical relationship.

Ben asked for Jessa’s hand in marriage and proposed in August 2014, symbolizing 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 taken off the air, and TLC aired a special about sexual abuse, with Jill and Jessa as the main contributors, aiming to educate viewers on the topic. That winter, they became the stars of their own show, titled Jill and Jessa: Counting On. The series later expanded to include other Duggar siblings, eventually becoming known as simply Counting On.

In November 2015, Jessa and Ben became parents to Spurgeon; they had Henry in February 2017, Ivy Jane in May 2019, and Fern in July 2021. Unfortunately, Jessa experienced a miscarriage during the 2022 holiday season. However, she was blessed with another 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 serving in ministry work 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 (a notable date when you’re part of a family with 19 members). Soon after their wedding, there were whispers about the possibility of them starting a family.

In a year, we anticipate being firmly established, continuing our ministry right here in Laredo, and simply aiming to serve the Lord in whatever capacity we can, as Jinger expressed during the June 2017 episode of Counting On.

On July 19, 2018, their child named Felicity was born. They announced in May of that year that Jinger was pregnant once more; unfortunately, she had experienced a miscarriage the previous autumn. In November 2020, they blessedly welcomed their daughter Evangeline Jo into their family.

Son Finnegan Charles was born March 29, 2025.

As a devoted follower, I was honored to be born on January 20, 1995. In the enchanting atmosphere of my sister Joy-Anna’s wedding in May 2017, after having spent only a short while courting her, I asked Kendra (someone I met through our church) to become my partner for life.

In a conversation with People, Joseph admitted that he was certainly anxious leading up to it, but he wasn’t worried she would reject his proposal since she had previously expressed, “I’m just waiting for you!” Joseph proposed, and Kendra responded with overwhelming joy and shock. She shared, “I’m so happy! I have so many words I want to say, but I’m just shocked.

Since then, they’ve made an announcement about 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 into their public relationship, the duo made their engagement official in March 2018. He shared that the location where he popped the question to Lauren was the very same spot where her parents got engaged. This property holds significant family history, making it a particularly meaningful place for Lauren.

In a video shared on their blog, Michelle, who is soon to be Lauren’s mother-in-law, expressed her affection for Lauren, saying, “Lauren is truly a treasure.” Jessa and Ben also extended their congratulations and presented a chocolate shaped like x’s and o’s. Michelle playfully suggested, “I think you two might want to save your first kiss for the wedding day, but if you visit us, we have a sweet treat waiting here…” She indicated the enticing reward she was holding up.

Josiah and Marjorie Jackson had a relationship that ended in the summer of 2015. Reflecting on their past, Josiah shared with People magazine in March 2016 that they enjoyed each other’s company and were trying to follow God’s guidance at every step. However, Marjorie felt it wasn’t the ideal moment for them, so they took a break from their relationship for a while.

On June 30, 2018, they officially got married, describing their day as “just perfect” to People magazine. Their first child, Bella Milagro, was born on November 8, 2019 – a name meaning “miracle baby,” after the couple had previously experienced a miscarriage in October 2018. In 2022, they welcomed their second daughter, Daisy, and their son, Ezra, joined the family 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 pursuing her. Once their relationship started, there was no delay. He proposed in February 2017, and they got married on May 26, 2017, at Cross Church in Rogers, Arkansas – the same church where Joseph proposed to Kendra.

Joy-Anna and Austin became parents to their son Gideon Martin Forsyth on Feb. 23, 2018, daughter Evelyn Mae Forsyth on Aug. 21, 2020, and son Gunner James Forsyth on May 17, 2023.

On December 30, 1998, Jim Bob and Michelle welcomed their twin sons, whom they named Jed Duggar and Jeremiah Duggar, into the world.

In April 2021, Jed tied the knot with Katey Nakatsu, following a year of courtship. They are now proud parents to son Truett, born in May 2022, and daughter Nora Kate, who came into the world in June 2023.

Back in July of 2024, the thrilling news unfolded: Jed and his beloved partner, Katey, were expecting twin girls! Fast forward to January 8, 2025, the day my heart skipped a beat, as I held my breath in anticipation – and there they were, my precious Elsie Kate and Emma Kate, two bundles of joy that have since filled our lives with endless love.

Jeremiah, a qualified flight instructor, is married to Hannah Wissmann (sister of Stephen, Jana’s husband), and the couple has 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.

In January 2017, according to the Daily Mail, Jim Bob aided Jase in purchasing a $33,000 fixer-upper 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 hasn’t made his romantic intentions known towards someone special, but he is an affectionate uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.

On his 19th birthday in 2019, mom Michelle wrote that “James is our beloved ‘funcle’, and all the young lads here admire him and aspire to emulate him.” James has an incredible knack for problem-solving. As a kid, we’d often discover James tinkering with different household appliances. He’s always been one to disassemble, understand, and reassemble these devices—with a few unique enhancements thrown in!

This year, I’ve put in my best effort to earn my CDL, and now, I find myself well-versed in handling large trucks and complex machinery. I eagerly anticipate the divine plans unfolding for me in the days ahead!

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 in November of the same year, and they tied the knot on February 26, 2021.

With his elder sister Jill, Jim Bob and Michelle’s fifteenth child, Jackson Duggar, entered the world 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.

or

On his 16th birthday, Michelle, Jackson’s mom, complimented his sense of humor and pointed out that she knew he couldn’t contain his excitement about getting his driver’s license.

Johannah Duggar was born on October 11, 2005, which coincided with the airing of their initial family reality show titled “16 Children Under One Roof: The Duggars Move In“.

In her post on her daughter’s 15th birthday in 2020, Michelle expressed that the girl is lively and sociable, with a knack for forming new friendships. She also mentioned that her younger sisters idolize her and view her as nothing less than the moon itself. Lastly, she expressed immense gratitude towards 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 penned, “Jennifer is trustworthy, devoted… and delightful!” when her granddaughter turned thirteen. “She’s adored by the nieces, nephews, and often finds herself carting one around because they refuse to let her put them down! Jennifer also harbors a deep affection for animals and religiously attends to her pets daily! Recently, she assisted in nurturing a brood of seven baby bunnies!

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

2019 saw Jordyn-Grace being described by her mom as a sociable girl who easily befriends anyone, and her laughter was often one of the most uplifting moments we experienced.

As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but share the incredible story of Josie Duggar, born on the chilly December 10th, 2009. This little bundle of joy entered the world three months ahead of schedule, tipping the scales at just 1 pound, 6 ounces. Incredibly tiny, she found herself in the tender care of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for a remarkable six-month journey.

On her baby’s eleventh birthday in 2020, Michelle penned that Josie is like a whirlwind of activity. From the moment she rises in the morning to the instant her head touches the pillow at bedtime, she hardly ever takes a break!

Read More

2025-05-26 15:18