Jill Duggar Dillard and her family are addressing her younger brother Joseph Duggar’s arrest.
Following the arrest of the 31-year-old man on charges of sexually molesting a child under 12 and engaging in lewd conduct as an adult, his sister and her family released a statement.
On March 19th, Jill and Derick Dillard released a statement saying they were shocked to learn about the arrest of Jill’s brother, Joseph Duggar. They said they first found out through a text message from a friend who shared news reports about the arrest and allegations that Joseph confessed to harming a young girl in 2020. The family expressed their shock and sadness over the situation.
Joseph was arrested in Arkansas and is now being moved to Florida to face charges. He’s accused of sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl while on vacation in Panama City Beach in 2020, according to police reports.
When responding to claims about Joseph’s actions, the family made it clear they firmly oppose all forms of abuse.
I just… I can’t even with this whole situation. It’s just awful. I mean, of course, I believe in justice, and I need her to get justice, you know? My heart absolutely breaks for that poor little girl, she doesn’t deserve any of this, and her family… I’m sending all my love and prayers that she finds the strength to get through this. I’m just hoping she gets everything she needs to heal, everything she deserves. I’m just completely devastated for her.
Finally, Jill and Derick spoke to Joseph’s family, including his wife Kendra Caldwell Duggar and their four children. Joseph and Kendra have three children, but haven’t been publicly seen since 2021.
The Dillard family expressed their love for their sister-in-law, Kendra, and their four nieces and nephews, offering prayers for their comfort and support during this difficult time. They acknowledged the immense pain the family is experiencing as they grieve and try to come to terms with everything that has happened.
Jill first publicly revealed in 2015 that her brother, Josh Duggar, had sexually abused her.
Jill shared details of the abuse she and her sister, Jessa Duggar Seewald, experienced as children, when Josh was a teenager, in a recent interview. Following reports of the incidents from 2006, Josh issued a statement to People magazine, saying he was deeply sorry for his inexcusable actions and the pain he caused to family and friends.
In 2021, Jill’s brother, Josh, was sentenced to over twelve years in prison after being convicted of receiving and possessing child pornography. Following the sentencing, Jill and her family responded in a now-deleted blog post, stating they had mixed feelings and weren’t simply happy or upset with the outcome.
The couple, married since 2014, expressed their sadness that it may take over ten years of prison and additional time on probation for Josh to become rehabilitated and safely rejoin society. They hope he will finally receive the treatment he needs and work towards a life where he’s less likely to commit crimes again.
They also shared at the time, “We still love Josh and his family and will support them in any way we can.”
For more on the Duggar family, keep reading…
These two lovebirds began their romance in high school and have since become parents to nineteen children and grandparents to more than thirty-six grandchildren.
Michelle remembers accepting Christianity when she was fifteen. Later, Jim Bob was visiting homes in the neighborhood as part of his church’s outreach program. A friend mentioned that a new Christian and cheerleader lived at the Ruark family’s house, so Jim Bob went and knocked on their door.
Jim Bob and Michelle met at Sunday school, and Jim Bob hoped they would become spiritual mentors to each other, though Michelle didn’t recall their first meeting being particularly memorable. A year later, Michelle applied for a job at the frozen yogurt shop owned by Jim Bob’s parents. She remembered in a 2017 blog post for Jim Bob’s birthday and their 33rd anniversary that he was shy but kind when she interviewed. She didn’t remember much of their conversation, except that he eventually worked up the courage to ask her to the junior-senior banquet!
Michelle and Jim Bob first connected at a dinner held at Shiloh Christian, but they really bonded later that night while spending hours at her parents’ house discussing the Bible. As Michelle recalls, that’s when they felt a deep connection. They graduated high school in May 1984 and were married just two months later in July. Michelle was 17, and Jim Bob was 19 at the time.
The couple dedicated themselves to God and each other for the long run.
Jim Bob previously served as a state representative for Arkansas’s sixth district from 1999 to 2002, where he was vice chair of the House 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 real estate agents, are known for their conservative beliefs. These beliefs have made them both strong advocates for and frequent targets of criticism, especially surrounding their reality TV show, 19 Kids and Counting (originally 17 Kids and Counting, which first aired in 2008).
As of October 2024, they were grandparents of 33 with three on the way.
Josh Duggar, the oldest of the Duggar children, was born on March 3, 1988. Like his parents, he became involved in conservative activism, working with the Family Research Council.
Josh Duggar resigned after police records from 2015 came to light, detailing accusations that he had sexually abused several girls, including his sisters Jessa and Jill Duggar, when he was a teenager. In a June interview with Fox News, Jessa defended her brother, claiming the accusations were exaggerated and untrue. She stated that, as one of the victims, she believed the criticism directed at Josh was excessive.
His wife, Anna Duggar, whom he married on September 26, 2008, in a ceremony shown on the show 19 Kids and Counting, remained supportive, even after he confessed to infidelity.
In 2016, when he began treatment, his parents described it as an important start to his recovery process.
Anna and her husband have seven children: Mackynzie (born October 8, 2009), Michael (born June 15, 2011), Marcus (born June 2, 2013), Meredith (born July 16, 2015), Mason Garett (born September 12, 2017), Maryella Hope (born November 27, 2019), and Madyson Lily (born October 23, 2021). Interestingly, Meredith was born on the same day TLC canceled 19 Kids.
In April 2021, Josh was indicted on federal charges for receiving and possessing child pornography. He initially pleaded not guilty to both charges. However, in 2022, he was convicted on both counts, though the judge later dismissed the possession charge. He received a prison sentence of 12.5 years.
Soon after Josh arrived, Michelle became pregnant again, but sadly, she lost the baby. While they were still heartbroken and seeking direction, they were overjoyed to discover they were expecting twins.
It felt like a wonderful gift from God, really encouraging us,” she explained. “We’re still figuring things out as we go. It’s quite rare, since I breastfeed, 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 happening in our lives, and we feel like God is guiding us through it.
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, after a quick romance and engagement. Although they’d been aware of each other for years, they first met in person at a church event in Oklahoma, where Abbie grew up.
They welcomed daughter Grace Annette Duggar on Jan. 7, 2020 and son Charlie Duggar in September 2022.
On their 30th birthday in January 2020, Jana wrote a heartfelt message to John. They had often been asked if they shared a special ‘twin connection’ – that feeling of knowing what the other is thinking or feeling. Jana had always said no, but with the birth of their daughter, Gracie, she realized that she truly felt John’s happiness as if it were her own. She playfully admitted that maybe the ‘twin thing’ was real after all!
Jana said it was lovely seeing them and Abbie as parents, and that they were both natural at it. She added that the same kind and caring qualities that made him a great brother would also make him a wonderful father.
Oh my goodness, you guys, it finally happened! Back in November 2025, at this adorable joint baby shower with Jana, Abbie and John-David found out they’re having a little girl! I was practically screaming with excitement when I heard – another Duggar girl! It’s just… perfect!
Jana watched eleven of her eighteen siblings get married before she met her husband, Stephen Wissmann. Interestingly, Stephen’s sister, Hannah, is married to Jana’s brother, Jeremiah. Although she sometimes felt frustrated by the wait, Jana believes everything happened according to God’s plan.
Jana explained to People magazine that she’s marrying later in life because she trusts that God has a plan for everyone. ‘We all have unique journeys,’ she said, ‘and if we were all the same, life would be pretty dull!’ Her wedding is scheduled for August 15, 2024.
On Dec. 30, 2025, the couple welcomed their first child, son Archie Gerald Wissmann.
Jill Dillard (born May 17, 1991) met her husband, Derick, in a way similar to how her parents met. He visited the Duggar family home in December 2011 while caroling with his church group, and they quickly connected. Derick grew up about 45 minutes from the Duggars.
Jim Bob helped Jill and Derick meet, and they quickly connected through emails and video calls. That November, Jill and her father visited Derick in Nepal, and their relationship blossomed. 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 April 6, 2015, Samuel, born July 8, 2017, and Frederick, born July 7, 2022.
In April 2024, Jill announced that she and Derick had experienced a miscarriage while expecting a baby girl.
In the Amazon Prime Video documentary Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets, which debuted in June 2023, Jill and Derick Duggar discussed the controversies and religious beliefs connected to their family.
Jim Bob and Michelle’s fifth child, Jessa Duggar, was born Nov. 4, 1992.
Jessa and Ben first met at church, and he began pursuing her in 2013. Their courtship—a traditional approach to romance—was new to many viewers. Because the couple didn’t discuss their relationship before getting engaged, Jim Bob explained to People magazine that courtship involves getting to know each other with both families involved, and setting shared goals to see if they are a good match for marriage. He contrasted this with dating, where couples often spend time alone and the relationship can become physical quickly.
Ben formally asked for Jessa’s hand in marriage and proposed to her in August 2014 – a special moment because it was the first time they’d held hands. They married on November 1, 2014. Jessa was expecting their first child when their show, 19 Kids and Counting, was canceled. Shortly after, TLC aired a special featuring Jessa and her sister Jill discussing sexual abuse to raise awareness among viewers. That winter, the sisters then starred in their own spin-off, Jill and Jessa: Counting On, which later expanded to include other members of the Duggar family and became simply Counting On.
Oh my goodness, I’ve been following Jessa and Ben’s family for years! It’s just so wonderful to see their love grow. They welcomed little Spurgeon back in November 2015, and then sweet Henry in February 2017! And then Ivy Jane arrived in May 2019 – she’s adorable! Another precious girl, Fern, joined them in July 2021. It was so heartbreaking to hear about their miscarriage over the holidays in 2022, but I was overjoyed when they announced baby George in December 2023! They are such a beautiful family, and I’m always so happy for them.
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 mission work in Laredo, Texas, and began dating in 2016. They got married on November 5, 2016 – the same day as Jinger’s nephew Spurgeon’s birthday – and, being part of a large family of nineteen children, they quickly faced speculation about starting a family themselves.
Oh my gosh, remember back in June 2017 on Counting On? Jinger said she and Jeremy basically just wanted to be settled in Laredo, still doing their church work and just… serving God in whatever way they could. It was so sweet! I’ve been rewatching old episodes and it just reminded me how grounded they always were, even back then.
Let’s talk family! My heart goes out to anyone navigating the ups and downs of growing their family, and I always admire those who share their journeys. For Jinger and Jeremy, their sweet daughter Felicity arrived on July 19th, 2018. Before that, they bravely shared that they’d experienced a miscarriage in the fall of 2017, something so many families go through in private. Thankfully, their family grew again in November 2020 with the arrival of adorable Evangeline Jo!
Son Finnegan Charles was born March 29, 2025.
Joseph Duggar, born on January 20, 1995, proposed to Kendra Caldwell in May 2017. They had met through church and had been courting for only a few months when he popped the question at his sister Joy-Anna’s wedding.
Joseph admitted he was nervous when he proposed, but he felt confident she’d say yes, since she had previously told him, ‘I’m just waiting on you!’ Kendra shared, ‘I’m incredibly happy and completely shocked. I have so much I want to say, but I’m just speechless right now.’
The couple has welcomed three children: Garrett, born in June 2018, Addison, born in November 2019, and Brooklyn, born in February 2021.
Eighth in line, Josiah Duggar was born on Aug. 28, 1996.
After publicly dating for only a few months, the couple announced their engagement in March 2018. He shared that he proposed to Lauren at the same location where her parents had gotten engaged, explaining that the property held a lot of family history and was therefore particularly meaningful to her.
Lauren’s future mother-in-law, Michelle, shared in a video on the family’s blog how much they adore her, calling her a “precious girl.” Jessa and Ben also congratulated the couple, and playfully offered chocolate x’s and o’s. Michelle jokingly suggested they’d be saving their first kiss for the wedding, then held up the chocolates as a fun consolation prize if they changed their minds.
Josiah previously dated Marjorie Jackson, but they ended their relationship in the summer of 2015. He told People magazine in March 2016 that they had enjoyed their time together and were trying to discern what God wanted for them. Ultimately, Marjorie didn’t feel the timing was right, so they decided to take a break.
He and Lauren got married on June 30, 2018, and described their wedding day as “absolutely perfect” in an interview with People magazine. They became parents to daughter Bella Milagro on November 8, 2019—a name meaning “miracle baby”—after Lauren experienced a miscarriage in October 2018. The couple expanded their family with another daughter, Daisy, in 2022, and a son named Ezra in May 2023.
Ninth sibling Joy-Anna Duggar was born Oct. 28, 1997.
Joy-Anna Duggar and Austin Forsyth had been friends for 15 years before they began dating. They quickly fell in love, with Austin proposing in February 2017 and the couple marrying just a few months later on May 26, 2017, at Cross Church in Rogers, Arkansas—the same wedding where Joseph Duggar proposed to Kendra Caldwell!
Joy-Anna and Austin have three children: Gideon Martin Forsyth, born February 23, 2018; Evelyn Mae Forsyth, born August 21, 2020; and Gunner James Forsyth, born May 17, 2023.
Jed and Jeremiah Duggar, the second set of twins born to Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, arrived on December 30, 1998.
Jed and Katey Nakatsu married in April 2021 after dating for a year. They have two children: a son named Truett, born in May 2022, and a daughter named Nora Kate, born in June 2023.
Jed and Katey shared the exciting news in July 2024 that they were expecting twin girls. Elsie Kate and Emma Kate arrived on January 8, 2025.
Jeremiah, a flight instructor, is married to Hannah Wissmann, who is the sister of Stephen (Jana’s husband). 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.
In January 2017, the Daily Mail reported that Jim Bob assisted Jase in purchasing a run-down house in Prairie Grove, Arkansas—about half an hour from the Duggar family’s property. Jase then went on to establish his own construction business.
He publicly announced his relationship with Maddie Grace on Instagram in May 2024, and they got married in October of the same year.
Charmed No. 13, James Duggar was born July 7, 2001.
He’s not currently dating anyone publicly, but he’s a very loving and involved uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Mom Michelle described James as the ‘funcle’ – a really fun uncle! – and said all the younger boys admire him and want to be just like him. She shared this on his 19th birthday in 2019. James has always been able to build or fix anything he sets his mind to. Even when he was little, they’d find him taking apart appliances around the house, figuring out how they worked, and then reassembling them – often with his own improvements!
James put in a lot of effort this year to earn his commercial driver’s license, and now he’s a skilled driver of large trucks and heavy equipment! We’re excited to see what opportunities lie ahead for him.
No. 14 Justin Duggar arrived on Nov. 15, 2002.
He started dating Claire Spivey in September 2020, and they announced their engagement the following November. They were married on February 26, 2021.
Jackson Duggar, the fifteenth child of Jim Bob and Michelle, was born on May 23, 2004. He’s pictured here with his older sister, Jill.
For Jackson’s sixteenth birthday, his mom, Michelle, complimented his funny personality and said she knew he was eager to finally get his driver’s license.
Johannah Duggar was born on October 11, 2005, which is why her family was featured in the special called 16 Kids and Moving In.
On her daughter’s fifteenth birthday in 2020, Michelle wrote about how much joy she brings to others and how easily she makes friends. She added that her younger sisters look up to her immensely, and Michelle feels blessed to 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.
When her daughter, Jennifer, turned thirteen, Michelle described her as someone who is reliable, loyal, and a joy to be around! The nieces and nephews adore Jennifer, often clamoring for her to carry them. She’s also a huge animal lover and consistently makes time to care for her pets. Just recently, she even helped raise a family of seven baby bunnies!
Here on the right, the penultimate Duggar child was born Dec. 18, 2008.
Jordyn-Grace was described by her mom in 2019 as a friendly and sociable girl who quickly connects with anyone she meets. Her laugh was also noted as being particularly cheerful and a highlight of their day.
Josie Duggar, number 19 in her family, is pictured here with her niece, Meredith. She was born on December 10, 2009, three months early and weighing just 1 pound, 6 ounces. She spent six months receiving care in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Michelle described her daughter, Josie, as being full of energy when she wrote a birthday message for her 11th birthday in 2020. She noted that Josie is constantly on the go, rarely resting from morning until bedtime.
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2026-03-20 17:19