Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

As I delve deeper into the lives of these extraordinary individuals, the Duggar family, I am truly captivated by their resilience and unity. Each member seems to possess unique qualities that contribute to the fabric of this remarkable family.


Joy-Anna Duggar is pushing her family’s fashion boundaries.

The former star of “19 Kids and Counting” shared with fans a peek into her day-to-day life as a mother of three – Gideon, 6, Evelyn, 4, and Gunner, 18 months, whom she has with husband Austin Forsyth. She posted this on social media, and the video included an unusual fashion choice that would have been against her parents’ rules, Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar.

On Instagram, posted on November 22nd, Joy-Anna was seen heading to the gym following her morning errands. Interestingly, she chose athletic shorts for her workout, bucking the more conservative clothing preferences of her parents.

Earlier in October, Joy-Anna elaborated on the dress code rules set by her parents, indicating that these regulations were applicable to all their kids, irrespective of their gender.

On “The Unplanned Podcast” in October, the reality star stated that the standard was established to prevent men from exposing their thighs. They also mentioned that a similar rule applied for women as well, saying “So they were like, ‘Okay, same for girls.’

Initially, Joy-Anna’s parents had very detailed guidelines about clothing, but now they seem more lenient, having eased up on these restrictions.

She added, “They suggested that shorts were somewhat inappropriate,” and her brothers, up to around age 15 or 16, avoided wearing them instead.

In addition to the star of “Counting On,” it’s not just Joy-Anna Duggar who has talked about the family’s dress code. Jinger Duggar, her older sister, explained the rationale behind the rules in her 2021 memoir titled “The Hope We Hold: Finding Peace in the Promises of God” which she co-wrote with her husband, Jeremy Vuolo.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

She mentioned that growing up, her mother always made sure my sisters and I wore skirts and dresses. This practice was based on Deuteronomy 22:5 (ESV), which states ‘A woman should not wear men’s clothing,’ and she had never felt the need to question it.

Instead of searching explicitly for a rule banning women from wearing trousers, the 30-year-old conducted her own investigation regarding dress codes concerning female modesty, eventually forming her personal views based on what she found.

In my upbringing, I held certain principles as self-evident truths. However, upon reflection and comparison with religious texts, these beliefs have evolved. What was once considered modesty in terms of clothing, I now understand it to be a matter of one’s inner disposition – the state of one’s heart.

For a closer look at the Duggar family tree, read on.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

As an ardent admirer, let me share a heartwarming tale: Over five decades ago, two teenage lovebirds – my heroes, the parents of nearly twenty and grandparents to many more – first met as high school sweethearts.

Michelle recounted the experience of being “rescued” at age 15. Later, one night, Jim Bob was conducting house visits as part of his Baptist church duties when he was informed by a friend about a girl from school who had recently converted and was a cheerleader, residing in the Ruark household.

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 serve as each other’s spiritual guides—however, it seemed that their initial encounter didn’t leave a lasting impression on Michelle. A year afterward, she applied for employment at the yogurt shop owned by Jim Bob’s parents. In a letter posted on their blog in 2017 for their 33rd wedding anniversary and Jim Bob’s birthday, Michelle recalled her interaction: “You stood behind the counter where I was working at the cash register. You were reserved but kind! To be honest, I can’t recall much about that chat, except that you eventually gathered your courage to ask me if I would attend your junior-senior dance with you!

She went to dinner with him at Shiloh Christian, but it wasn’t until they spent hours talking about the Bible at her parents’ house afterwards that she felt a strong connection. Michelle has stated, “From there, our hearts became one.” They graduated high school in May of 1984 and got married in July, with Michelle being 17 years old and Jim Bob being 19.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

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

Jim Bob was previously a state legislator, holding office in the Arkansas House of Representatives for the sixth district from 1999 until 2002. During his tenure, he served as vice chair of the Corrections and Criminal Law Subcommittee. He attempted to run for the U.S. Senate in 2002 but was unsuccessful in the primary. In 2006, he also ran unsuccessfully to become the Republican nominee for Arkansas State Senate District 35.

They, along with Michelle, who are realtors licensed in their profession, have been actively engaged in conservative movements – a part of their lives that has earned them both admiration (as supporters) and criticism (as fierce opponents). This aspect also connected them to the reality TV show “19 Kids and Counting,” which premiered in 2008 as “17 Kids and Counting.

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

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

The eldest child of the Duggars, Josh Duggar, entered the world on March 3, 1988. Similarly, he followed in a conservative path and advocated for causes, notably working with the Family Research Council.

In 2015, he resigned following the emergence of old police records which implicated him in allegations of molestation towards multiple girls, including his sisters Jessa and Jill, when he was a young man. Jessa spoke out in defense of her brother in an interview with Fox News that June, stating that the harsh accusations people were making against Josh were “excessive and false, truly. Many become angry at me for saying this, but I can say it because I was one of the victims myself.

His wife stood by him even after he confessed to infidelity. When he entered a rehabilitation facility in 2016, his parents viewed it as the initial move towards recovery and healing. The couple, parents of three children – Mackynzie (born October 8, 2009), Michael (June 15, 2011), and Marcus (June 2, 2013) – faced a scandal when it broke out. At that time, Anna was pregnant with their fourth child, Meredith, who was born on July 16, 2015, the same day TLC canceled 19 Kids. Their fifth child, Mason Garett, arrived on September 12, 2017, followed by Maryella Hope on November 27, 2019 and their seventh baby, Madyson Lily, was born on October 23, 2021.

Back in April 2021, a federal court indictment accused Joshua of two separate charges: receiving and possessing child pornography. He pleaded not guilty for both accusations. A year later, in 2022, Joshua was convicted on these charges and received a sentence of 12 and a half years in prison.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

Not long after Josh’s birth, Michelle conceived another child, but unfortunately experienced a miscarriage. As they were still mourning this tragedy and seeking divine direction, they learned they were expecting twins.

As I shared with Love to Know, it felt like a profound double blessing for me. God was clearly nurturing us through this experience. We’re still growing and learning, and it’s quite extraordinary given that I’m breastfeeding my little ones while they’re so close in age. In our unique circumstances, it seems the Lord has chosen to work in a way that only He could orchestrate – eight months after having one baby, I find myself expecting another.

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

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

Following a prolonged period of mutual acquaintance (they had known each other for several years prior), during which they met at a church gathering in Oklahoma, the state where Abbie resided, John David and Abbie-Grace Burnett tied the knot on November 3, 2018.

On January 7, 2020, they joyously welcomed their daughter Grace Annette Duggar, and later, in September 2022, they warmly welcomed their son Charlie Duggar into their family.

On her 30th birthday in January 2020, Jana wrote a heartfelt message saying: “Ever since John and I were children, people have asked if we share some kind of twin intuition. You know, the feeling where you sense what the other person is experiencing or guess their thoughts…Well, John, I’ve always denied this connection—but now that I feel the same joy you did when little Gracie was born, it seems there might be something to it after all!

Jana went on to say, “It’s just heartwarming to see you and Abbie in your parental roles. You both seem so natural at it! The very traits that have made you such a great brother will undoubtedly make you an exceptional father.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

Jana observed as 11 out of her 18 siblings tied the knot before she encountered love with Stephen Wissmann – whose sister Hannah Wissmann is wed to Jeremiah, one of her own brothers. However, she remained steadfast, attributing it all to God’s design, acknowledging some occasional impatience along the way.

In August 2024, just before her wedding, Jana shared with People that she hasn’t always grasped the overall scheme, but she trusts that God knows what is best for everyone in the long run. For her personally, marriage comes later. She expressed that every story should be unique; if they were all identical, life would be monotonous.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

Born on May 17, 1991, Jill Duggar Dillard found her love story mirroring that of her parents. It was during Christmas in 2011 when she crossed paths with Derick, who lived approximately 45 minutes away. This chance encounter took place as he dropped by the Duggar residence while out caroling with his church group.

Jim Bob served as a cupid, facilitating the relationship between Jill and Derick. They found common ground through emails and video chats, eventually growing more attached to each other. In November of that year, they both traveled to Nepal, where Derick resided, and their bond deepened even further. By February 2014, Derick proposed to Jim Bob’s daughter, Jill, and the couple got married on June 21, 2014. They are proud parents of three boys—Israel born on April 6, 2015, Samuel born July 8, 2017, and Frederick born on July 7, 2022.

In April 2024, Jill announced they had experienced a miscarriage when expecting their first daughter with Derick.

In the Amazon Prime Video documentary titled “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets,” which debuted in June 2023, Jill and Derick pondered over the debates and religious views related to Jill’s family that were featured in the series.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

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

Jessa encountered Ben at church and started their traditional courtship in 2013, which surprised many viewers because it was an old-style approach to love. Prior to their engagement, they seldom discussed their relationships publicly. As Jim Bob clarified to People magazine, courting involves getting to know each other in a group setting, spending time together as families and establishing goals to decide if marriage is the next step. In contrast, dating usually means couples spend time alone, which might lead to more physical intimacy before determining if they should get married.

In August 2014, Ben asked for Jessa’s hand in marriage and proposed. Their first physical connection was a handholding moment. They exchanged vows on November 1, 2014. When Jessa was expecting their first child, the show “19 Kids and Counting” was taken off air by TLC. In its place, they aired a special program focusing on sexual abuse, with Jill and Jessa as key figures, aiming to educate viewers further. That same winter, Jessa and Jill became the main characters of their own show, titled “Jill and Jessa: Counting On”. This series later expanded to include other Duggar siblings, becoming known as simply “Counting On”.

During November 5, 2015, and February 6, 2017, Jessa and Ben welcomed their sons Spurgeon and Henry respectively. In May 28, 2019, they had a daughter named Ivy Jane, followed by another daughter Fern in July 2021. Sadly, Jessa experienced a miscarriage during the holiday season of 2022. However, she gave birth to her fifth child, George, in December 2023.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

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

Jinger and Jeremy first met while working in a ministry 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 (quite a coincidence when you have so many family members like they do!). Shortly after their wedding, speculations about pregnancy started circulating.

In a year, we likely will have found our footing, continuing our ministry right here in Laredo, and simply striving to serve the Lord in whatever capacity we can. This is what Jinger shared during a June 2017 episode of Counting On.

On July 19, 2018, their beloved daughter Felicity entered the world. Earlier in that same year, they disclosed that Jinger was pregnant once more, and tragically had experienced a miscarriage the previous autumn. In November of 2020, they were blessed with another daughter named Evangeline Jo.

Jinger and Jeremy shared in October 2024 that their third child is due in March 2025.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

Born on January 20, 1995, Joseph Duggar got engaged to Kendra, whom he had only recently met at church, during his sister Joy-Anna’s wedding in May 2017, following only a short courtship period.

In a conversation with People magazine, Joseph revealed his nerves before proposing, but he wasn’t worried about being rejected because she had already expressed, “I’m just waiting for you!” After the proposal, Kendra shared her joy and astonishment, saying, “I am so happy, and I can’t believe it! There are so many things I want to express, but all I feel is shocked.

Since then, they’ve added four children to their family: Garrett, born in June 2018, Addison, born in November 2019, Brooklyn, born in February 2019, and Justus, born in May 2023.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

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

Back in March of 2018, just a few short months after the world learned about my romantic journey with Lauren, we made an exciting announcement – our engagement! You see, the location where I popped the question holds deep significance for us. It’s the very same spot where her parents had their own magical moment and said ‘yes’ to each other. This property is steeped in family history, making it a truly special place for Lauren, brimming with memories from generations past.

In a video shared on their blog, Michelle, who is soon to be Lauren’s mother-in-law, expressed her affection for Lauren by saying, “We adore Lauren, she’s truly special.” Jessa and Ben also extended their well wishes, along with chocolates shaped like X’s and O’s. Holding up the treat as a token, Michelle playfully hinted, “I think you two might be planning to save your first kiss for your wedding day, but if you visit us, we’ll share this sweet gesture…

In the summer of 2015, a relationship with Marjorie Jackson came to an end, and they chose separate paths. As Josiah reminisced to People magazine in March 2016, he fondly remembered their time together: “We were simply attempting to listen to God’s guidance on everything. At that moment, she didn’t believe it was the appropriate timing, so we took a break for a while.

On June 30, 2018, they got married, and as they shared with People, their wedding day was simply perfect. Their first child, Bella Milagro, arrived on Nov. 8, 2019. The name means “miracle baby,” a fitting title after the couple had experienced a miscarriage in October 2018. They welcomed another daughter named Daisy in 2022, and a son they named Ezra in May 2023.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

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 romantically. From there, things moved quickly – he popped the question in February 2017, and they tied the knot on May 26, 2017, at Cross Church in Rogers, Arkansas, which is where Joseph proposed to Kendra.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

Joy-Anna and Austin had a baby boy named Gideon Martin Forsyth on February 23, 2018, a daughter called Evelyn Mae Forsyth on August 21, 2020, and another son named Gunner James Forsyth on May 17, 2023.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

The twin boys, Jed Duggar and Jeremiah Duggar, who are Jim Bob and Michelle’s second set of twins, were born on December 30, 1998.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

In February 2017, it became known that Jed was interning at his father’s former workplace, the Arkansas State Capitol, working for the House of Representatives. At just 21 years old, he decided to run for State Representative in District 89, promising to prioritize Springdale’s conservative values. One year later, in April 2021, he married Katey Nakatsu. They have since welcomed a son, Truett, born in May 2022, and a daughter, Nora Kate, born in June 2023.

Jed and Katey announced in July 2024 that they have twin girls on the way.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

Jeremiah, a licensed aviation trainer, is wed to Hannah Wissmann and together they have two children: Brynley, who arrived in December 2022, and Brielle, born in February 2024.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

No. 12 Jason Duggar was born on April 21, 2000.

Back in January 2017, the Daily Mail announced that Jim Bob assisted Jase in purchasing a $33,000 property requiring repairs in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, which is approximately half an hour from the Duggar family’s main residence. Subsequently, he launched his own construction business.

He went Instagram official with girlfriend Maddie Grace in May 2024 and the two married in October.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

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

He hasn’t made his romantic intentions known towards someone special, but he adores his numerous nieces and nephews like they were his own children.

On his 19th birthday in 2019, mom Michelle posted that “James is the cool uncle everyone admires and aspires to emulate.” She went on to describe him as a resourceful individual who could accomplish almost anything he set his mind to. As a kid, they would often discover James tinkering with household appliances to fix them or improve their functionality in unique ways.

This year, James dedicated considerable effort to earning his Commercial Driver’s License. Now, he’s a skilled operator of large trucks and heavy equipment! We eagerly anticipate witnessing what lies ahead for him, guided by divine plans.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

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

And from the department of growing up so fast…

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

In September 2020, Justin made their relationship with Claire Spivey known to the public. They got engaged in November of the same year and tied the knot on February 26, 2021.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

In the company of his elder sister Jill, Jim Bob and Michelle’s fifteenth child, Jackson Duggar, made his arrival on May 23, 2004.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

On his sixteenth birthday, his mother, Michelle, commended Jackson’s wit and mentioned that she was well aware of his eagerness to obtain a driver’s license.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

Johannah Duggar made her entry into the world on October 11, 2005, which coincidentally became the focus of a reality TV show titled “16 Kids and Starting A New Home Life“.

On her 15th birthday in 2020, Michelle wrote about her daughter: “She’s so full of life and enjoys meeting new people. Her little sisters can’t get enough of her, thinking she’s simply amazing! I couldn’t be more thankful to God for allowing me to be her mother.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

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.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

Now, OMG, she’s a teenager.

Michelle wrote celebrating her daughter, Jennifer, on her 13th birthday: “Jennifer is trustworthy, devoted… and a joy to be around!” She’s adored by her nieces and nephews who often cling to her because they don’t want her to let go. Moreover, Jennifer has a heart for animals and diligently cares for her beloved pets daily. Lately, she even assisted in rearing seven tiny bunnies!

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

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

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

2019 saw Jordyn-Grace being described by her mother as an extroverted girl who finds it easy to connect with anyone, and her laughter often serves as a beacon of joy in our daily lives.

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

Josie Duggar, seen here cradling her niece Meredith, arrived on December 10, 2009, but was born three months early and weighed merely 1 pound, 6 ounces. As a result, she spent six long months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Joy-Anna Duggar Wears Shorts After Family’s Strict Dress Code

On her baby’s 11th birthday in 2020, Michelle wrote: “Josie is like a whirlwind! She hardly ever takes a break, from the moment she gets up in the morning to when she goes to sleep at night.

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2024-11-26 23:20