Where Anna Duggar Stands With Husband Josh Duggar’s Sprawling Family

As I delve deeper into the captivating lives of the Duggar family, I find myself utterly amazed by the resilience and spirit that each member exudes. Among them all, there is one individual who stands out to me – Josie Duggar. Born three months premature, weighing a mere 1 pound, 6 ounces, and spending six long months in the NICU, her story is nothing short of miraculous.

It was clear that Anna Duggar, with her seven children, could always rely on her in-laws for emotional support, even if it were only in a spiritual sense, as Josh Dugson served his prison sentence.

Jinger Duggar Vuolo, one of Josh’s ten siblings, expressed to TopMob News in January 2023 that they are consistently available for help whenever needed. She also hopes that this understanding is clear to them.

In her 2023 book titled “Becoming Free Indeed”, Jinger mentioned that despite praying for Josh, who was convicted and imprisoned for over a decade due to child pornography charges in 2022, she hadn’t interacted with him for the past two years.

In her writing about her brother’s work as an advocate for faith, Jinger expressed that, “Despite his outward appearances aligning with it in numerous ways, the real Josh seems to be quite distinct. He seemed to be living a façade.

When Josh was found guilty, Jill Dillard expressed her thoughts to her husband Derick Dillard in her 2023 memoir titled “Counting the Cost”. She wrote that she told him, “I believe they made the correct decision.

At the moment, Jill stated to Access Hollywood that she and Derick hadn’t been in touch with Anna. “I’ve run into her a few times, but…since she’s requested some personal time, we’re choosing to honor that too. I can’t even fathom what she must be experiencing, and I simply want to grant her the privacy she needs as well.

Since the year 2008, Anna has been married to Josh, who is one of Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar’s 19 children. Over this period, it appears that she has remained steadfast in honoring her marital commitments.

Two years after her last public appearance, the 36-year-old woman, whose marriage was followed by millions during the second season of TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting, was recently seen wearing her wedding ring at one of her son’s basketball games in Fayetteville, Arkansas on December 10th.

If not noted otherwise, Anna has been living a rather secluded life with her seven children: Mackynzie (15), Michael (13), Marcus (11), Meredith (9), Mason (7), Maryella (5), and Madyson (3).

In April 2021, just before her husband, who was already mired in scandals, was apprehended by federal authorities and indicted for a crime that eventually led to his imprisonment, Anna publicly revealed she was pregnant with their youngest child.

In a conversation with Access, Jill expressed her bewilderment, saying, “I just don’t understand why Anna chose to remain with Josh, or what challenges she might be facing there.

Despite some members of the Duggar family choosing to step away from their former lives as a popular reality TV family, they generally maintain strong familial bonds and continue to stick together closely.

Of Jim Bob and Michelle’s 19 kids, 13 are married—and 10 of them now have families of their own.

Currently, the count of grandchildren is growing steadily to more than thirty, as: Son Jedidiah Duggar and his spouse Katey Duggar are expecting four children with the arrival of twin girls next year (Katey was 31 weeks pregnant by November 19th), while Jinger’s third child with husband Jeremy Vuolo is due in March.

That means there are just two more birthday celebrations to keep in mind, given that we’ve primarily focused on a small group of the Duggars, but have referred to numerous individuals.

As the count of grandchildren nears 36 by the end of next year, let me walk you through the extensive Duggar family tree as we approach 2024:

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

Michelle shares a memory of being “rescued” at the age of 15. One evening, Jim Bob was conducting house visits as part of his Baptist church duties, and upon the advice of a friend who mentioned, “there’s a girl from school who just got saved and is a cheerleader,” he visited the Ruark family’s home.

They extended an invitation to Michelle to attend Sunday school at their church, and Jim Bob mentioned that he had prayed to God for them to serve as each other’s spiritual guides – though it seemed that Michelle didn’t find their initial encounter particularly noteworthy. A year later, she applied for a position at the frozen yogurt store owned by Jim Bob’s parents. As Michelle recalled in a blog post on their family site for Jim Bob’s birthday and their 33rd anniversary, “You approached the counter where I was standing near the cash register and introduced yourself. You were timid but very kind! I don’t recall much about that chat, except that you eventually gathered the courage to ask me if I would accompany you to your junior-senior banquet!

At Shiloh Christian, they both went to a dinner together, but it wasn’t until late nights at her family home, discussing the Bible for hours on end, that she truly felt their connection deepen. As Michelle puts it, “That’s when our hearts became intertwined.” They graduated high school in May 1984 and tied the knot in July, with Michelle being 17 and Jim Bob being 19.

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

Jim Bob used to be a state legislator, representing Arkansas’s sixth district in the House of Representatives from 1999 until 2002. During this time, he served as vice chair of the House Corrections and Criminal Law Subcommittee. He attempted to run for the U.S. Senate in 2002 but was unsuccessful in the primary election. In 2006, he also tried to become the Republican nominee for Arkansas State Senate District 35, but his bid ended without success.

They, along with Michelle, who are both real estate professionals, have been actively involved in conservative movements – a part of their lives that has earned them both admirers and critics, including being avid fans and strong opponents of the 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 firstborn child of the Duggars, Joshua Duggar, was born on March 3, 1988. Similarly, he also took up the role as a conservative advocate, working to support the Family Research Council.

In 2015, police records from the past emerged, implicating him in accusations of molestation against multiple girls, including his sisters Jessa Duggar and Jill Duggar, when he was a teenager. Later that same year, Jessa defended her brother during an interview with Fox News, stating that the harsh labels being used toward Josh were “far from the truth” and “exaggerated.

His spouse, Anna Duggar – whom he wedded during a September 26, 2008 ceremony highlighted on the 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 “an essential initial move towards recuperation 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 ended their show “19 Kids.” Their fifth child, Mason Garett, was born on September 12, 2017, followed by Maryella Hope on November 27, 2019 and Madyson Lily, their seventh baby, arrived on October 23, 2021.

Back in April 2021, I found myself facing federal charges – specifically for receiving and possessing child pornography. I maintained my innocence on both counts when given the chance. In the year that followed, I was unfortunately convicted of both charges, though the possession charge was later dismissed by a judge. As a result, I now face 12 and a half years behind bars.

Not long after Josh’s birth, Michelle discovered she was expecting another child, only to experience a miscarriage later. As they mourned this loss and sought spiritual guidance, it was revealed that they were expecting twins instead.

She expressed that it felt like a special double gift,” she shared with Love to Know. “It seemed as though God was providing us with comfort and guidance. We’re continuing to learn. In fact, it’s quite rare – I breastfeed my children yet they are very close in age. Eight months after having one baby, I am expecting another. This is just another unexpected twist that the Lord has orchestrated for our unique circumstances.

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

Following a long acquaintanceship (they had been familiar with each other for several years), and after their encounter at a church gathering in Oklahoma – Abbie’s home state, John David and Abbie-Grace Burnett tied the knot on November 3, 2018.

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

On their 30th birthday in January 2020, Jana wrote a heartfelt message to John: “From when we were kids, people have often wondered if we share some sort of ‘twin intuition’ – the sense of knowing what the other is feeling or thinking…John, I’ve always replied that we don’t possess such a thing… but the moment little Gracie was born, I felt every ounce of joy you did. So perhaps it does exist after all!

Jana went on to say, “It’s just delightful to see you and Abbie in your parental roles! You two seem so natural at it! I believe the same qualities that make you an outstanding brother will also make you an exceptional father.

Jana observed as 11 out of her total 18 siblings tied the knot, and it wasn’t until she met Stephen Wissmann that she experienced love—it so happens that his sister, Hannah Wissmann, is married to Jana’s own brother, Jeremiah. Through some acknowledged moments of aggravation, she remained firm in believing it was all part of a divine arrangement set by God.

In August 2024, just before her wedding, Jana shared with People that she hadn’t always grasped the larger plan, but she trusted that God knew what was best for everyone. For her personally, marriage came later. She explained, “Everyone’s story unfolds uniquely; if we were all identical, life would lack excitement.

Jill Duggar, also known as Jill Dillard, was born on May 17, 1991. Her love story bears a resemblance to her parents’, as she met Derick (a resident approximately 45 minutes away) on Christmas Day in 2011. This encounter took place when he dropped by the Duggar family residence during his church group’s caroling outing.

Jim Bob acted as a cupid, facilitating the relationship between Jill and Derick. They developed a strong bond through emails and Skype calls. In November of the same year, they met in person when Father and daughter visited Derick in Nepal. Their bond deepened, and by February 2014, Derick proposed to Jill with Jim Bob’s approval. The couple got married on June 21, 2014, and have since welcomed three sons into their family: Israel, born on April 6, 2015, Samuel, born July 8, 2017, and Frederick, born on July 7, 2022.

In April 2024, Jill revealed they had experienced a miscarriage, being pregnant with their first daughter, Derick and herself.

In the Amazon Prime Video documentary titled “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets“, which debuted in June 2023, Jill and Derick pondered over the disputes and spiritual views associated with Jill’s family, as depicted within.

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

Jessa became acquainted with Ben at church, and he started pursuing her romantically in 2013 – an antiquated style of courtship that was surprising for many viewers. Before their engagement, the couple didn’t discuss their relationships openly, so Jim Bob clarified to People magazine, “Courting involves getting to know each other in a group setting, with both families spending time together and the couple establishing shared goals to decide if they are suitable for marriage. Dating typically involves a couple spending time alone, which can sometimes lead to a more intimate relationship.

Back in August 2014, I was overjoyed when Ben asked for my hand and proposed! We sealed our bond by holding hands for the first time, and then we tied the knot on November 1, 2014. As fate would have it, I was pregnant with our first child around that same time when 19 Kids and Counting got canceled. To educate viewers further on a sensitive subject, TLC aired a special focusing on sexual abuse, featuring my sister Jill and myself. That winter, we stepped into the limelight as the stars of our own show, Jill and Jessa: Counting On. Later, this series expanded to include other Duggar siblings, becoming known as Counting On.

During November 5, 2015, Jessa and Ben became parents to their son Spurgeon; they welcomed Henry on February 6, 2017, Ivy Jane on May 28, 2019, and Fern in July 2021. Tragically, Jessa experienced a miscarriage during the 2022 holiday season. However, she went on to give birth to her fifth child, George, in December 2023.

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

Jinger and Jeremy became acquainted while working on ministry projects in Laredo, Texas in 2016, and they began dating around that time. They tied the knot on November 5, 2016, which happened to be the nephew Spurgeon’s birthday (and when you’re one of 19 children, it can be tricky not to have significant events overlap). Shortly after their wedding, they faced speculation about a possible pregnancy.

In a year, we expect to remain right here in Laredo, continuing our ministry, while 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 little girl named Felicity came into the world. It was in May of that same year when they announced that Jinger was expecting again, revealing she had unfortunately experienced a miscarriage the previous fall. In November 2020, Evangeline Jo joined their family as their newborn daughter.

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

Born on January 20, 1995, Joseph Duggar found himself popping the question to his church acquaintance, Kendra, following a brief courtship of only a few months. This special moment occurred at his sister Joy-Anna’s wedding in May 2017, providing a picturesque backdrop for their romantic milestone.

In a conversation with People magazine, Joseph shared that he was certainly anxious before proposing, yet he wasn’t worried about her refusing because she had already expressed, “I’m just waiting on you!” After the proposal, Kendra exclaimed, “I am overjoyed and utterly surprised. There are so many things I want to express, but all I can say is shocked.

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

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

A few short months after their relationship became public knowledge, the pair made an announcement of their engagement in March 2018. He explained in a statement that the location where he proposed to Lauren was the very same spot where her parents had been engaged. This site holds significant family history, making it a particularly meaningful place for Lauren.

Michelle, Lauren’s future mother-in-law, expressed her affection for Lauren in a family blog video post, saying “Lauren is truly special to us.” Jessa and Ben joined in with their congratulations, along with gifts shaped like X’s and O’s. Michelle then playfully hinted, “I think you two might be saving your first kiss for your wedding day, but if you visit us, we have a sweet surprise waiting here…” She indicated the enticing treat as a consolation prize.

2015 saw an unfortunate end to my courtship with the radiant Marjorie Jackson. As I reflect back on those times, I remember our shared moments fondly and recall telling People magazine in March 2016, “We enjoyed each other’s company greatly. We were simply attempting to walk the path that God had laid out for us. Unfortunately, she didn’t feel it was the appropriate moment then, so we decided to take a break from our relationship.

On June 30, 2018, they got married, and they told People that their wedding day was simply perfect. Their first child, Bella Milagro, was born on November 8, 2019, which translates to “miracle baby.” This name was chosen after the couple had a miscarriage in October 2018. They then welcomed daughter Daisy in 2022 and son 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 pursuing her. After this, there was no delay. He popped the question 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 have given birth to three children: Gideon Martin Forsyth on February 23, 2018, Evelyn Mae Forsyth on August 21, 2020, and Gunner James Forsyth on May 17, 2023.

On December 30, 1998, the second pair of twins for Jim Bob and Michelle, named Jed Duggar and Jeremiah Duggar, were brought into the world.

In February 2017, it became known that Jed was interning at his father’s former workplace, the state capitol, working for the Arkansas House of Representatives. At just 21 years old, he then ran for State Representative in District 89, with a focus on upholding Springdale’s conservative values. One year later, in April 2021, he married Katey Nakatsu. The couple welcomed their first child, son Truett, in May 2022, and their daughter Nora Kate was born in June 2023.

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

Jeremiah, who holds a certification as a flight instructor, is married to Hannah Wissmann. Together, they have two children: Brynley, their daughter who was born in December 2022, and Brielle, their other daughter who joined the family in February 2024.

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

Back in January 2017, the Daily Mail revealed that Jim Bob aided Jase in purchasing a $33,000 property in need of repairs (a 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.

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

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

He doesn’t have a public romantic relationship yet, but he’s very caring towards numerous nieces and nephews as an affectionate uncle.

On his 19th birthday in 2019, Michelle wrote about James: “He’s the kind of uncle everyone admires, and all the young lads here aspire to be like him.” James has always been quite resourceful, often tinkering with various appliances around our home even as a child. He’d take things apart, understand their inner workings, make some adjustments, then put them back together again – sometimes with a few unique improvements!

2021 saw James putting in a great deal of effort to obtain his Commercial Driver’s License. Now, he’s mastered maneuvering large trucks and complex machinery with ease! We eagerly anticipate witnessing the wonderful plans that lay ahead for him in the coming days!

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

And from the department of growing up so fast…

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

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I am delighted to share that it is I who had the privilege of being present at the birth of Jackson Duggar, the 15th child of Jim Bob and Michelle, on the 23rd of May, 2004. His big sister Jill was also part of this joyous occasion in our lives.

On his sixteenth birthday, Michelle, Jackson’s mother, commended his wit and mentioned that she was certain he couldn’t contain his excitement for getting his driver’s license.

Johanna Duggar was born on October 11, 2005, which is when the initial TV show about their family, titled “16 Children Moving In,” was aired.

On her 15th birthday in 2020, Michelle posted, “This girl is full of life and enjoys meeting new people. She’s such a blast! Her little sisters simply idolize her and think she’s the moon itself. I feel incredibly blessed to be her mom, knowing that God picked me for this role!

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 wrote when her niece turned 13, “Jennifer is reliable, devoted… and full of fun!” This describes how Jennifer is adored by the younger family members, who often cling to her as they don’t want her to put them down. Not only does she have a soft spot for children, but Jennifer also cherishes animals and diligently takes care of her pets daily. In fact, she recently helped nurse a brood of 7 little 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 everyone, and whose laughter is often one of the most joyful moments we experience daily.

Born on December 10, 2009, Josie Duggar (No. 19) was delivered three months early, tipping the scales at a mere 1 pound, 6 ounces. She spent six months receiving specialized care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

On her baby’s 11th birthday in 2020, Michelle penned that Josie is like a whirlwind of activity. From the moment she gets up in the morning to when she finally falls asleep at night, there’s barely a moment when she isn’t moving briskly!

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2024-12-18 22:49