Reality TV
Who Is Josh Duggar? Details on the Oldest ’19 Kids and Counting’ Reality Star and His Marriage to Anna Duggar
Counting on! Josh Duggar has managed to sneak his way back into the spotlight thanks to his controversial return to television. This upcoming June, the 29-year-old is set to make his return to TLC’s Counting On, the spinoff series of the original show 19 Kids and Counting, which catapulted the oldest Duggar child and the rest of his family to reality TV fame.
Both fans and critics alike are wondering what Josh’s highly-anticipated homecoming will bring, especially since it was his drama — a cheating scandal and confirmed molestation allegations — that ended the original show in the first place.
Now that he’s back in the spotlight after nearly disappearing for more than two years, you might need a refresher on the controversial figure and dad of four.
Josh, his wife Anna, and their four children. (Photo Credit: Facebook)
MUST SEE: Meet the Duggar Daughters — Get to Know the Ladies in the Duggar Family!
Who are Josh’s siblings?
Josh’s siblings are John-David Duggar (28), Jana Duggar (28), Jill Duggar Dillard (26), Jessa Seewald (25), Jinger Duggar (24), Joseph Duggar (23), Josiah Duggar (21), Joy-Anna Duggar (20), Jedidiah Duggar (19), Jeremiah Duggar (18), Jason Duggar (17), James Duggar (16), Justin Duggar (15), Jackson Duggar (13), Johanna Duggar (12), Jennifer Duggar (10), Jordyn-Grace Duggar (9), and Josie Duggar (8).
Why was 19 Kids and Counting cancelled?
The original series, which lasted for 10 seasons, heavily centered around the family’s strong Christian faith and values. The show was cancelled by the network when news broke that Josh had molested five underage women — four of which were his sisters, the fifth the family babysitter — and cheated on his wife Anna. After the abuse scandal broke, Josh was also named as a member of Ashley Madison, a website for married people to pursue infidelity outside of their marriage. Josh is set to be questioned under oath regarding the incident in a lawsuit over his online profile.
Is Josh still with his wife Anna?
They tied the knot back in 2008 but their marriage was tested in 2015 as news of Josh’s Ashley Madison profile broke. At the time, the couple was expecting their fourth child together. In the years since, they have been vocal about marriage counseling, even revealing that Josh is in therapy for his sex addiction. They continue to try working things out.
Nearly a year ago, the couple submitted a joint statement to their website:
“Since the residential treatment program ended, we have been working with a professional marriage and family counselor to take important steps toward healing. It isn’t easy and some days are very difficult. It is a long road to rebuild trust and a truly healthy relationship. We are very thankful for God’s forgiveness, grace and help, as it is our strength and guide to rebuilding our lives. As the future unfolds, we are taking one day at a time and we are grateful for your continued prayers for both of us and our sweet children.”
What’s the Duggar spin-off called?
The Duggar spin-off series was formerly called Jill and Jessa: Counting On but has now been changed to simply Counting On. Since the title change, the show has also started following Jinger, Joy-Anna, and Joseph as their families grow. Joy recently gave birth to a little boy, and both Jinger and Joe’s wife, Kendra, are expecting.
What are some of the Duggar family core values?
The Duggars have been vocal during their years on TV about their anti-birth control stance, citing the idea that God will decide when they’ve had enough kids. The children were homeschooled, their access to technology limited, and practiced “chaperoned courtship.” The dating technique allows a couple to only “date” in group settings.
What was Josh Duggar’s job before the show?
Before Josh became a television personality from appearing on his family’s show 19 Kids And Counting, the eldest Duggar was once a used car salesman. Following in his father’s footsteps, Josh got into politics and became a lobbyist for the Family Research Council in Washington, D.C. from 2013 – 2015 until his molestation scandal broke.
MORE: Josh Duggar Is “Stepping up” for Baby No. 5
How many kids does Josh and Anna Duggar have?
The young parents have five beautiful children: two girls and three boys. Josh and Anna seem to be incredibly hands-on when it comes to raising their children, as seen on Anna’s Instagram.
What are their kids’ names?
Mackynzie, 8, Meredith, 2, Michael, 6, and Marcus, 4, and Mason. Mason was born on Sept. 12, 2017.
What does Josh do for a living now?
Since Josh’s molestation charges and confession about cheating on his wife back in 2015 surfaced, he has been out of the spotlight… until now. With talks of Josh, Anna, and the children appearing on the next season of Counting On (since his sisters’ spinoff show, Jill & Jessica: Counting On, has experienced low ratings) and Josh having been busy with rehabilitation meetings for sex addiction since late April of this year, the growing family are having some difficulty making ends meet.
