In September of 2008, the entertainment realm was introduced to the Duggar family for the very first time on TLC's 17 Kids And Counting. The series was later known as 19 Kids And Counting as the family continued to grow. As the family grew in size, they also grew up, which allowed viewers to watch the family dynamics and see how things were different from their own lives.
Not only was the family a large one, but they were also open about their religious values, and that was a key component in the series. Their beliefs were at the forefront of the decisions made by the adults and the rules followed by the children.
As the children grew up and had their own families, Counting On began to showcase those family units and how they stayed true to their values and how they changed things in their own homes.
In the midst of the first show being canceled, the second one beginning, and the family growing, the Duggars had their share of controversies. As the patriarch and matriarch of the family, Jim Bob and Michelle most often speak about what the family is facing.
Here's some of what they've said over the years.
7 Jim Bob And Michelle On Having Such A Large Family
While this wasn't a controversy, per se, it has been a common factor in discussions about the family. How did they decide to have such a large family? What steps were taken in the family planning process to choose either growing their family or stopping at a certain number or point?
A big part of the decision-making for them happened with Jim Bob, and Michelle suffered a tragedy. They found out Michelle was expecting, even though she'd been on birth control at the time. Unfortunately, Michelle miscarried, and the couple felt as though her being on birth control had something to do with the loss of the baby.
"To us, it meant that something we had chosen to do—use the pill—had caused the end of the pregnancy...
We weren’t sure if Michelle could have any more children after the miscarriage, but we were sure we were going to stop using the pill. In fact, we agreed we would stop using any form of birth control and let God decide how many children we would have. A year later, God blessed us with twins! And then another baby, and another, and another!"
The full statement can be read here.
TLC Cancels '19 Kids And Counting'
[EMBED_INSTA]https://www.instagram.com/p/B_dXjzcDfan/[/EMBED_INSTA] When TLC announced that 19 Kids And Counting would stop filming, Jim Bob and Michelle made a statement on their family blog. The full statement outlines their time with TLC up to that point, how God helped guide them through a life that was outside of anything they expected, and This is part of their statement regarding the cancellation: "...Over the last several years, people have said to us, 'We love your show!' We have always responded, 'It’s not a show; it’s our lives!' Our desire in opening our home to the world is to share Bible principles that are the answers for life’s problems." You can read it in its entirety here.
6 Josh Duggar Enters Rehab
When Josh Duggar entered rehab, Jim Bob and Michelle shared more about the situation and what they hoped would come of it. They said that they were hurt and grieving because of his actions, and that they impacted many others outside of his family. Checking into rehab was supposed to be a road to recovery, and they offered love and support to Anna and her children for the road they were on as well.
"We are so thankful for the outpouring of love, care, and prayers for our family during this most difficult situation with Josh. As parents, we are so deeply grieved by our son’s decisions and actions. His wrong choices have deeply hurt his precious wife and children and have negatively affected so many others. He has also brought great insult to the values and faith we hold dear. Yesterday Josh checked himself into a long-term treatment center. For him, it will be a long journey toward wholeness and recovery. We pray that in this, he comes to complete repentance and sincere change..."
5 Josh Returned From Rehab
Another statement was released after Josh's stay at the program at the rehabilitation center. The family thanked everyone who worked with their son towards what they described as his 'first step' towards healing.
As he left rehab, he returned home with his family, where he was supposed to work on rebuilding relationships with those around him.
"Josh has completed his residential rehabilitation program. We are so thankful for everyone who worked with Josh in this program. It was a crucial first step in recovery and healing for Josh. Josh has now returned to Arkansas, where he will continue professional counseling and focus on rebuilding relationships with his family. We look to God for help and guidance and place all of our trust in Him. We are forever grateful for the love and prayers offered by so many and hope you will continue to pray in the days ahead."
4 Punishment Of The Children
In an interview with TLC, Michelle Duggar spoke about the discipline of the children. At the time, she said that she focuses on the good that the children do and focuses on praise vs. punishment. She said they do get pulled aside if they aren't being kind to one another, but that focusing on the good makes a big difference.
"So in training the little guys, day in and day out, if I see the little ones not being kind to each other, I will take them aside and I will deal with them and talk to them and have them work this out amongst themselves and learn to communicate and be kind to each other. And then when I see them being sweet and doing what's right, I make a big deal!"
It was later brought up that the children were punished with rods, but neither Jim Bob nor Michelle have spoken out about it directly.
3 Duggar Statement About Arkansas Home Raided In 2019
In another statement made by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, the pair denied anyone in their family being subject to an investigation and to their home being raided. They also spoke of defending themselves against rumors and how, if they spoke out on each one, they'd never have a moment to do anything else.
"We were shocked to see a news report today state that our home was raided by federal law enforcement agencies. This is not true. To the best of our knowledge, it’s also not true that any member of our family is the target of any investigation of any kind. Living a life in the public’s eye has taught us that it is best not to reply to every rumor and piece of 'fake news' that is circulated online. It would be a full-time job if we attempted to do so. However, because of tonight’s media coverage we thought it is important to address this rumor with you..."
2 New Allegations Against Josh Duggar
On the family blog, Jim Bob and Michelle had this to say when the new allegations against Josh were made public in April of this year.
“We appreciate your continued prayers for our family at this time. The accusations brought against Joshua today are very serious. It is our prayer that the truth, no matter what it is, will come to light, and that this will all be resolved in a timely manner. We love Josh and Anna and continue to pray for their family.”
1 Family Statement On 'Counting On' Cancellation
In their statement about Counting On being canceled by TLC, Jim Bob and Michelle had a lengthy statement that allowed reflection on their time with the network and the crew who shared life with them over the last 17 years. They called working with the network an honor full of beautiful and painful moments.
"It is hard to believe that more than 17 years have passed since we were first contacted by a production company wanting to do a one-hour documentary about the logistics of raising 14 children...
...Since we began filming so long ago, we’ve had the amazing honor to share our lives, our faith, and our story with you—including some of the most difficult and painful moments our family has ever faced...
...We look forward to all the new adventures and endeavors that may come our way, and with so many grown children and wonderful grandchildren, we know our love will only continue to multiply!"