Joy-Anna Duggar Defends Age Gap Between Her And Husband Austin Forsyth After Tying The Knot At 18
Reality TV star Joy-Anna Duggar has something to say about the age gap between her and her husband, Austin Forsyth.
She is best known for being one of the 19 children of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar who starred in the TLC show, “19 Kids and Counting.”
The pair got together just before Duggar turned eighteen almost a decade ago and now share three children: Gideon Martyn Forsyth, Evelyn Mae Forsyth, and Gunner James Forsyth.
The “Counting On” alum sat with her sister, Jinger Duggar, on an episode of her podcast, “Jinger & Jeremy Podcast.”
During the appearance, Joy-Anna spoke of meeting her husband Forsyth when she was 4, and he was 8 years old after his family moved from Texas. She shared how his family had visited her church, but then later went to another church, and she did not see much of him.
It was when Forsyth got his license and started playing football and broomball with the boys that she started to see him often. By the time Joy-Anna was 14, she shared that she was “crushing hard” on the then 18-year-old.
The host commented that she, 32, had a larger age gap with her husband Jeremy Vuolo, 38. However, she always felt that Joy-Anna and Forsyth had a larger gap because they got married so young.
“I would have married him from day one,” the “19 Kids and Counting” alum replied, before adding:
“I don’t think when we were dating and engaged, I didn’t think past ‘we’re going to have a farmhouse and we’re going to live happily ever after. I didn’t think past like, ‘I know he’s the one. It’s going to work out. Everything’s going to be fine.’ So there was a lot that surprised me.”
Joy-Anna Duggar Shared Details Of Her Stillbirth Seven Years Ago
Since getting married in May, 2017, the reality TV star and her husband have had three children, Gideon, Evelyn, and Gunner.
However, back in July of last year, Joy-Anna opened up about the devastating loss of her daughter, Annabelle Elise. The 28-year-old experienced a stillbirth at 20 weeks pregnant.
“I did have kind of a gut feeling that something may not be right,” the mother of three shared, per The Blast. “But also, I’m like, ‘I don’t want to exaggerate.’ I just remember feeling so numb leaving the ultrasound.”
Joy-Anna shared that the most difficult part was still having to go through the entire delivery process at 20 weeks. She expressed how difficult the time was, expressing her gratitude to her mother, who was a huge support at the time.
Joy-Anna Duggar Shared She Was Having A Hard Time With Her Brother Joseph Duggar’s Arrest
The Duggar family star has always remained candid with fans about her struggles. In June of this year, she shared how hard a time she was having following her brother, Joseph Duggar’s scandal.
Joseph was arrested in March for lewd and lascivious behavior after allegedly molesting a 9-year-old child in Florida in 2020. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
According to The Blast, Joy-Anna disclosed that it was the hardest thing she had ever had to go through. “I think we’re all grieving in different ways, but I think it just feels so heavy,” she shared, expressing that with time everything got lighter, but she was still struggling.
The Arkansas native disclosed the key role her faith played in getting through that period, stating that she had to trust God because he had come through for her in the past.
Amy Duggar Reached Out To Cousin Joseph Duggar, Alleged Victim
3Amid the intense family environment surrounding the allegations against Joseph, her cousin, Amy Duggar reached out to his alleged victim. Amy shared that she wanted to offer a source of comfort to the alleged victim.
“If she ever just needed a safe place to talk, then I’m here.” May shared, adding that her intention was not to speak on the victim’s behalf but to simply give her hope and reassurance, per The Blast.
Amy questioned the advice Joseph was receiving, saying she believed his counsel was “not good” and describing it as dishonest and unhealthy.
Joseph Duggar And Kendra Duggar Might Escape Child Neglect Case
3Amid reactions from Duggar family members, Joseph and his wife, Kendra, who face a child welfare charge, have been given a potential path to having their case dismissed if they meet the court-set conditions.
The shocking move came about after they withdrew their not guilty pleas.
Per The Blast, the couple was charged in March with two counts each of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts each of second-degree false imprisonment following an extensive search of their home.
The duo will remain under a 12-month advisement period, which will last till August 4, 2027. During that time, they must avoid new offenses, maintain good behavior, pay a $1,850 fine, and comply with court orders. If they meet all these conditions, the charges will be dismissed.
