Days after it was announced that TLC was canceling the Duggar’s reality show Counting On, the patriarch and matriarch of the family are speaking out.
On July 3, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar shared a statement regarding the channel’s decision to end their spin-off reality show. If you have followed the Duggars over the last more than a decade, you will know that their journey started after agree to be the subjects of a documentary that then transpired into a reality show called 19 Kids and Counting.
TLC revamped the show, calling it Counting On, following the first of Josh Duggar’s scandals. Now, the Duggars will no longer be gracing a television screen near you.
RELATED: TLC Cancels ‘Counting On’ Following Josh Duggar’s Arrest on Child Pornography Charges
In their statement, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar wrote that they are honored to have had the time and platform that they once did.
“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,” the statement began. “Our family has grown (and grown up!) before our eyes and on national television, and the journey has been miraculous—following God is an exciting adventure!”
The statement also addressed the painful and difficult moments that were also dealt with publicly over the years. Most recently, as Mamas Uncut reported, was the arrest of their son, Josh, who has since been charged with receiving and possessing child pornography.
“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 are full of deep gratitude for the love shown to us and the prayers of so many who have sustained us both now and through the years.”
However, despite all the turmoil over the recent years, Jim Bob and Michelle suggest that they will still be sharing glimpses of their lives with their fans. They concluded their statement by saying:
“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! We are forever grateful for our film crew and so many others behind the scenes who have become like family to us over the years. The wonderful experiences that filming has provided us will be treasured always, and we look forward to discovering what’s next for our family and sharing more with you along the way!”
It’s unclear how the family will continue to share their story.
Mamas Uncut is THE online place for moms. We cover the latest about motherhood, parenting, and entertainment as well – all with a mom-focused twist. So if you're looking for parenting advice from real parents, we have plenty of it, all for moms from moms, and also experts. Because, at the end of the day, our mission is focused solely on empowering moms and moms-to-be with the knowledge and answers they’re looking for in one safe space.