Honestly, it feels like just yesterday we were all watching those two bright, smiling girls on TLC, marveling at how they could ride a bike or drive a car with such effortless coordination. Abby and Brittany Hensel didn't just survive; they thrived in a way that defied every medical textbook ever written. But lately, the internet has been buzzing with "sad news" and "tragic updates" about the twins, and it's getting kinda hard to separate the real life of two Minnesota teachers from the clickbait chaos.
Most of the "sad" headlines you’re seeing are actually a mix of old legal drama, invasive paparazzi photos, and a whole lot of people who can’t wrap their heads around the fact that these women are now 35-year-old adults with their own private lives.
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The Paternity Suit That Shook the Internet
If you saw the words "legal battle" or "heartbreak" associated with the twins recently, it likely stems back to Abby’s husband, Josh Bowling. In early 2024, news broke that Abby had actually married Josh, a nurse and Army veteran, way back in 2021. It was a beautiful, private ceremony, but the public reveal triggered a storm of unwanted attention.
Shortly after the marriage became public knowledge, a paternity lawsuit surfaced. Josh’s ex-wife, Annica Bowling, filed a suit in 2023 regarding her second child, who was born after her divorce from Josh. For a few months, things looked pretty messy for the couple.
The "sad news" here was the sheer level of public scrutiny and the legal stress placed on a newly married couple. However, by April 2024, court documents confirmed that Josh was not the father of that child. Another man, Gavin Vatnsdal, was legally recognized as the biological father. Josh was officially cleared and taken off the birth certificate.
While the legal side was resolved, the emotional toll of having your husband's past dragged through the mud while you're just trying to teach 5th grade is, well, pretty heavy.
Those Viral Baby Photos: Are They Parents?
In August 2025, the rumor mill went into overdrive. Paparazzi caught photos of Abby and Brittany in a parking lot in Arden Hills, Minnesota, holding a newborn baby and loading a car seat into their Tesla.
The internet basically exploded.
People were calling it "sad news" because of the perceived "complications" or "secrecy," but the twins haven't actually confirmed if the baby is theirs. They did post a TikTok shortly after with the caption "blessed," which some took as a confirmation and others saw as a way to troll the people obsessed with their reproductive choices.
You’ve gotta remember that Abby is already a stepmother to Josh’s daughter, Isabella. They’ve always been clear about wanting to be moms one day, telling interviewers years ago, "Yeah, we are going to be mums one day, but we don't want to talk about how it's going to work yet."
Why the "Sad News" Label Keeps Sticking
So why do we keep seeing these "tragic" updates?
- Privacy vs. Fame: The twins transitioned from being reality stars to being regular elementary school teachers. When they stopped sharing everything, people started filling the silence with tragedy.
- The Reality of Teaching: They work at Sunnyside Elementary. They share a salary but have separate contracts. It’s a quiet, hardworking life that doesn't fit the high-drama narrative people expect from former TV stars.
- Medical Misconceptions: Because they are dicephalic parapagus twins—meaning they share one torso but have separate hearts, lungs, and spines—there is a constant, morbid curiosity about their health.
The truth is, they are among the longest-living twins with this condition in history. They recently celebrated their 35th birthday. That isn't sad. It's a miracle.
Navigating the "Haters"
Abby and Brittany aren't oblivious to what people say. They’ve been pretty vocal on TikTok about the "loud" internet. One of their posts basically told the haters that if they’re watching everything they do while claiming not to like them, they’re still fans.
It’s a tough spot to be in. They want to be seen as individuals—Abby likes math and science, Brittany prefers language arts—but the world often treats them as a singular medical curiosity. The "sadness" isn't about their health or their marriage; it’s about how difficult it is for them to just exist without being a headline.
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What We Know for Sure in 2026
As of right now, the Hensel sisters are still living in Minnesota. They are still teaching. Abby and Josh appear to be going strong, despite the paternity suit drama of the past.
If you’re looking for a "tragic ending," you won't find it here. Their story is actually one of the most successful examples of living life on your own terms despite having the most unique physical circumstances imaginable.
The real takeaway? Stop clicking on the videos with the "goodbye" thumbnails. They aren't saying goodbye. They’re just busy grading papers and living a life that’s finally, mostly, their own.
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Actionable Insights for Following the Story:
- Check the Source: Most "sad news" about the twins comes from YouTube channels that use AI-generated voices and stock footage. If it’s not from a reputable outlet like People or TMZ, it’s probably fake.
- Respect the Career: Remember they are professional educators. Spreading unfounded rumors can actually impact their workplace and the kids they teach.
- Acknowledge the Nuance: Their medical reality is complex (shared reproductive organs, separate nervous systems), but they have asked for privacy regarding the specifics for over a decade.