You probably remember the buddy system. It was that organized, slightly chaotic method Michelle Duggar used to keep 19 children moving in the same direction. Jill was the first daughter to really lead a team. She wasn't just a sister; she was a "sister-mom." Honestly, looking back at it now through the lens of 2026, it’s wild to see how much those early dynamics shaped where the Jill Duggar siblings stand today.
Some are still deeply entrenched in the Big House lifestyle in Arkansas. Others, like Jill, have basically carved out an entirely new existence that would’ve been unrecognizable to their younger selves.
The family tree is massive. We’re talking about a group of people who spent their entire childhoods being filmed by TLC cameras, yet many of them didn't even know the full truth about their own household until they were adults. The divide among the Jill Duggar siblings isn't just about who wears pants or who listens to rock music; it's about who decided to speak up and who chose to keep the peace.
The Full Lineup: Who’s Who in 2026
If you’re trying to keep track of everyone, good luck. It’s a lot. As of early 2026, the age gaps are more noticeable than ever.
- Josh (37): Still serving his federal sentence. The relationship here is, predictably, non-existent. Jill has been very vocal about her anger toward him.
- Jana (36): The "Cinderella" sister finally moved out! She married Stephen Wissmann in late 2024 and is currently living in Nebraska, expecting her first baby any day now in January 2026.
- John-David (36): Jana’s twin. He’s still flying planes and living the quiet life with Abbie. They’re expecting their third child this winter.
- Jill (34): The one who broke the seal on the family secrets.
- Jessa (33): The powerhouse of the family. She’s now a mother of six—yes, six—after welcoming Edward Owen in July 2025.
- Jinger (32): Living the California life with Jeremy. She’s become Jill’s closest ally in the "deconstruction" world, though her 2025 arrival, baby Finnegan, keeps her busy.
- Joseph (31): Very private. He and Kendra have four kids (maybe more—they stopped announcing everything publicly).
- Josiah (29): Another one who went dark on social media. He and Lauren are raising their four kids away from the spotlight.
- Joy-Anna (28): The bridge between the old world and the new. She vlogs constantly but stays close to the family.
- Jedidiah and Jeremiah (27): The second set of twins. Both have huge families now; Jed and Katey actually had twin girls, Elsie and Emma, in early 2025.
- Jason (25): Married Maddie Grace Jones in late 2024. He’s always been the "builder" of the group.
- James (24): Still the family’s resident prankster and traveler.
- Justin (23): Living in Texas with Claire and her family.
- Jackson (21): The first of the "Lost Boys" to hit full adulthood.
- Johannah (20): 16. Jennifer (18): Just hit adulthood.
- Jordyn-Grace (17):
- Josie (16): The youngest, still the "miracle baby" in her parents' eyes.
Why the Sibling Dynamic Fractured
When Jill released Counting the Cost, it wasn't just a book. It was a grenade.
She wasn't just attacking the IBLP (the religious cult-like group they grew up in); she was calling out her father, Jim Bob, for how he handled the money and the NDAs. This created a massive rift. You’ve gotta realize that for the younger Jill Duggar siblings, Jim Bob is still the provider and the ultimate authority. When Jill "sued" (or threatened to) for her fair share of the TLC earnings, it looked like a betrayal to the brothers who were still being supported by the family business.
Jedidiah, in particular, was rumored to be pretty upset when the book details first leaked. It’s complicated. If you're 20 years old and living in a house your dad owns, you’re probably not going to publicly side with the sister who is dragging your dad’s name through the mud.
The Secret "Sister-Mom" Bonds
Jill’s "buddy team" consisted of Joy-Anna, James, and Jennifer.
That bond is deep. Think about it: Jill was basically their mother. She changed their diapers, taught them to read, and tucked them in at night. In her book, she talks about how much she misses those younger siblings. There was a period where she was basically banned from the Big House unless Jim Bob was there. Can you imagine? Being told you can’t see the kids you literally raised because you asked for a paycheck?
Luckily, things have thawed a little. By late 2025 and into this year, we’ve seen more "sister lunches." Jill was even spotted at a reunion in Texas recently to support Jinger. It seems like the sisters—especially Jessa, Jinger, and Joy—are trying to keep a relationship with Jill separate from the drama with their parents.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Feud
People think Jill hates her family. She doesn't.
If you listen to her interviews or read her blog, she’s constantly talking about how much she loves her mom and her brothers and sisters. The problem is the system. Jill and Derick (her husband) decided they weren't going to let Jim Bob control their lives anymore. They wanted to choose where they lived and what they did for work.
In that world, "autonomy" is often seen as "rebellion."
While Jinger Vuolo also wrote a book, she focused more on the theology. Jill focused on the money and the contracts. That’s why Jill is the one who ended up most isolated. She hit them where it actually hurt—the bank account and the reputation.
The Lost Girls and the Future
There’s a lot of concern from fans about the "Lost Girls"—Johannah, Jennifer, Jordyn, and Josie.
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These girls grew up after the height of the show's fame, but they also grew up in the shadow of the scandals. They watched their big sisters go through hell in the public eye. As they reach 18 and 21, the big question is whether they’ll follow Jill’s lead and "break free" or stay within the comfortable, albeit restrictive, walls of the family compound.
Jennifer and Jordyn have always seemed a bit more reserved on camera. In 2026, as they enter their late teens and early twenties, they are increasingly spending time with the older, more independent sisters. That’s a good sign.
Actionable Insights for Following the Story
If you’re trying to keep up with the Jill Duggar siblings without getting overwhelmed by the tabloid noise, here are the best ways to stay informed:
- Follow the YouTube Vlogs: Jessa, Joy-Anna, and Jana are very active on YouTube. This is where they share the "real" updates about pregnancies and family gatherings that don't make the news.
- Check Jill’s Blog: Jill and Derick often post "Q&A" sessions on their website. They are much more direct about family boundaries than anyone else.
- Watch the Documentary: If you haven't seen Shiny Happy People on Amazon, it’s essential viewing to understand the IBLP context that Jill is fighting against.
- Observe the Social Media Tags: Often, the best way to see who is actually "good" with each other is to see who is tagging whom in Instagram stories during holidays. If Jill is at the Big House for Christmas (like she was in 2024 and 2025), you know a reconciliation is happening.
The Duggar family is a case study in what happens when "reality" meets real-life trauma. The siblings are navigating a path no one else has ever had to walk—doing their growing up in front of millions while trying to figure out who they actually are. Some are choosing silence, and some are choosing the truth. Both are just trying to survive.