Amy Duggar King and her cousin Josh Duggar's wife, Anna Duggar, finally ended their years-long separation as they were reunited. Amy, 36, shared the news in a TikTok video with her mother, Deanna Jordan, on Friday, August 4. She recounted the unexpected encounter, stating that she was hugging her friend's mom when she suddenly noticed Anna standing just a few inches away from her.
Amy and Deanna, the older sister of Jim Bob Duggar, had both attended the visitation earlier that day to pay their respects to a mutual friend of the family who had passed away. Anna, aged 35, was also present to offer her condolences.
"Her expression was filled with anger," Deanna, aged 61, added. Amy then remarked that Josh's wife appeared extremely frustrated at the world throughout the memorial service.
Amy expressed her surprise upon seeing Anna right in front of her, exclaiming "Oh!" It had been years since Amy had laid eyes on Anna's face. Amy reached out to touch Anna's back, calling her name, but was met with a request for space. Amy respected Anna's request and decided not to make a big fuss about it. Amy then discussed her thoughts on the situation, speculating that Anna, who had married Josh in 2008 and had seven children with him, may be aware of Amy talking about her and trying to contact her. Deanna clarified that she refrained from embracing Anna out of respect for her desire for personal space.
Amy expressed that it is evident to her that she is spreading the message, stating, "Anna, you don't have to face this alone. We are here to support you and safeguard your children." However, she conveyed that Anna explicitly indicated tonight that she does not desire or value our assistance, and she intends to proceed with her own actions.
Deanna and Amy Duggar have expressed their love for Anna and her children, hoping for their freedom from Bill Gothard and the Institute of Basic Life Principles' teachings. During their unexpected reunion, they noticed either Jennifer, one of Jim Bob's daughters, or Mackynzie, Anna and Josh's firstborn, was crying alongside Anna. The reason for the tears remains unknown to both Amy and Deanna.
Amy and her mother spoke openly about their family and the IBLP in the Prime Video documentary "Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets" two months ago. The TV series also discussed Josh's multiple instances of sexual misconduct and suggested that Jim Bob had concealed his crimes.
"It ultimately comes down to this, doesn't it? If you aren't going to safeguard those beautiful daughters from a predator who was living under your roof and you were aware of it, and instead choose to dismiss it, cover it up, and lie about it, then I no longer have any respect for you. Furthermore, I don't want you to have the privilege of getting to know my child," Amy later expressed in a TikTok video in June, referring to her uncle. "Just think about the fact that the abuse was hidden and then Jim Bob was asked about it in court, and he claimed, 'Oh judge, I don't remember.' You don't remember your daughters' abuse? You don't recall that? Well, then, I have a duty to protect my son from you. Something's clearly not right here. There are many loose screws."
Josh received a 151-month prison sentence in May 2022 for his conviction of receiving and possessing child pornography. His release is scheduled for October 2032, as his sentence was prolonged by two months.
Although Anna has remained supportive of her spouse, Amy has openly expressed her desire to assist her cousin-in-law in escaping the situation.
In May 2022, Amy expressed empathy towards Anna, acknowledging the difficult situation she finds herself in. Amy believes that no woman desires to be in Anna's position, faced with a daunting decision and surrounded by unsupportive individuals. Throughout Anna's life, she has been taught that marriage is a lifelong commitment and has prayed for a compatible life partner. Anna has built a life and a family with her husband, although she did not actively choose this path, and her children also did not have a say in the matter.
Despite Amy's claims that her attempts to communicate with Anna have gone unnoticed, she remains determined to offer her assistance. Amy strongly believes in advocating for the welfare of children and endeavors to protect them. Regrettably, it is evident to Amy that Anna does not wish to accept help, which she finds incredibly disheartening.