Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard shared the sad news on Saturday, April 13th, about their pregnancy loss.
The couple, aged 32 and 35, opened up about the stillbirth of their daughter, whom they referred to as their "beautiful baby girl." They posted a heartfelt photo on Instagram, showing their baby wrapped in a pink blanket. In their post, they expressed their deep sorrow, stating, "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the stillbirth of our beautiful baby girl, Isla Marie Dillard. Jill was 4 months pregnant (due in August) when we found out that our baby died in utero."
The Counting On alums shared their excitement about becoming parents again, expressing their anticipation to meet their baby. Isla was cherished right from the beginning, and her three older brothers couldn't wait to show her their world.
The couple, who got married in a televised wedding on 19 Kids and Counting in June 2014, have three sons - Israel (9), Samuel (6), and Freddy (21 months). Unfortunately, Duggar also experienced a miscarriage in 2021 with son River Bliss.
“We appreciate your prayers as we continue to grieve and heal from the loss of our little Isla Marie ,” she shared on Saturday.
View this post on Instagram
Jill (Duggar) Dillard shared a post on Instagram.
Friends, family, and supporters sent messages of support through comments on Instagram. Duggar's sister, Jinger Duggar, wrote, "Love you so much, sis. Continuing to uphold you all in prayer. Sweet little Isla will be missed."
Jill’s cousin Amy Duggar King expressed her thoughts, saying, “Isla Marie is such a beautiful name with a beautiful meaning. We are praying for you constantly. Remember, God has a plan through all the heartbreak. You have been on our minds and in our prayers, and that won't change. We love you all so much.”
Jill and Dillard shared more photos and their statement in a blog post titled “Our First Daughter: Isla Marie.” The pictures show the parents lovingly holding their baby girl.
Jill and her family have been keeping their distance from the Duggars lately. They shared on the January 10 episode of “The Unplanned Podcast” with Abby and Matt Howard that they haven't been in touch with her parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, since her book, Counting the Cost, came out in September 2023.
Jill Duggar and Husband Derick Dillard Reveal Stillbirth of 'Beautiful Baby Girl'
Jill Duggar shared that her parents have heard about her tell-all memoir regarding her upbringing in their traditional Christian family. She mentioned that they may have listened to it on audiobook. Jill expressed that she will approach the topic carefully, as they are her parents.
The Prime Video docuseries "Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets" delved into the controversial history of the Duggar family. Released last year, the documentary focused on the various scandals surrounding the family, including Josh Duggar's legal troubles for possessing child sexual abuse materials. Additionally, it shed light on the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), a religious group the family promoted that was described as cult-like.
In the documentary, testimonies from Jill and Dillard, as well as King, 37, were included. Jill revealed that the family was taken advantage of, with father Jim Bob allegedly receiving millions of dollars for the family's reality show and spinoffs while the children received no compensation. She shared that for seven and a half years of her adult life, she did not receive any payment.
Editor's P/S:
The tragic news of Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard's pregnancy loss is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life. Their loss of their daughter, Isla Marie, has touched countless hearts, sparking empathy and compassion. The raw emotions they have shared on social media have brought awareness to the often unspoken grief experienced by parents who lose a child. Their story highlights the importance of support and understanding for those going through such a difficult time.
The article also sheds light on the ongoing estrangement between Jill and her parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. Jill's revelation that she and her family have not been in contact since the release of her tell-all memoir raises questions about the dynamics within the Duggar family. The controversy surrounding the family, including legal issues and allegations of financial mismanagement, has cast a shadow over their relationships. Jill's decision to speak out about her experiences serves as a testament to her courage and determination to forge her own path, despite the potential consequences.