The Bates Family Unveiled: An In-Depth Look at 'Bringing Up Bates'

Gil Bates and Kelly Jo Bates have a total of 19 children. Their lives were captured on cameras for a span of 10 seasons in the show called Bringing Up Bates.

Their journey as a couple began in December 1987 when they tied the knot, and the next year, they became parents for the first time. Throughout the years, Kelly gave birth to nine boys and 10 girls, all born individually without any multiples. Over time, several of their children have gotten married, adding to their growing number of grandchildren, which currently stands at over 15 and continues to increase.

Gil and Kelly’s children and grandchildren await you below.

Credit: Up TV

'Bringing Up Bates': A Comprehensive Guide to the Bates Family

Gil Bates and Kelly Jo Bates have 19 children, and for 10 seasons, their lives were documented on Bringing Up Bates.

The couple got married in December 1987 and had their first child the next year. From 2012 onwards, Kelly gave birth to nine boys and 10 girls, with no instances of multiple births. Over the years, many of their children have gotten married, resulting in the couple having more than 15 grandchildren, and the number continues to grow.

In 2012, the couple appeared on the television series called United Bates of America. They made a comeback on television with Bringing Up Bates three years later. Unfortunately, in January 2022, the reality show got canceled by the network after running for 10 seasons.

Scroll down to meet Gil and Kelly’s children and grandchildren:

Credit: Courtesy of The Bates Family/Instagram

Gil Bates and Kelly Bates

Gil and Kelly were born in 1965 and 1966, respectively. They met at Anderson College.

Credit: Courtesy of Whitney Bates/Instagram

Zachary Bates

Their first-born wed Whitney Perkins in December 2013 and are now parents to three children — Bradley, Kaci, and Khloé. In November 2020, the couple joyfully shared the news of their upcoming addition, and in June 2021, Us exclusively announced the arrival of their precious son, Jadon.

Credit: Courtesy Brandon and Michael Keilen/Instagram

Michaela Bates

The nursing student, who is the second oldest Bates, wed Brandon Keilen in August 2015.

Credit: Courtesy of Erin Bates/Instagram

Erin Bates

The third oldest Bates child married husband Chad Paine in November 2013. The couple share six children: Carson, Brooklyn, Everly, Holland, Finley and William.

Credit: Courtesy of The Bates Family/Instagram

Lawson Bates

The singer works as a reserve deputy for Anderson County’s Sheriff’s Department.

Credit: Courtesy of The Bates Family/Instagram

Nathan Bates

Bates, who is an EMT with a private pilot's license, proposed to Esther Keyes in May 2021. He previously courted Ashley Salyer in 2016.

Credit: Courtesy of Alyssa Bates/Instagram

Alyssa Bates

After tying the knot with John Webster in May 2014, Alyssa proceeded to embrace motherhood with the arrival of her daughters Allie, Lexi, and Zoey. She joyfully revealed her fourth pregnancy in August 2020, which culminated in the birth of daughter Maci half a year later.

Credit: Courtesy of Tori Bates/Instagram

Tori Bates

She and her husband Bobby Smith are the proud parents of sons Kade and Kolter. In January 2021, they revealed the exciting news that they were expecting their third child, and they had decided to name their daughter Charlotte. Their beautiful baby girl was born in June 2021.

Credit: Courtesy of Trace Bates/Instagram

Trace Bates

Gil and Kelly's youngest son is employed in the field of law enforcement. In March 2022, Trace announced his engagement to his girlfriend Lydia Romeike, expressing, "Lydia is not only my best friend but also the epitome of positivity in my life."

Credit: Courtesy of The Bates Family/Instagram

Carlin Bates

In May 2019, Evan Stewart and Carlin tied the knot. Their precious daughter, Layla, was born in February 2020, but unfortunately, she was diagnosed with a heart condition three months later. In August 2021, the couple joyfully shared that they were expecting their second child. Carlin ecstatically announced the arrival of their son on Instagram, expressing how they were "in heaven."

Credit: Courtesy of Josie Bates/Instagram

Josie Bates

Josie and her husband, Kelton Balka, joyfully celebrated the arrival of their firstborn, daughter Willow, in July 2019, shortly after their wedding. Our previous announcement in January 2021 unveiled the exciting news that baby number two was on the horizon, another precious daughter they had chosen to name Hazel. True to our commitment to sharing exclusive updates, we are thrilled to reveal that Hazel made her entrance into the world in June 2021.

Credit: Courtesy of Katie Bates/Instagram

Katie Bates

Us revealed in March 2020 that Katie was dating Travis Clark, the same year she graduated from Crown College. The couple got engaged in April 2021 and got married in December of that year. In February 2023, they welcomed their first child, Hailey.

Credit: Courtesy of The Bates Family/Instagram

Jackson Bates

Kelly's son graduated from high school in June 2020.

Credit: Courtesy of Warden Bates/Instagram

Warden Bates

Warden is currently a student.

Credit: Courtesy of The Bates Family/Instagram

Isaiah Bates

Isaiah is the “tallest Bates family member,” Kelly wrote via Instagram in October 2020.

Credit: Courtesy of Addallee Bates/Instagram

Addallee Bates

Kelly’s 15th child was born premature in 2006 and suffered hearing loss. She now wears hearing aids.

Credit: Courtesy of The Bates Family/Instagram

Ellie Bates

Ellie is “fun, spunky and adventurous."

Credit: Courtesy of The Bates Family/Instagram

Callie Bates

Kelly’s youngest daughter is her “most animated.” She wrote via Instagram in August 2020: “People are drawn to you like a magnet!"

Credit: Courtesy of The Bates Family/Instagram

Jud Bates

The second youngest child “has grown in the blink of an eye,” Kelly wrote in December 2020 when Jud got braces.

Credit: Courtesy of The Bates Family/Instagram

Jeb Bates

Kelly and Gil’s youngest child arrived in 2012.