Are TLC stars Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, parents of 19 children, getting a divorce? That’s the question everyone has been asking over the past couple of weeks and we finally have an answer.
1. Rumors Say Divorce Imminent
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have been rumored to be teetering on the brink of divorce for the past couple of years. Insider reports say that the family is finally feeling the pressure of having so many children at different stages of life – ranging from 6 to 28.
There are also financial pressures. After their hit TLC show 19 Kids and Counting was canceled over a year and a half ago, the Duggars have reportedly been struggling to keep pace with the costs of supporting such a large family.
2. Oldest Son is Allegedly the Cause
At the heart of the alleged Duggar dispute is their oldest son Josh, who has been under the microscope after it came out that he molested several young girls – including his own sisters – when he was younger. According to a report, Josh’s actions have caused the family to take a rather large financial hit. Not only was their hit show canceled, but numerous sponsors have pulled their connections with the family.
“Sources say the main issue is that Michelle is aware that the family is close to losing everything, including their beloved ‘Duggar Compound,’” The Hollywood Gossip explains. “Jim Bob, on the other hand, reportedly refuses to acknowledge his money troubles or do what it takes to pull his family back from the brink of poverty.”
3. Divorce Would Probably be Quick
If a divorce were to materialize, it would probably happen relatively quickly. Insiders say the family would avoid a messy public dispute and probably opt for an uncontested divorce (which is the fastest way out). Despite having so many young kids and assets, the Duggars have reportedly remained very cordial throughout the process, which would indicate a relatively low-key divorce.
4. The Duggars Shut Down Rumor
So much for all the rumors, though. Jim Bob and Michelle have finally responded to the allegations by sharing a photo of themselves on Twitter. In the photo, the two are seen kissing and holding up a copy of In Touch Weekly with a headline that reads “Divorce Papers!”
“Don’t believe everything you read in the tabloids! Michelle and I have been married for over 32 years and are more in love than ever!” Jim Bob Duggar wrote on his family’s Twitter page.
5. Counting On Could be In Trouble
While the divorce rumors have officially been quelled, there’s evidence to suggest that Counting On, the family’s current main source of income, could be canceled at the end of the current season.
Sponsors have continued to pull support and some of the fans from 19 Kids and Counting haven’t transitioned over to the new show. Despite all of this, episodes still average roughly 1 million viewers. TLC will have to go back to the drawing board at the end of this season and address whether or not they want to go in a new direction.
2016: The Year of the Split
If you’re a celebrity couple, then 2016 can’t end soon enough. This year has been filled with a number of high-profile divorces, including splits between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, Kaley Cuoco and Ryan Sweeting, Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, and Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom.
Thankfully, it appears that reality TV stars Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar will be honoring their nuptials, despite some turmoil within the family.
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