Amy Duggar has opened up about her childhood relationships with her cousins, describing them as largely superficial. During an appearance on the “Unplanned” podcast hosted by Matt and Abby Howard on December 10, 2023, Duggar shared her reflections on family dynamics and the influence of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) teachings.
While Amy recalled spending significant time with her cousins, she emphasized that their interactions lacked depth. “We would spend so much time together. We had tons of trips, all the stuff, but it was more surface-level. It wasn’t really heartfelt,” she explained. The conversations rarely ventured beyond small talk, touching on topics such as the weather or compliments on appearance, leaving deeper personal struggles unaddressed.
Amy attributed this emotional distance to the IBLP teachings that her cousins followed, which she believes encouraged a more guarded approach to relationships. Her husband, Dillon King, added that the teachings foster an environment where individuals outside their immediate circle are kept at “arm’s reach.”
Amy is the only child of Terry Jordan and Deanna Duggar, the latter being the sister of Jim Bob Duggar. Jim Bob and his wife, Michelle Duggar, are known for their large family, which includes their eldest son, Josh Duggar, who was sentenced to over 12 years in prison in 2021 for possessing child pornography.
Modesty Standards and Family Dynamics
In her candid discussion, Amy also revealed her experiences with modesty expectations within her cousins’ household. Despite her preference for jeans, she was occasionally asked to wear skirts during visits, reflecting the family’s standards of modesty. “I’ve tried on pantaloons before. I’ve tried on one of their swimsuits,” she noted, highlighting her attempts to respect their values while feeling constrained by their rules.
Amy recounted the awkwardness surrounding Dillon’s first encounter with her cousins, which revealed the extent of the family’s adherence to IBLP rules. At a glow bowling event, Dillon’s carefree dancing bewildered her cousins, who were not accustomed to such behavior. Amy described how her relatives looked at Dillon with disapproval, leaving him unaware of the cultural differences at play.
Strengthening Bonds with Jill Duggar
Despite her complex family dynamics, Amy has cultivated a closer relationship with her cousin, Jill Duggar. Both appeared in the Prime Video docuseries “Shiny Happy People,” which explores the controversies surrounding the Duggar family. Amy expressed joy in their relationship, saying, “Cousinship is so much fun. Like, we can joke around and laugh and we have inside jokes.”
She praised the emotional safety and understanding they share, contrasting it with her childhood experiences. “It’s such a different way of living compared to really what we had growing up,” she remarked.
In reflecting on her family ties, Amy acknowledged the need for boundaries due to the lies and misunderstandings that have arisen over time. “I don’t want to ride a fence… I’m not someone who will say, ‘Oh, I love you and them and everything’s great,’ because it’s not,” she stated.
Amy’s last communication with her father, Jim Bob, occurred just before Josh’s trial, marking a significant moment in their strained family relationships. As the Duggar family continues to navigate public scrutiny and personal struggles, Amy’s insights shed light on the intricate dynamics that have shaped her life.
