Jill Duggar Dillard's Baby Shower Was Thrown By An Unexpected Family Member
Trigger warning: The following article includes language regarding the sexual abuse of children.
Formerly a star of "19 Kids & Counting" and "Counting On," Jill Duggar Dillard is doing some counting of her own: namely, counting down the days until she becomes a mom again.
The second oldest daughter of the huge Duggar clan is expecting her third boy just about any day now to join siblings Israel and Samuel. Now, thanks to the generosity of family and friends, the newest little Dillard will come into the world well-equipped.
On June 27, 2022, Jill took to social media for the first time in three weeks to reveal that she had been the guest of honor at a baby shower thrown by some very special hosts.
"I feel so loved and more prepared now for baby boy with all the gifts, prayers & blessings by friends and family...who showered us this weekend in anticipation of our little man's arrival next month!" she wrote. "Special thanks to the hosts: my MIL Cathy Dillard Byrum, my SIL Deena Dillard, my cousin Amy Rachelle King & my Aunt Deanna Duggar!"
She shared photos that reveal the party was held at Amy's house (per the Daily Mail), which was beautifully decorated in a color scheme of white, sage green, and rose. Cupcakes and baby-themed cookies were on the menu, and the gifts included adorable sleepers, overalls, and a onesie saying "Arkansas," where the Dillards live.
But fans quickly noticed who wasn't at the shower as much as the actual guests.
One important person was missing from Jill Duggar Dillard's shower
It's traditional for expectant grandmothers to help celebrate their grandchildren-to-be, but Michelle Duggar was noticeably absent from her daughter Jill Duggar Dillard's baby shower. While she's no doubt happy about being a grandma for the 24th time — she has 10 grandsons and 13 granddaughters, according to ET Online – she and husband Jim Bob Duggar are estranged from both Jill and their niece Amy Duggar King, who helped host the shower.
Jill and her husband, Derick Dillard, have been at odds with the senior Duggars for several years over a number of issues, especially their support of oldest son Josh Duggar, who is currently serving time in prison for allegedly possessing child sexual abuse material.
The younger Dillards have claimed that Jim Bob has created a "toxic" atmosphere and has banned them from visiting the family home (via the Daily Mail). Derick also revealed that Jim Bob coached Jill before her Megyn Kelly interview to downplay the abuse she herself reportedly suffered at her brother's hand.
Amy, the niece of "19 Kids" patriarch Jim Bob, has also driven a wedge within the family because of her anti-Josh stance. Amy didn't hold back in her opinion of Josh's sentencing, feeling it was fair and hoping that "every single second [in prison] feels like an eternity." She has also gone on social media to urge Josh's wife, Anna, to get a divorce for the sake of their seven children.
Her sisters may also have been absent from the shower
It's not surprising that Michelle Duggar was missing from Jill Duggar Dillard's baby shower, given the tense relationship that she and her husband, Jim Bob Duggar, have with Jill and her husband, Derick. More shocking, however, was the apparent absence of all the Duggar women. The "19 Kids & Counting" clan has nine daughters and seven daughters-in-law.
Jill did mention on Facebook that some invited guests weren't able to attend the party, and it's likely that sister Jinger Duggar Vuolo was among them. Jinger, who has always had a close bond with Jill, lives in Los Angeles, making it difficult to plan a quick trip to Arkansas.
The four youngest Duggar daughters — Johannah, Jennifer, Jordyn-Grace, and Josie — range in age from 16 to 12. It's not likely that they would be allowed to attend an event where their mother wasn't welcome. Even grown sister Jana, who still lives at home, might not have felt comfortable supporting a sibling like Jill, who opposes their parents' views.
Still, Jill got plenty of support from shower guests as well fans on Facebook. Many offered their congratulations on the upcoming new arrival, and others praised her newly blond hair. One commenter raved, "Aww Jill you look absolutely beautiful, sending prayers & blessings your way, on your soon to be baby boy. God bless you and your beautiful family."