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Jinger Duggar Opens Up About Growing Up with Cousin Amy Duggar King
Jinger Duggar, a prominent figure from the reality television show 19 Kids and Counting, recently shared nostalgic memories of her childhood alongside her cousin Amy Duggar King. The Duggar family, led by parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, gained fame through their TLC reality series, which documented their lives as a family with 19 children raised under the strict principles of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP).
Amy Duggar King, the only daughter of Jim Bob’s sister, Deanna Duggar, and Terry King, was a recurring figure on the show, often portrayed as the more rebellious cousin due to her less restrictive upbringing. Jinger’s rare comment, shared on The Jinger & Jeremy Podcast on May 21, 2025, offers a glimpse into their childhood interactions, highlighting the contrast between their upbringings and the unique bond they shared despite their differences.
Via People
Via People
Via AOL
Us Weekly
The Big House was not only a home but also a filming location for 19 Kids and Counting, where Amy occasionally appeared, adding a dynamic contrast to the Duggar siblings’ more reserved demeanour. Jinger’s memories of Amy visiting during school recesses paint a picture of a lively, interconnected family life centred around this iconic residence.
Via SheKnows
This contrast was evident in episodes where Amy’s interactions with her cousins showcased her more liberal approach to life, which some viewers found refreshing while others saw it as a point of tension within the family. Jinger’s recent podcast comments suggest a fondness for these interactions, recalling how Amy’s visits to The Big House or playground encounters were moments of excitement for the Duggar children, who had limited contact with peers outside their immediate family.
Via Yahoo
The Duggars followed “crazy” routines, such as walking in line like ducks for the show’s opening credits, to maintain order and project a wholesome image. Amy, however, was portrayed as less constrained by these expectations, which sometimes led to her being judged as the “outsider” within the family.
In a 2017 appearance on Marriage Boot Camp, Amy reflected on the pressure of being labelled the “rebel Duggar,” confessing, “I hate being a rebel Duggar.” Despite these challenges, Jinger’s recent comments indicate that her childhood memories of Amy are positive, focusing on their playful interactions rather than any familial tensions amplified by the show.
Via OK Magazine
Via Us Weekly
While Jinger was not explicitly mentioned in Amy’s public critiques, the absence of Amy at Jinger’s 2016 wedding to Jeremy Vuolo sparked speculation of a rift, which Amy attributed to scheduling conflicts. Jinger’s 2025 podcast comments, however, focus solely on their childhood, suggesting she chooses to dwell on positive memories rather than current estrangements.
Via People
Her love for shows like Gilmore Girls and Seinfeld, revealed in 2025, surprised fans given her family’s prohibition on television. Jinger’s reflections on her childhood with Amy highlight a time when these restrictions were less questioned, and her interactions with her cousin offered a glimpse into a less rigid world.
Jinger’s move to Los Angeles with Jeremy and their children—Felicity (born 2018), Evangeline (born 2020), and Finnegan (born 2025)—represents a significant departure from her Arkansas roots, allowing her to embrace a more mainstream lifestyle while maintaining her faith.
Via IMDb
Via LMDb
Amy, meanwhile, has focused on her own family, including her son, Daxton (born 2019), with her husband, Dillon King, and her memoir suggests a deliberate move away from the Duggar spotlight. Jinger’s nostalgic recollection of Amy’s visits to The Big House serves as a reminder of simpler times before public controversies and personal estrangements reshaped family dynamics.
Via Screen Rant
Her participation in the 2023 Amazon Prime Video docuseries Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets, alongside her cousin Jill Duggar Dillard, further highlighted her willingness to confront the family’s past. Jinger’s podcast comments about Amy focus on their childhood innocence, suggesting that their shared faith provided a foundation for their early bond, even as their paths diverged in adulthood.
As both women navigate their adult lives—Jinger as a mother and podcaster in Los Angeles, and Amy as an author and advocate breaking free from her family’s past—their shared history remains a touchstone of simpler times. Jinger’s podcast musings, combined with Amy’s forthcoming memoir, provide a nuanced view of the Duggar family’s legacy, one that continues to captivate audiences through its blend of nostalgia, controversy, and personal growth.
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Via People
The Setting - Growing Up Next to First Baptist Church
Jinger, now 31 and living in Los Angeles with her husband Jeremy Vuolo and their three children, reminisced about the Duggar family’s home in Springdale, Arkansas, which was situated next to the First Baptist Church. During an episode of her podcast, she recalled, “We lived next to the First Baptist Church of Springdale, and they decided to do an expansion, I guess.” This proximity played a significant role in her interactions with Amy, who attended a Christian-based school across the street from the Duggar residence. The school’s playground was close enough that Jinger and her siblings could call out to Amy during recess, shouting her name in hopes of catching her attention. Jinger noted, “It was kind of funny because she would come over on occasion or, like, we knew she was over at the playground, , ‘Amy,’ we’d try to yell.” These spontaneous moments of connection underscored the playful and familial bond they shared, despite the structured environment of the Duggar household.
Via People
Contrasting Upbringings - Homeschooling vs. Christian School
The Duggar children, including Jinger, were homeschooled by their parents under the IBLP’s fundamentalist Christian teachings, which emphasised strict gender roles, modesty, and limited exposure to secular influences. This homeschooling environment was highly controlled, with Jinger and her 18 siblings following a regimented schedule that included household chores, Bible study, and limited interaction with the outside world. In contrast, Amy, raised by her mother Deanna and stepfather Terry, attended a Christian school that allowed her more exposure to mainstream culture. This difference in upbringing often positioned Amy as the “rebellious cousin” on 19 Kids and Counting, as she embraced a more relaxed lifestyle, including wearing pants and pursuing interests like music and fashion, which were at odds with the Duggar family’s strict dress code and behavioural expectations. Jinger’s podcast recollection highlights how Amy’s school attendance across the street provided rare opportunities for interaction, bridging the gap between their contrasting worlds.
Via AOL
The Big House - A Hub of Duggar Family Life
The Duggar family’s residence, affectionately nicknamed “The Big House,” was a central element of their lives and the reality show. After welcoming their seventh child, Jim Bob and Michelle moved their growing family into this spacious home to accommodate their large brood. Jinger’s recent comments about visiting The Big House in 2025, shared on The Jinger & Jeremy Podcast, reflect on how the household has changed over time. With only five of her siblings still living at home, and the youngest, Josie, now 15, Jinger described the experience as “wild” and “strange” due to the quieter, more organised atmosphere compared to the bustling chaos of her childhood.
Us Weekly
The Big House was not only a home but also a filming location for 19 Kids and Counting, where Amy occasionally appeared, adding a dynamic contrast to the Duggar siblings’ more reserved demeanour. Jinger’s memories of Amy visiting during school recesses paint a picture of a lively, interconnected family life centred around this iconic residence.
Amy’s Role on 19 Kids and Counting and Counting On
Amy Duggar King became a recognisable figure on 19 Kids and Counting, which aired from 2008 to 2015, and its spinoff Counting On. Her appearances often highlighted her distinct personality, earning her the nickname “Crazy Cousin Amy” on the show. Unlike the Duggar siblings, Amy was not bound by the same IBLP restrictions, which allowed her to express herself more freely, whether through her clothing choices or her outspoken nature.
Via SheKnows
This contrast was evident in episodes where Amy’s interactions with her cousins showcased her more liberal approach to life, which some viewers found refreshing while others saw it as a point of tension within the family. Jinger’s recent podcast comments suggest a fondness for these interactions, recalling how Amy’s visits to The Big House or playground encounters were moments of excitement for the Duggar children, who had limited contact with peers outside their immediate family.
The Impact of Reality TV on Their Relationship
The presence of TLC cameras significantly shaped the public personas of both Jinger and Amy. Jinger, who was 10 when 14 Children and Pregnant Again! (the precursor to 19 Kids and Counting) began filming in 2004, shared on her podcast that she felt nervous about the cameras and the family’s efforts to present a polished image.
Via Yahoo
The Duggars followed “crazy” routines, such as walking in line like ducks for the show’s opening credits, to maintain order and project a wholesome image. Amy, however, was portrayed as less constrained by these expectations, which sometimes led to her being judged as the “outsider” within the family.
In a 2017 appearance on Marriage Boot Camp, Amy reflected on the pressure of being labelled the “rebel Duggar,” confessing, “I hate being a rebel Duggar.” Despite these challenges, Jinger’s recent comments indicate that her childhood memories of Amy are positive, focusing on their playful interactions rather than any familial tensions amplified by the show.
Via OK Magazine
Amy’s Estrangement and Tell-All Memoir
In recent years, Amy Duggar King has distanced herself from many members of the Duggar family, a process she details in her upcoming memoir, Holy Disruptor: Shattering the Shiny Facade While Getting Louder with the Truth, set for release on October 14, 2025. The book promises an “unfiltered testimony of breaking free” from the toxic elements of her family’s environment, particularly following the scandals surrounding her cousin Josh Duggar, who was sentenced to nearly 13 years in prison in 2022 for receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material. Amy’s outspoken criticism of family members who supported Josh during his trial, including her call for justice on social media, marked a significant shift in her relationship with the Duggars.
Via Us Weekly
While Jinger was not explicitly mentioned in Amy’s public critiques, the absence of Amy at Jinger’s 2016 wedding to Jeremy Vuolo sparked speculation of a rift, which Amy attributed to scheduling conflicts. Jinger’s 2025 podcast comments, however, focus solely on their childhood, suggesting she chooses to dwell on positive memories rather than current estrangements.
Jinger’s Evolving Perspective on Her Upbringing
Jinger has also been candid about her journey away from the strict IBLP teachings that defined her childhood. In her memoir, Becoming Free Indeed, and through her podcast, she has discussed the challenges of growing up in a highly controlled environment, including restrictions on clothing, media consumption, and personal freedoms.
Via People
Her love for shows like Gilmore Girls and Seinfeld, revealed in 2025, surprised fans given her family’s prohibition on television. Jinger’s reflections on her childhood with Amy highlight a time when these restrictions were less questioned, and her interactions with her cousin offered a glimpse into a less rigid world.
Jinger’s move to Los Angeles with Jeremy and their children—Felicity (born 2018), Evangeline (born 2020), and Finnegan (born 2025)—represents a significant departure from her Arkansas roots, allowing her to embrace a more mainstream lifestyle while maintaining her faith.
Via IMDb
The Duggar Family’s Changing Dynamics
The Duggar family has undergone significant changes since the cancellation of 19 Kids and Counting in 2015 and Counting On in 2021, largely due to the Josh Duggar scandals. Jinger’s 2025 podcast episodes reveal her efforts to maintain connections with her siblings and extended family, despite the challenges of coordinating with a growing number of nieces and nephews. Her comment that her daughters “forget half the names” of their cousins underscores the complexity of the Duggar family tree, which continues to expand as siblings like Jed Duggar and his wife Katey welcome more children.
Via LMDb
Amy, meanwhile, has focused on her own family, including her son, Daxton (born 2019), with her husband, Dillon King, and her memoir suggests a deliberate move away from the Duggar spotlight. Jinger’s nostalgic recollection of Amy’s visits to The Big House serves as a reminder of simpler times before public controversies and personal estrangements reshaped family dynamics.
The Role of Faith in Their Lives
Faith has been a central pillar for both Jinger and Amy, though their expressions of it differ. Jinger remains rooted in Christianity but has distanced herself from the IBLP’s more restrictive doctrines, as discussed in her podcast and writings. Amy, in her memoir, describes herself as a “holy disruptor,” using her faith to challenge the hypocrisy she perceived in her family’s public image.
Via Screen Rant
Her participation in the 2023 Amazon Prime Video docuseries Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets, alongside her cousin Jill Duggar Dillard, further highlighted her willingness to confront the family’s past. Jinger’s podcast comments about Amy focus on their childhood innocence, suggesting that their shared faith provided a foundation for their early bond, even as their paths diverged in adulthood.
Rare Comment from Jinger Duggar Sheds Light on Bond with Cousin Amy
Jinger Duggar’s rare comment about growing up with Amy Duggar King offers a heartfelt reflection on a childhood shaped by proximity, family, and contrasting upbringings. Their interactions, from shouting across the street to Amy’s occasional visits to The Big House, highlight a bond that transcended their different lifestyles.
As both women navigate their adult lives—Jinger as a mother and podcaster in Los Angeles, and Amy as an author and advocate breaking free from her family’s past—their shared history remains a touchstone of simpler times. Jinger’s podcast musings, combined with Amy’s forthcoming memoir, provide a nuanced view of the Duggar family’s legacy, one that continues to captivate audiences through its blend of nostalgia, controversy, and personal growth.
