Joy-Anna Duggar Distances Herself From Parents Again?

While Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have disappeared from the eye of social media, their daughter, Joy-Anna Duggar Forsyth, is ever-present. Once again, she has shared that they spent their Thanksgiving with her in-laws. What’s going on in the Duggar world these days? Read on for details!

Jim Bob’s Strict Rules

Although Joy-Anna hasn’t directly spoken out against her parents like a couple of her sisters, actions speak louder than words. In the past few years, Joy has been on a path to rediscover herself. That journey seems to include pants, short hair, tank tops, and dancing. All of which were an absolute no for her while in her parents’ home.

Over the years that the family appeared on 19 Kids and Counting, it was mentioned on multiple occasions that the Duggar girls wore their hair long because that was their dad’s preference. Michelle also spoke on a few episodes about the girls wearing long dresses and skirts to draw attention to their countenance. Oddly enough, the no-dancing rule is the one that drew a lot of critique from viewers. Jim Bob and Michelle banned any sort of dancing to avoid their children “accidentally” dancing inappropriately.

Joy has experienced quite an evolution over the last few years. She regularly shares photos of herself wearing pants of varying lengths. This past summer, she was spotted sporting tank tops. Almost one year ago, Forsyth shared a reel showing off her new short hairstyle. Fans were quick to share their praises on her new look. Duggar’s husband, Austin Forsyth, also gifted her some dance lessons, which Jim Bob would doubtlessly disapprove of.

Family Distancing?

On Thanksgiving, Joy shared on her Instagram stories that she and her family were spending the holiday with her in-laws. For those who have been following her for a while, this may not be a huge shock. Apparently, Joy and her husband have not been pictured at a single Duggar Thanksgiving celebration since they married in 2017. They have attended Forsyth family Thanksgivings both in state and in Texas where Austin has some extended family.

It would appear that the Forsyths have distanced themselves more and more over the years. This growing gap became more apparent following the release of Jinger and Jill’s memoirs and the documentary Shiny Happy People that Jill contributed to. Notably, the Forsyths did speak out saying that they are not and never have been a part of the IBLP. Austin states that they chose “while [they] were dating that they weren’t going to use any of their literature.” He also elaborated that they have made it a point to distance themselves from those teachings. This seems to be a likely source of family dissension.

What do you think about Joy and her family not attending the Duggar Thanksgiving? Why do you think the Forsyths haven’t attended them in the past? Do you believe that their views of the IBLP have anything to do with their decision? Let us know what you think below!