Amy Duggar King says she and cousin Jill Duggar Dillard have grown closer in the aftermath of Joseph Duggar’s shocking arrest earlier this year.
Joseph, 31, was arrested on March 18 in connection with allegations involving the sexual abuse of a then-9-year-old girl during a 2020 trip to Panama City Beach, Florida. The case has once again placed the Duggar family under intense public scrutiny and reopened painful conversations surrounding previous scandals involving Joseph’s older brother, Josh Duggar.
Speaking during an episode of The Dory Jackson Interview, Amy revealed that she and Jill have been regularly communicating since Joseph’s arrest, describing their relationship as stronger and more meaningful than ever before.
“Jill and I are really close,” Amy shared, explaining that the two have spent weeks texting supportive messages to each other as they process the emotional fallout surrounding the allegations.
According to Amy, their conversations often include reminders such as “I love you” and “We’re here together. We’re gonna get through this.”
Amy also reflected on how their bond has evolved over time. While they once shared more of a casual cousin relationship growing up, she said the family’s ongoing controversies and personal struggles ultimately created a much deeper connection built on trust and emotional support.
The arrest of Joseph Duggar has revived broader criticism surrounding the Duggar family’s upbringing and their ties to conservative religious teachings. Amy has been outspoken in recent months about what she describes as a “toxic system” within the family culture, claiming environments where authority goes unchecked can create conditions where abuse is allowed to continue.
Amy also recalled being extremely close to Joseph during childhood, describing him as funny, kind, and well-liked by family members. However, she admitted she had largely distanced herself from the Duggar family in recent years following Josh Duggar’s criminal scandals and conviction on child pornography-related charges in 2022.
Josh previously admitted to molesting multiple girls as a teenager, including sisters Jill and Jessa Duggar Seewald. He is currently serving a prison sentence of more than 12 years.
As Joseph’s legal case continues unfolding, Amy says the emotional impact on the family remains overwhelming, while public attention surrounding the Duggar family shows no signs of slowing down.
