The 19 Kids and Counting family have been through a number of ordeals since the year 2015 started, and it might not get any easier for the Duggar clan anytime soon. However, a shred of happiness is still in the horizon as the Duggar family celebrated the marital union of Jim Bob Duggar's niece, Amy, with her longtime boyfriend, Dillon King. Unknown to all though, Amy and then fiancé King initially planned to just elope and forego the entire grand wedding celebration because of the issues involving Josh Duggar. However, Jim Bob Duggar's sister and Amy's mom, Deanna Duggar-Jordan, stopped her daughter from doing so. Hence, the wedding went on and everyone invited was present - except for cousin Josh Duggar.
According to Amy, her troubled cousin should have been the emcee of during her wedding reception. However, sensitive issues arose which pushed Josh Duggar to check in a treatment facility earlier this month. While Josh Duggar was absent, his wife, Anna Duggar, attended the ceremony with their four children. The wedding of Amy marked the first time Anna Duggar appeared in public since her husband and 19 Kids and Counting reality star admitted to signing up for an Ashley Madison account and engaging in extramarital affairs.
As Anna Duggar appeared subdued and a bit withdrawn, Amy shared that the family remain angry over Josh Duggar's indiscretions. "We're still shocked and furious to the extreme," shares Amy in an interview with People Magazine. The newlywed adds, "Let's let him be gone."
Referring to the move of the 19 Kids and Counting star to check himself in to a treatment facility following the scandals that had his entire family shoved into the spotlight and made into a spectacle, Amy says that everyone just wants Josh Duggar to seek the support he needs to heal. She states, "Let's let him get as much help as possible."
During the planning stage of her wedding, Amy admitted that she wanted only close friends and family members to be part of the celebration. This move was done in an effort to not make Josh Duggar's issues be the center of attention, especially if the paparazzi are present. "Obviously, I want to protect my family right now during this time," disclosed Amy in an interview with Us Weekly, referring to her decision to limit the guests in attendance.
She went on to say, "I think it's important that it is family and friends that love us and know us and that's why it's not open to the public. I just really think it's a special time for all of us to be reunited. It's been a rough couple of weeks, it really has. Last couple of months too so it's just one of those things where I want them to know that it's safe to come to my wedding and not be bombarded by media or fans, and just kind of respect that time with each other."
