After speculations that John David Duggar could be courting Tabitha Paine, an update on the Duggar Family Blog confirmed that the two are just simply friends.
Despite being spotted more than once in images of the Duggar clan, Tabitha is merely spending some time with the family and not with John David alone. In fact, she is currently working with the Duggars as their live-in tutor.
John David's rumored girlfriend already denied the speculations about a romantic involvement and explained her closeness with the family.
"Is Tabitha courting anyone at the moment?" one fan asked on Tabitha's page. The follower added, "I've seen her with the Duggars a lot over the last year or so and I was wondering if maybe she was courting John-David. It would be great if you could either confirm or deny this."
Tabitha used the opportunity to finally clarify the hearsay concerning her bond with the Duggar family. She replied, "So glad you asked! It's easy to assume and few people branch out to find the real answer to questions like these. I have been a live-in tutor to the Duggar children for the past year."
She also explained that, due to the fact that they “don’t do school 24/7,” she is able to participate in the Duggar family’s work as well as enjoy fun activities during the evenings or the weekends.
Tabitha pointed out that it might be possible for her to remain single for the rest of her life, adding: "I sure do enjoy where God has me, and want to do as Jim Elliot encouraged: "Wherever you are; Be all there"!”
For viewers of reality shows, they can recognize Tabitha as the sister-in-law of Erin Bates-Paine from ‘Bringing Up Bates’; Erin is married to Chad Paine, Tabitha's brother.
Before such speculations came out, Duggar matriarch Michelle revealed in an interview that her husband Jim Bob has been attempting to find the right girl for John David. However, their 25-year-old son is seemingly taking his time before having a serious relationship and settling down with a suitable lady.
"Everybody is giving me advice about getting married," John David told People Magazine. He added, "It isn't a big thing. I'm open to advice."
Meanwhile, John David’s sisters, Jill Duggar-Dillard and Jessa Seewald-Duggar, will be making a comeback on TV. Months after the family’s reality series ’19 Kids and Counting’ was cancelled, the Duggar name will be back on the small screen as the three-part special, ‘Jill & Jessa: Counting On,’ will air on Sunday, Dec. 13, on TLC.
