Jill Duggar of TLC’s “19 Kids and Counting” shared a trembling Instagram message for her daughter, Isla Marie, who was stillborn in April 2024 — four months before her due date in August.
While sitting beside her daughter’s tombstone, the 34-year-old courageously carried the weight of her loss with bravery and devotion.
Jill Duggar Thankful to Have a Place to Spend Time With Daughter Isla Marie
Duggar captioned her photo, shared on Saturday, Feb. 28, discussing how thankful she is to have a place to honor her daughter and spend time with her. “💗 Life is a constant combination of ups and downs, joy and sorrow, roses and thorns. I’m thankful for God’s faithfulness through all 💗,” Duggar wrote.
“💗 Anyone who has experienced loss knows that it’s often in the quiet moments when the waves come stronger and we are reminded more of the hole left by a loss,” she continued. “Or sometimes it’s felt deeper at a place that just gives you the space to feel. I’m so grateful to have a place to go to remember our daughter.*”
Despite the heartbreak of her immense family loss, Duggar, who has three living children with her husband, Derick Dillard, went on to share in her post, which also included photos of happy memories made with her family, that the little things in life have been a Godsend in her trying times.
“☀️ So thankful for the recent happy moments too! The sun continues to shine & I love trying out my kids cooking! Recent recipes included maple cinnamon swirl bread & Froyo dots! 😋,” she wrote.
Duggar ended her post by advocating for moms who have experienced the loss of a baby, saying that most cemeteries have designated burial areas at a lower fee for a young child who has died.
“*Note on loss: for whatever it’s worth…if you or someone you know experiences a pregnancy loss (no matter the gestation), cemeteries often have a designated baby burial area with much lower fees (or even free!) for babies and infants! Not everyone chooses to bury or process the same, but I think everyone should be aware of the option,” she said. “I was made aware of the free burial options when my mom lost my youngest sister at 20 weeks gestation, and I am so glad we were also able to benefit from this generous gift to hurting angel families!”
Jill Duggar & Husband Derick Dillard Remain Strong After Loss of Daughter Isla Marie
When Duggar and Dillard first learned that Isla Marie would not make it to full term, the couple made a joint Instagram statement to explain that their daughter had “died in the utero” at four months pregnant.
“From the moment we found out we were pregnant, we couldn’t wait to meet our baby,” the couple, who married in 2014, said. “Isla was much loved from the start, and her 3 big brothers were so excited to introduce her to their world.”
