Former TLC star Joseph Duggar began appearing on “19 Kids and Counting” when he was just 13. The now 31-year-old also appeared on the Duggar family’s spin-off series, “Counting On,” until 2020.
Joseph Duggar is the seventh child and third son of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. Along with his two older brothers, Josh Duggar and John-David Duggar, Joseph has four older sisters: Jana Wissman, Jill Dillard, Jessa Seewald, and Jinger Vuolo.
The former reality star also has a long list of younger siblings: Josiah Duggar, Joy-Anna Forsyth, Jed Duggar, Jeremiah Duggar, Jason Duggar, James Duggar, Justin Duggar, Jackson Duggar, Johannah Duggar, Jennifer Duggar, Jordyn-Grace Duggar, and Josie Duggar.
While “19 Kids and Counting” fans know plenty about Joseph and the Duggar family, less is known about Joseph’s in-laws, the Caldwells. Here are five fast facts about Joseph Duggar’s in-laws.
1. Joseph Duggar Married Into the Caldwell Family in 2017
Joseph Duggar began courting Kendra Caldwell in March 2017. The couple’s relationship progressed quickly, leading to their engagement. Joseph actually proposed to Kendra at his sister Joy-Anna Forsyth’s wedding reception in May 2017.
The young couple officially tied the knot in September 2017 at the First Baptist Church in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Joseph was 22, and Kendra was 19 at the time of their wedding.
Joseph and Kendra have now been married for eight years. They share at least three children: Garrett, Addison, and Brooklyn. The couple stepped out of the public eye in 2021. As a result, no other children have been publicly recognized.
2. Joseph Duggar’s Father-In-Law Is Paul Caldwell
Kendra Duggar’s father is Paul Caldwell. Paul is a pastor at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Caldwell has also worked as a mechanic.
Joseph’s father-in-law made multiple appearances on the Duggar family’s TLC show, “Counting On,” where he was present for Joe and Kendra’s courtship.
Along with officiating Joseph and Kendra’s wedding, Paul was also the officiant at Joy-Anna Duggar’s wedding to Austin Forsyth.
3. Joseph Duggar’s Mother-In-Law Is Christina Caldwell
Kendra Duggar’s mother is Christina Caldwell. Christina married Paul in January 1998 in Virginia. Kendra Duggar, their oldest child, was born in August 1998.
Like Paul, Kendra’s mother made multiple appearances on “Counting On.” In one episode, Christina revealed that she had been in a car accident when she was 36 weeks pregnant with Kendra. Despite going into preterm labor, doctors were able to stop contractions, and her pregnancy was extended to 39 weeks before giving birth to Kendra.
Kendra asked her mother, Christina, to be one of her bridesmaids at her wedding to Joseph Duggar. Christina has spent most of her adult life focused on raising her children and homeschooling them.
4. Paul and Christina Caldwell Have 9 Children
Joseph Duggar’s in-laws have nine children. Joseph’s wife, Kendra, is the oldest of the nine Caldwell siblings. In addition to Kendra, Paul and Christina share eight other children: Lauren, Micah, Nathan, Timothy, Olivia, Jesiah, Isaiah, and Moriah.
Kendra’s two youngest siblings, Isaiah and Moriah, were born after her wedding to Joseph Duggar. Isaiah Caldwell was born in November 2018, and Moriah Caldwell was born in May 2021. As a result, Joseph and Kendra’s oldest child, Garrett Duggar, who was born in June 2018, is actually older than his aunt and uncle.
5. The Caldwell Family Shares Similar Values With the Duggars
Like the Duggar family, the Caldwells are known for their conservative Christian beliefs and emphasis on faith-centered living. Kendra Caldwell was raised in a religious household, with her father, Paul Caldwell, serving as a pastor. However, unlike the Duggars, the Caldwell family has not been publicly linked to the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP).
Still, both families have embraced large family life and traditional values, which have been a central theme throughout their appearances on TLC. Similar to Jim Bob Duggar, who served in the Arkansas House of Representatives, Paul Caldwell ran for political office in Arkansas in 2014.
While they may stay out of the spotlight, the Caldwell family remains closely connected to the Duggar world.
