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We’ve been watching Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar’s family for years thanks to TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting and Counting On. But now, it’s Jill Duggar who’s taking the spotlight. Jill and her husband, Derick Dillard, have two children, Israel and Samuel — and they share their lives via social media. But Derick’s been exposing a ton of unsavory truths about the Duggars and TLC. And now, all eyes are on Jill to see how far she’ll step away from her famous family.

So far, Jill’s remained mum about all the tea her husband is spilling. But she’s showing plenty of subtle signs that she’s taking her life into her own hands and making autonomous decisions. And her post about impulsively purchasing a tree during coronavirus (COVID-19) is proving to her followers that she’s growing and learning as she goes.

Jill Duggar’s husband, Derick Dillard, keeps speaking out against Jill’s family

AJ Calloway interviews Jill Duggar Dillard and husband Derick Dillard during their visit to 'Extra' at their New York studios
AJ Calloway interviews Jill Duggar Dillard and husband Derick Dillard during their visit to ‘Extra’ at their New York studios | D Dipasupil/Getty Images for Extra

In December 2019, Derick gave one of his Instagram followers a ton of intel regarding where he and Jill stand with the family. The follower asked if Jill and Derick are ever part of Duggar family events or holidays anymore. And Derick said Jill needs permission from Jim Bob before going over to the big family home.

“Jill even had to ask JB permission to go over to the house to help her sister when she was in labor because her sister wanted her help, but Jill couldn’t provide the assistance until we got it cleared with JB,” Derick noted.

Derick’s claims didn’t end there, either. He also spoke with YouTuber Without a Crystal Ball about his time on the Duggar TLC programs and where he stands with the Duggars now. Derick claimed the network threatened to hit him and Jill with a lawsuit if they walked away from the show. And he also stated he’s in the process of writing a book.

Jill recently posted a photo of herself impulsively buying a tree

Jill’s been keeping her followers apprised with how she’s dealing with coronavirus. From going from store to store in search of toilet paper to celebrating Israel’s birthday following social distancing protocol, Jill’s making it clear that she’s taking the guidelines seriously. And on April 21, she posted a photo of her wearing a mask while driving with a tree in the passenger seat.

“Got out yesterday to grab a few things BY MYSELF for the first time since this whole #coronaviruspandemic thing and came home with this tree hanging out my window,” she captioned her post. “I don’t like to think of myself as an emotional purchaser, but I have to say there was something therapeutic & satisfying about getting a tree.”

Her followers think she’s showing a lot of personal growth

Considering Jill grew up with the motto, “buy used and save the difference,” purchasing a tree out of nowhere isn’t something she’d ever be allowed to do while living with Jim Bob and Michelle. And her post also shows her independent nature, as she left the home without her husband or kids in tow and seemingly made a decision about the tree without any guidance from others in her household.

Jill’s followers noticed this big step in her journey, too. While they’ve been keeping up with her saga since Derick exposed the Duggar family, they think this post really shows how she’s growing.

“I am really weirdly personally proud of her for this tree and this post,” one Reddit user commented. “It’s eloquent for a Duggar, it’s not loaded with Fundie-isms, she’s spread out the text appropriately, she’s wearing a mask, she bought something because she wanted it and recognized its soothing effect… like, way to go, Jill!”

“I looked at the post, and was just… ‘I have nothing to snark about!’ It’s been baby steps, but I’m also oddly proud of this woman I’ve never met!” another wrote.

“This caption seems more sophisticated than the usual Duggar-speak,” another Reddit user added. “Not a sweet season of life the be found. That makes me think she has been doing some reading and/or therapy work.”

We’re looking forward to reading even more about Jill’s journey as she continues to take steps forward into a life of her own!

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