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The Duggar family is back in the spotlight following the arrests of Joseph and Kendra Duggar. Joseph was arrested after authorities alleged inappropriate sexual conduct between Joseph and a child under 12 during a 2020 family vacation. Separately, both Kendra and Joseph were charged with child endangerment and false imprisonment — charges tied to a different investigation altogether. Now, Jim Bob Duggar’s sister, Deanna Duggar, believes Kendra should leave Joseph. Here’s what she said.

Jim Bob Duggar’s sister, Deanna Duggar, says Kendra Duggar should divorce Joseph Duggar

Joseph Duggar, 31, and Kendra Duggar, 27, have spent several years out of the spotlight. Fans of TLC’s Counting On likely remember when the couple got together in 2017. Now, they have four children. In 2026, Joseph initially made headlines after his arrest over serious child molestation allegations. Kendra was arrested soon after on unrelated charges. She and Joseph both face four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of false imprisonment, according to People.

“I can tell you the arrest was a result of a home inspection, and the door locks being on the exterior of the doors,” a source close to Kendra and Joseph alleged to the publication.

On March 30, 2026, Jim Bob Duggar’s sister, Deanna Duggar, spoke to Page Six about Kendra and Joseph. She suggested that Kendra should move forward with her life without her husband.

“The way I feel about it is, I think Kendra should divorce him,” Deanna said. “She needs a new life. The best thing to do would be to divorce him and go on with her life.”

Deanna noted that she has no idea what Kendra’s charges may be. “While my heart goes out to her, I know there has been some wrong decisions,” she continued. “My prayers are for the victims. For Kendra, for Joseph, for the whole family, wake up and repent of their pride, their feeling of the world is against them, get things right in their family….”

Deanna added that she “went into shock” when she heard of Joseph’s arrest. “I couldn’t believe it was Joseph,” she continued. “This is so horrible to hear this again in the family. … He was a joy to be around. I loved Joseph so much.”

Amy Duggar King says the kids who’ve been affected are who matter most right now

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Kendra Duggar Once Revealed Her Favorite Part of Marriage to Joseph Duggar

Deanna Duggar’s daughter, Amy Duggar King, has become the most outspoken member of the Duggar family. She frequently commented on Josh Duggar’s conviction during his trial. Now, she’s speaking out about Joseph and Kendra Duggar.

In March 2026, she told TMZ that there are still “a lot of question marks” when it comes to the current situation. “I’m just going to steer that statement toward the kids, because that’s what matters right now is the kids’ safety, the victim and her family, and the four children that were in the home. That is where my heart lies. And that’s just where I’m gonna lay there.”

Amy noted that she had “no idea” regarding the situation with Joseph and Kendra. “This is heartbreaking,” she said. “This is really, really hard on everybody.”

Kendra Duggar told Joseph Duggar that they won’t be sharing an attorney

According to People, Kendra Duggar told Joseph Duggar that she retained her own legal counsel just two hours after she was released from custody. On a phone call, Joseph asked Kendra if attorney Travis Story “got a hold of [her].” Story previously represented Josh Duggar during his federal trial.

“I’ve been talking to Travis,” Kendra told Joseph. “I’ve got him as my attorney now. … I wasn’t sure if you knew that, I’ve asked him to be my attorney.”

“I wasn’t sure who we settled with, but this guy’s good,” Joseph said.

“Well, it’s not for you, it’s only for me,” Kendra said. She then noted that she was told she needed an attorney “for the case we’ve got going with the kids and stuff.”

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