When shocking news broke in 2015 that Josh Duggar of 19 Kids and Counting had abused
his siblings and cheated on his wife, the entire Duggar family underwent a major shift
in its dynamic.
Josh, who'd long been touted as a role model for his 18 younger siblings, lost his family's
respect when his misdeeds were made public.
After his public downfall, younger brother John David Duggar stepped into the spotlight
as the family's unofficial spokesman.
From building his younger siblings a treehouse to assisting others with their careers, John
David has done a lot for his family.
Since rising in prominence within Michelle and Jim Bob's brood, fans have been increasingly
interested in his life, especially since he announced his courtship with Abbie Burnett
in June 2018.
So, what's the deal with John David?
Is the reality star as responsible as he seems, or is there more to him than meets the eye?
Here's the untold truth of John David Duggar.
Jack of all trades
If you want to know who the most versatile member of the Duggar family is, look no further
than John David.
Not only is the Counting On star a licensed pilot, but he also dabbles in real estate
and car-flipping.
And he's not just out for himself, he also volunteers with the local police department
in his home of Tontitown, Arkansas.
It all leaves John David in an ideal position to move forward in the event that the TLC
money ever dries up.
Counting On won't stick around forever, so it's smart for him to keep his options open.
When the road comes to an end for the rest of the franchise, he can just fly away.
Behind-the-scenes beef
The Duggars get along swimmingly on TV, but behind-the-scenes, rumors abound about bitter
feuds and sketchy circumstances.
One of the supposed beefs involves John David and his father, Jim Bob.
Apparently, John David isn't a big fan of his dad's spending decisions.
Speaking to The Hollywood Gossip in April 2014, one anonymous source claimed:
"There's things that Jim Bob does that John doesn't think are right.
Some of his real estate transactions, some of the equipment that he buys, a lot of this
stuff, Jim Bob doesn't really need, but he thinks he does."
Some of the supposed offenses include the elder Duggar buying construction equipment
on the cheap, not realizing that it will cost more money than it's worth to repair.
It's the kind of routine family drama that can drive a person crazy.
As for Jim Bob's feelings about John David?
He reportedly isn't thrilled about his son's increasing independence.
According to that same source:
"[John David] is old enough now that he can pick and choose what he wants to do, and that
just kills Jim Bob, because he doesn't have that ultimate control."
A healthy relationship?
It doesn't sound like it.
But is it entertaining?
Sure is, so far.
A sneaky courtship
Even though he's on TV all the time, John David is a relatively private guy.
Case in point: He secretly courted Abbie Burnett for months before the two announced their
relationship in June 2018.
They first met at a church event in Burnett's home state of Oklahoma.
On the day that their courtship became official, John David signed up for his first public
profile on Instagram, sharing a handle with his girlfriend.
Fans know that the Duggars' kids are restricted from having social media accounts until they
enter a romantic relationship, unless they're just a rebel, like Josiah.
The fact that John David waited until he was 28 to join the 'gram in an effort to please
his parents is exactly the sort of thing that makes the Duggar clan so interesting.
What can you do?
Some people just like rules.
He lost a role model
Josh Duggar's infidelities and double life shocked the Duggars, to say the least.
Perhaps no one was more upset about Josh's dark truths than John David, who had looked
up to his older brother all his life.
Heartbroken, he addressed Josh's downfall in an episode of Counting On, revealing that
when the truth about Josh came out, he lost his hero.
"I always wanted to be like him.
But, one of the toughest things I ever had to tell my older brother was, 'I don't want
to be like you anymore.'"
Weight of the world
When Josh Duggar's crimes and misbehaviors came to light, it completely upended the family
structure.
As Josh receded from the fold, John David took on his older brother's responsibilities.
It's a state of affairs that rests uneasily on his shoulders.
"It's a big load.
It's a big weight upon me now.
I've got a whole bunch of younger siblings looking up to me and I've got to be an example
to them."
Since stepping into his new leadership role, John David has often been seen assisting his
siblings with their careers, lives, and routine troubles.
Despite the responsibility, and the scrutiny, the TLC celeb does his best to keep things
positive as he moves forward with his relationship, and moves on with his life.
Stay-at-home
When it comes to living situations, the Duggar kids have a unique arrangement.
Every Duggar above the age of 18 who isn't in a relationship still lives at home with
Michelle and Jim Bob, and it's expected that John David, who was 28 when he made it official
with Abbie Burnett, won't leave home until he gets hitched.
Making matters even more curious is that John David has owned his own home for years, he
just doesn't live there.
Michelle divulged this interesting detail in a blog post for TLC, writing,
"Our son John David has got a job and a home.
He's leasing that home out as rental income and putting the money aside."
Now that John David's gone public with a romance, we can't help but wonder if he'll be working
to reclaim that house of his.
It's one thing to be a grown man living with your parents, but a grown man with his own
family?
It might be good for TV, but in real life, it sounds like a headache.