'19 Kids and Counting' News: Jim Bob Duggar, Josh Duggar & Family Might Hog Spotlight in "Bringing Up Bates" Wedding; Jana Duggar Attends Michaella Bates' Celebration

Photo of the Duggar Family
Photo of the Duggar Family taken in 2007. |

Fans and followers of the "19 Kids and Counting" stars might get to see the Duggar family onscreen once again. With the wedding date of Michaella Bates of UPtv's "Bringing Up Bates" coming up soon, the celebration could pave the way for the "19 Kids and Counting" family to make a return to the small screen. While the event will undoubtedly focus on the Bates clan, a Duggar family member is part of the main wedding entourage. Hence, it will not be surprising if the rest of the "19 Kids and Counting" stars show up for the ceremony.

Prior to the cancellation of "19 Kids and Counting" due to the scandal that saw Josh Duggar in the middle of the entire debacle, Michaella Bates had already asked Jana Duggar, the second child of Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar, to be one of her bridesmaids in her wedding to long-time boyfriend Brandon Keilen. While the Bates family managed to distance themselves from the spectacle that resulted from the issue linking the "19 Kids and Counting" stars to very sensitive topics, it is widely known that Michaella Bates and Jana Duggar have remained close friends.

According to Daily Mail, the two women's bond stemmed from the similar upbringing they experienced. Both 25 years old, Michaella Bates and Jana Duggar have been intensely involved in the raising of their younger siblings. A source revealed, "Like Jana, Michaella did a lot of heavy lifting in the family, caring for her younger siblings, cooking, cleaning, homeschooling, they have a genuine bond."

Due to the closeness of the two huge families, the Bates decided to invite the entire "19 Kids and Counting" clan to the wedding of Michaella Bates. Reports reveal that the Duggar family will be arriving a day before the celebration. An insider close to the matter shared, "Even Josh (Duggar), Anna and their four kids will be there. They plan on doing a 20-hour motor home caravan for the 700 mile trip from Tontitown, Arkansas to Knoxville. They will ostensibly be there early to help out with wedding preparations."

The cancellation of the "19 Kids and Counting" TV series, however, poses a concern for some fans of the "Bringing Up Bates" family. A source said, "While the Duggar family is invited to the wedding, the Bates don't want them causing controversy or trying to hijack the wedding for their own agenda. It will be interesting to see if they get left on the cutting room floor in the editing room, or if Jim Bob will use it as an opportunity for himself and his family."