Jana Duggar: Truth behind the Show
Jana Marie Duggar, 28, is one of the stars of the reality show "19 Kids and Counting." The oldest daughter on the show is often under the microscope as fans wait eagerly for her to begin courting.
Jana Duggar is a very talented young woman. The 28-year-old plays the piano, violin and the harp. She became famous a 14 when she appeared on TV as part of the show "14 Children and Pregnant Again!"
The show was so famous is spawned four spinoffs featuring her family. The stunning young lady captured the hearts of fans who are curious about her relationship status as she is the oldest Duggar daughter and who is still single.
Rumors linking her to NFL star, Tim Tebow:
Jana is notoriously single. However, in 2014, she was rumored to be dating former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow.
When Jim Bob met Tebow's mother, Pat Tebow, at a charity event for Loving Pregnancy Centers the rumors reached fever pitch. Especially when he posted a pic with her and called her "a great lady" on Facebook.
The rumors at the time seemed logical considering both Jana and Tebow's deeply religious backgrounds. The pair also only have a two year age gap.
Many fans theorized that Jim Bob was pushing the two together via Pat. Especially since he is known to set up his daughters before.
However, Tebow's rep denied the romance in December 2014. His team put an immediate end to fan speculations.
"Tim and Jana Duggar have never even met," said his Rep.
In an awkward foot-in-mouth moment, however, Jana's brother-in-law, Ben Seewald, joked about Tebow possibly joining the family just two months after the denial.
"I'd definitely have him on my team," Seewald said joking about playing family football with Tebow. "We'd win every time."
Jim Duggar once teased Jana's singledom
In January 2018 at an event in Australia, Jim Bob joked at Jana's expense. He seemed to poke fun at her longtime single status.
Jim Bob made a particularly awkward comment in front of Jana, saying,
"And Jana is — actually, back in the US, it's her birthday," Jim Bob said. "Jana is 28 years old and still single, so she's still praying about the one."
Fans were stunned and outraged by Jim Bob's bizarre remark. Many took to Twitter to point out their displeasure.
"I'm half surprised that Jim Bob Duggar hasn't tried to force Jana into an arranged marriage by now. In the rest of America other than on The Bachelor, being single at 28 is no big deal," one fan joked on Twitter.
"Ugh. Attention Jim Bob: your daughter is smart, beautiful, and has an amazing heart … remember that before you go making fun of her for being 28 and single."
In no rush to find a guy:
Regardless of her father's taunt or speculation from fans, Jana, unlike her sisters, is in no rush to walk down the aisle. Jana is reportedly taking her time finding her true love.
"Jana has been pursued by several guys," a source revealed in January 2015. "She has never gotten to the courting phase with anyone, but she has spoken with interested men after church."
However, the same source went on to reveal that she "shut it down" because she is "extremely picky" and "wants the real deal and won't settle for less."
Jana is very goal-oriented and built an extensive career for herself. "For her, it's not just about being married," added the source.
Questions about her sexuality:
While Jana might be focusing on her career and garden, some fans are still eager to explain her lack of a relationship. Some even began speculating that perhaps she is not courting because she is actually lesbian.
When Laura DeMasie began frequently appearing on "Counting On" as the close friend of Jana without any clear reasons fans began speculating that maybe Jana had a secret. One fan went as far as directly asking Jana if she was dating Laura.
The ongoing debate got so heated that Jana decided to put an end to it herself. She replied to the direct fan, in a now deleted post that was screenshotted by a Facebook fan page, saying:
"No. And I would like to stop that rumor. I have no interest in girls that way whatsoever. I have 'courted' or 'dated' a few guys, but so far nothing has gone into a serious relationship."
She went on to add that she was "just continuing to wait and pray for the right guy to come along." Her statement confirmed the denial DeMasie issued.
It was further backed up by her brother-in-law Derrick Dillard. He had also firmly denied the rumors in an earlier statement.
Criticism from fans and her reaction:
The incident was not the only time Jana responded to a fan. Earlier this year, she hit back at a fan who rudely told her to do more than just gardening.
"Oh, believe me, that's not all I do," wrote Jana. "Gardening is just my little hobby on the side."