Duggar Family in 'Emotional Goodbye' to Josh in '19 Kids and Counting' Return

By Stoyan Zaimov, Christian Post Reporter Friday, September 13, 2013

The Duggar Family from the hit TLC reality series "19 Kids and Counting" is set to bid an "emotional goodbye" to oldest son Josh who is moving away to Washington, D.C. to join the Family Research Council when the show returns to TV on Sept. 17.

"The Duggars have dreams as big as their family and this season they are making them happen," reads a preview for the show on TV by the Numbers. "Jim Bob and Michelle are starting a new business and the whole family is getting involved to plan the first-ever Duggar Family Flea Market."

The preview notes that Jim Bob and Michelle, the popular Christian parents, are also set to say an "emotional goodbye" to Josh and his wife, Anna, as the Duggars' eldest son moves to D.C. to join FRC Action as executive director.

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Back in June, Josh Duggar announced that he was moving to D.C. and said: "It should be a lot of fun, and I really look forward to it ... I'm really so grateful for the opportunity ... I pray that I can continue to serve there in that capacity."

FRC President Tony Perkins joked: "I think helping with all the logistics of the family of 19, certainly you are going to be handling campaigns and political activities ... should be a breeze."

The announcement came barely a fortnight after Josh and Anna welcomed their third child, baby boy Marcus Anthony, joining his big sister Mackynzie and brother Michael.

"We are so thankful that mom and baby are well! We are blessed to have our family close as we celebrate this gift from God," the couple told People magazine at the time.

"With a new baby, a new house, and a new city to explore, will this young and growing Duggar family be able to cope with the missing support of the main Duggar clan?" the TV by the Numbers preview asked.

Meanwhile, the Duggar family has been involved in a number of charity activities while awaiting the 12th season premiere of their popular show.

In September, the family hosted a flea market and auction to benefit a hospital's neonatal intensive care unit in Springdale, Ark., KARK 4 News reported.

"Arkansas Children's Hospital NICU, literally God used them to save her life. We wanted to give back a little tiny bit compared to what they did for our family," Michelle Duggar said, referring to daughter Josie Brooklyn, who was born three months prematurely.

"She is here today because of them and we know that and we're so grateful and so we just want to say thank you and give back a little tiny bit compared to what they did for our family."