As shocking as it may be, Jill Duggar Dillard is reunited with her estranged parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar for the first time in forever.
Unfortunately for her, this had a devastating reason.
It turns out that Jim Bob was involved in a special memorial service for Isla Marie, Jill’s daughter, who tragically died in the womb.
Jim Bob and Jill Duggar reunite at the memorial service for their stillborn baby
Jill Duggar Dillard and her husband Derick mourned the loss of their first daughter, Isla Marie, during a memorial service in April. Unfortunately, Isla died in the womb when Jill was only four months pregnant.
The previous O countOne couple decided to surround themselves with family during this difficult time and invited many of Jill’s siblings to attend a memorial service. Surprisingly, the invitation was also forwarded to Jill’s father, Jim Bob Duggar.
While she managed incredibly well to maintain a relationship with her mother, Jill didn’t speak to or see her father for a long time. In fact, in 2023, Jill and Derrick released a comprehensive book that revealed all the hardships they faced in their lives with Jim Bob.
Still, during this time of deep grief, it seems as if Jill and Jim Bob are putting their differences aside to grieve.
A beautiful memorial to a lost Duggar
In photos posted by Jill and Derick on Instagram, the couple shared intimate moments from the memorial service with their followers. A photo carousel on Jill’s page showed a series of heartbreaking images, including a box containing Isla’s remains and a collection of books that her parents wanted to share with her.
In another series of photos, most of Jill’s family attends a balloon release service for Isla. Jim Bob and Michelle are clearly seen together, as are Jessa Duggar Seewald, Jackson Duggar, Joseph Duggar and their families.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the stillbirth of our beautiful baby girl, Isla Marie Dillard,” the couple wrote in their April 14 announcement.
“Jill was four months pregnant (due in August) when we found out our baby had died in the womb. From the moment we found out we were pregnant, we couldn’t wait to see our baby. Isla was loved from the start and her three big brothers were so excited to introduce her into their world.”
Jill and Jim Bob: Will their relationship improve?
Fans have watched Jill Duggar and her parents’ relationship deteriorate over the years, long before it reached its breaking point.
But even after Jill’s parents accused her of corrupting her siblings, she wanted to stay close to them all.
The final straw came in recent years when her parents pitted her against her husband and forced her to choose between them and Derrick.
“As we forged our own path, it became very difficult for me,” Jill said in an interview last fall.
She explained that it became challenging “because I realized I couldn’t please my parents and do what I felt we were called to do.”