The Duggar family has had a lot of ups and downs over the years, but none so public as what Josh Duggar and his wife, Anna Duggar, have gone through in their lives and marriage. After Josh's many scandals over the years, he and Anna are still married and going strong. But lately, we can't help but notice that Anna has been stepping into the spotlight all on her own, without needing any extra assistance from her husband, and it's a beautiful thing to see it all come together.
It's hard to imagine exactly what Anna must have gone through while all of this was going down, but today, she's truly become an amazing person, mother, and friend. More than ever, it seems like she's ready to stand on her own — whether that means walking away from her marriage to Josh or staying married to him and asserting her independence, whatever that might look like for her.
Read on for all the ways that Anna has stepped out of Josh's shadow over the past couple of years. We may never see him on Counting On again (and for many of us, that's considered a good thing), but we hope we can always follow along with Anna, her kids, and her story — no matter what comes next for them.
Whatever happens, we're rooting for her!
Major Makeover
We've known Anna on the show for a long time, and lately, it seems like she's a new, more pampered version of herself — and with highlights, no less. It seems like Anna recently had a makeover, and she may be taking the time to pamper herself a little more these days, which she definitely deserves. Could this be a sign she's contemplating a life without Josh?
She's On 'Counting On' Without Him
Though Josh can no longer appear on Counting On, thanks to his many scandals, that hasn't stopped Anna — or their adorable kids — from being on the show. She's become a regular fixture on the series, and it's hard to imagine it without her, especially since her branch of the family seems to live on Jim Bob and Michelle's property, and she's always hanging out at their house.
Always Looks So Put Together
Considering that Anna has six kids — including baby Maryella, who is still under a year old — we're amazed at how often she manages to put on makeup and do her hair. But somehow, every time Anna is on the show, or in a photo on Instagram, she's totally done up and put together. She looks amazing, and hopefully, this serves as a well-deserved self-esteem boost!
The Duggars Clearly Like Her Best
With how little we see of Josh — both on social media and on Counting On — it's hard to say what his relationship with his sisters looks like these days. But as far as we can tell, it seems like the Duggars are much bigger fans of Anna, and it's easy to see why. She's sweet, bubbly, and kind to everyone she meets. Anna has developed an entire support system in Josh's family of women who are always cheering her on.
Thriving as a Mom
From the time Anna welcomed her first kid, Mackynzie, into the world, we knew she was going to be a great mom. And now, 10 years later, we're happy to say that we were right. Anna has really found her stride as a mom, and her kiddos are all so lucky to have her. From everything she shares on Instagram, it seems like hanging out with her crew is her favorite part of every day.
Big Plans for the Future
When Anna posted this photo in celebration of her birthday this year, she included a little something in her caption that makes us think she has something big in the works for the near future: that she and Josh were "dreaming about the exciting things in store for our family in the near future!" This could mean anything (maybe even baby No. 7), but hopefully, it means things will only keep getting better for Anna from here.
Spending More Time With Her Family
As close as Anna is with the Duggars, we know she misses her own family, and it's great to see that she's been able to see some of them more often — like when she attended her sister, Susanna's wedding in February 2020. Anna looked amazing, and it's good to know that she still has the support of her family back home when she needs them.
Nothing But Good Hair Days
Can we talk about how good Anna's hair looks here? She looks so different than she did when we were first introduced to Anna as the girl Josh was courting on 19 Kids & Counting so many years ago. Lately, she's been absolutely killing it in the hair department. We need to know her secret for how she gets her waves to stay so smooth!
Friends Outside the Family
Though Anna is obviously so close with her mother-in-law Michelle and many of her sisters-in-law, it's good to see that she has a support system outside of the Duggar family, too … especially if she wants to have a vent session or get some advice from someone who isn't actually related to her husband. It's great to see that Anna is able to get out of the house and hang out with her friends. Having time to herself is so important!
Coming Into Her Own Style
Anna's hair isn't the only thing that's changed in the last few years. It seems like she's really come into her own when it comes to her wardrobe, too — which is something that's been happening with a lot of the Duggar ladies lately. Her style has evolved so much, and she's looking a lot more confident because of it.
Go Anna!
She Travels
Of course, most of Anna's traveling is done with the Duggars as a family — which would usually include Josh — but it's good that she's getting to see the world beyond Arkansas … and that means that her eyes are being opened to new things and new experiences. Who knows? Maybe it'll inspire her to go visit Jinger Duggar on her own next time. She would have so much fun!
Serious DIY Skills
This year, Anna's spent extra time making her house look exactly the way she wants it, and that includes this adorable coffee corner in her kitchen. She installed this backsplash herself, and added some shelves, and the whole setup looks good. Hopefully, Anna can see all the ways she's talented like this!
Big Heart
Anna always seems all about helping others, like when she put her kids (and some of her in-laws) to work packing boxes for Operation Christmas Child. It's really sweet of her to give so much of herself and her time to make the world a better place for strangers, and with that kind of energy, who knows what she'd be capable of?
She's Been Getting Out of the House Without Josh
Sometimes, that means going out for a meal with her sisters-in-law and friends, or working on a new project with Jana Duggar. Either way, it's great that Anna does so many things that are totally independent of her marriage. She doesn't have to rely on Josh for everything, and that's a lesson she's definitely seemed to have learned.
Awesome Person All on Her Own
Of course, the fact that Anna is married to Josh is what gave us the chance to get to know her so well over the years, but she should know that's not why we love her. Now that she's able to step into the spotlight without him, we're totally rooting her on. Whatever happens in Anna's life next is up to her, but we'll be cheering her on through it all.
