The Surprising Reason Jana Duggar Still Lives At Home

The Duggar family, made famous for their reality show on TLC, 19 Kids and Counting, gave viewers a glimpse into what appeared to be a big, wholesome, American family. As with all things that are too good to be true, the family was set back by scandals, especially involving their son, Josh Duggar.

Because they're such a huge clan, the Duggar family tends to fascinate people still, even though TLC permanently canceled the reality show (though there's been a new spin-off, Counting On). As the children grow up to have families of their own, some of the Duggars remain relevant, especially on social media — even using their power of influence to subvert the very conservative rule that women shouldn't make money.

It's this exact part of their lives that brings so much censure from fans: the possibility that the family still adheres to a patriarchal, even sexist, way of life where the men are in charge and the women hold less power. So with the family facing continued backlash, fans are wondering why Jana, the Duggars' eldest daughter, continues to live at home. There are some pretty outlandish fan theories about Jana's living situation but the answer is surprisingly simple.

Jana Duggar (pictured far right), born in 1990, continues to live at home with her parents, Jim Bob and Michelle, and her younger siblings. This decision is notably different from some of her younger sisters, who opted to get married in their early 20s, per In Touch Weekly.

Why is Jana still at home? Tumblr page "Duggar Bates Confessions" offers some wild theories, per In Touch Weekly. Some speculate that Jana is gay but can't pursue a partner because of her family's strict religious beliefs. Others say she's a prisoner of her parents and has to stay home to help raise the younger Duggars. Another fan speculated that one of the younger kids is secretly Jana's child and that's why she sticks around to help raise the brood.

As exciting as some of these theories are, Jana herself actually explained why she likes staying so close to her family on an episode of Counting On from January 2019: "Actually, I've had the choice to move to another room but love being in the girls' room with my sisters! The evenings are the best. We sit around talking and catching up on each others' [days]" (via Pop Culture). Plus, in an August 2020 episode of the show, Michelle Duggar confirmed that she allows all of her kids to move out at age 18 if they choose to, but many choose to stay home to save money.

During an interview in July 2020 with Us Weekly, Jana admitted that sometimes it can get tough with people asking about her single status, especially compared to her sisters. She also said, "I long to be married," so maybe she's just at home waiting it out for the right person.