Michelle Duggar (R) and husband Jim Bob Duggar of '19 Kids & Counting.' Photo by Jim Bob Duggar/Wiki Commons
TONTITOWN, Ark., July 16 (UPI) -- Michelle Duggar responded to 19 Kids & Counting's cancellation Thursday.
The 48-year-old reality star issued a statement on her family's website after TLC confirmed the series will be canceled. The network announced the news earlier in the day, nearly two months after it was revealed Duggar's eldest son, Josh Duggar, molested five girls as a teenager.
"With God's grace and help Josh, our daughters and our entire family overcame a terrible situation, found healing and a way forward. We are so pleased with the wonderful adults they have all become.
It is our prayer that the painful situation our family went through many years ago can point people toward faith in God and help others who also have lived through similar dark situations to find help, hope and healing.
We appreciate the love, support, prayers and kindness extended to us by many of you. You have deeply touched our hearts and encouraged us, during this time."
Josh Duggar admitted to the abuse after a police report surfaced in May, and subsequently resigned from his position at the Family Research Council. Sisters Jill Duggar and Jessa Duggar were among the victims, and defended their brother amid the public outcry.
19 Kids & Counting premiered in 2008, and followed Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and their 19 children. The family will partner with TLC and victims' rights groups RAINN and Darkness to Light on a one-hour documentary about abuse to air later this summer.
"We have committed to Him that in all things -- difficulties or success, good times or bad -- we will purpose to bring Him honor by staying true to our faith and our family.
We look forward to working with TLC on this upcoming special documentary and hope that it is an encouragement to many.
We know Who holds the future and are confident that He will work all things together for good.
We love each of you and look forward to unfolding the future with peace and joy."
Josh Duggar married wife Anna Duggar in 2008, and the couple welcomed their first child, daughter Mackynzie, in 2009. Sons Michael and Marcus followed in 2011 and 2013, and Anna Duggar is currently past due with her fourth child.