Why is Jana Duggar single?
That"s a question Duggar Nation has been asking for years, and fans have not shied away from offering their two cents, and then some.
Some theories are more out there than others, obviously; Jana isn"t secretly a monster underneath her long dresses and skirts (we think).
But regardless of why the 27-year-old remains on the market, she continues to fascinate fans because WHY IS SHE ON THE MARKET?!
With Jill, Jessa and Jinger all married and Joy-Anna not far behind, the eldest Duggar daughter does her own thing. It"s a little baffling.
Here"s a look at all the rumors or reports we"ve read explaining this most unlikely phenomenon, and why they"re likely true (or false).
1. She’s not allowed to date because Jim Bob needs her as a surrogate mom.
This theory is both the longest-running and the most likely, given that Jana has been taking care of her younger siblings for her entire life (when she was born, the show was called 3 & Counting … just kidding). In all seriousness, she’s been a key part of raising her brothers and sisters for years, and even now, can be seen taking care of her nieces and nephews (like Josh’s daughter, above). Whether or not this correlates with Jim Bob turning a blind eye to suitors, or her simply being so put-upon that she can’t consider courting, or some combination of both? That we may never know for sure, but Jana earned the nickname “Cinderella Duggar” for a reason.
2. She’s infertile.
In the Duggars’ world view, a woman’s value comes solely from the amount of babies she can crank out over the course of a lifetime, so if Jana doesn’t have that ability, she may not be “desirable” for Jim Bob and Michelle in terms of finding her a partner … and as such, she might as well be put to work, dovetailing with the above theory.
3. She’s a lesbian.
Unlikely … but it has been rumored before on several occasions, and scientifically at least, 1-2 of the Duggars’ 19 kids being gay is plausible, maybe even likely. Jana hasn’t shown any interest in courting, and we can’t imagine there wouldn’t be interest from young men … if she’s attracted to women, her family would never admit it, or she would never admit it to them, and she would enter into a life of servitude to Jim Bob and Michelle. A stretch, but crazier things have happened.
4. She’s not impressed … by the Quiverfull movement.
One fan theory is that she’s taken a Godly path, but not the controversial one espoused by her parents. Jim Bob and Michelle have embraced the “Quiverfull” movement, which basically means “be fruitful and multiply.” Jana, the theory goes, wants to embark on a path of celibacy, like the apostle Paul recommended. A little out there, but then again these are the Duggars. Can you rule that out?
5. She’s not allowed to date until John David does, or doesn’t want to.
That’s just lunacy … but it is interesting that neither of the twins have entered into a courtship. Twins are known for a bond that few others understand or share. Perhaps they’re somehow looking to be paired off at the same time?
6. She’s not settling. (Or is too picky.)
Crazy notion, right? That a 27-year-old woman just hasn’t felt strongly enough about a particular person yet? She basically said this last fall, telling TLC: “I don’t know what the next five years will look like. In some ways you’ve got hopes and dreams. Maybe I’ll meet the one and get married and have kids and stuff. There have been different guys come along and ask, but they haven’t been the right one. It’s just one of those things. I’m not just out to get married to the first one who comes along.” Case closed?