Tuesday, November 20, 2018

John Duggar: 'I'm Not Looking Back'

John Duggar and Abbie Burnett wedding
John and Abbie Duggar
 
"It was a very quick transition from bachelor status to now very much not a bachelor. It's been a wonderful transition so far, and I'm not looking back."
-John-David Duggar

Bachelor 'til the rapture no more! John Duggar is a married man, and he's thrilled about his new relationship status.

John and Abbie's wedding preview is now available on the TLC website and TLC Go app. (The links are in our previous post.) Below are a few highlights from the preview, but we still recommend that you watch it for yourself, either by signing in with your TV provider or tuning in live to TLC on November 27th or 28th. (TV listings are on our Showtimes page.)

Abbie Burnett is from Stratford, Oklahoma, and is the fourth of seven siblings. She has worked as a nurse for one year and has a passion for geriatrics. "...I just love little old people," says Abbie.

John and Abbie met earlier this year (although they say they have known of each other for several years) when Jim Bob and Michelle were speaking at a church near Abbie's hometown--Ada First Baptist in Ada, Oklahoma. They started texting, became boyfriend and girlfriend, and announced their courtship to the Duggars...all within two weeks of meeting each other.

"[Abbie] is just...perfect for [John]," says Jana. "...I approve."

Within just two months, they were engaged at an airplane hanger in Texas. Like past Duggar couples, John and Abbie saved their first kiss for their wedding day. "The first kiss is definitely a highlight, but it's not the biggest highlight of the day," says John.

The wedding takes place on November 3rd at the place where John and Abbie's relationship began--Ada First Baptist Church. Abbie wears a dress designed by Renee Miller of Renee's bridal. Abbie's father leads the couple in their vows. Surprisingly, Abbie's father's name is John. (Her mother is Cheryl Burnett.) While the couple lights the unity candle, Josiah and Lauren Duggar sing a song that is a wedding tradition for the Burnetts. 

After the vows, some of John's younger brothers fly Abbie's wedding ring to the stage on a drone. Joe catches it and hands it to John. When it comes time to kiss the bride, John kisses Abbie's hands, arms, and forehead (while she laughs and smiles) before going in for a long and passionate kiss on the lips.

98 comments:

  1. "I just love little old people." How pejorative! I'm short and I'm old and I don't like people fawning over me like I'm a toddler. How about showing us the respect we've earned through a lifetime of learning and work and struggles and making it this far still standing? We are not "little old people" like some museum exhibit. I'm appalled that a nurse would use that phrase! Abbie, if you're reading this, you should rethink your approach to geriatric care.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow! What about daycare providers who say they just “love cute little kids”? What about the teachers who poor their heart and souls into the leaders of tomorrow saying they “love working with children”? Or the veterinarian who proclaims “ I love working with animals”?Should they be abolished for saying such “rude and crude and hurtful” comments?

      I hate what this world is coming to. Everyone has to walk on eggshells about how or what they say ( or don’t say) for fear of insulting someone. Common courtesy and common decency says, “ Be Polite and Respectful”.

      Please think twice before scolding this beautiful woman. Nurses are angels and I respect and admire anyone who chooses the nursing field. It is a tough and thankless job and they need and REQUIRE all the love, support, and encouragement we can give them.

      Delete
    2. I don't think she meant to be disrespectful. I will agree that she could have worded her statement better.

      Delete
    3. Or people could stop taking offense at everything and move on.

      Delete
    4. How John kissed Abby was priceless! Congrats again to the newlyweds❤

      Delete
    5. Welcome to public opinion Abbie! While maybe not the best term to use I’m sure Abbie was referring to patients in her care and not elderly people in general. Gereatric nursing is one of the hardest and most demanding areas of nursing both physically and mentally I worked in the area and have been left with a life long back injury that has changed my life completely. Through Gods grace I have accepted it. I am glad there are people like Abbie who choose this field. Abbie is also very new to the public arena maybe show her a little patience and grace.

      Delete
    6. Way to take a very nice sweet comment and twist it into an insult! Somehow by saying she likes old people she's disrespecting them???

      Delete
    7. +1

      I cannot stand "terms of endearment" like that.

      Delete
    8. I really don't think she meant it in a pejorative sense at all. You admit you're little and you're old. Where's the insult in what she said? She loves you! Maybe you have a chip on your shoulder?

      Delete
    9. I am sorry you are offended by what Abby said. I am also guilty of saying the same thing. When I say I love little old people it is by no means meant to be disrespectful in any way shape or form. I'm just wondering if she left the word "little" out if you would still be offended by it? How else would you like to be described, elderly? I think little old people sounds cuter and less offensive...imo. have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

      Delete
    10. I found that very disrespectful as well even though I'm young.

      Delete
    11. 1:39- I winced when I heard her say "little old people". It shows a lack of maturity on her part and as a senior citizen, I find it condescending. I doubt Abbie meant anything negative, but when you are pursuing a career in nursing, it's important to be mindful of how you refer to and address those of us who are mature in years- or anyone for that matter. I don't know of anyone who appreciates being stereotyped.

      Delete
    12. I see it as a term of endearment and giving care to old people & comes alongside them as a friend.

      Delete
    13. I agree with 2:10 and 2:20. People read too much into everything. There is so little goodwill anymore.

      Delete
    14. Anon @ 2:10 I am a nurse and may I say that the majority of us do not like being referred to as 'angels'. Yes the job we do can be hard, hours can be long and the pay could be better but we are not angels for doing it, we are ordinary people. It is not thankless either, we know our patients are grateful for the care we give them, most express it daily, yes you get the odd cranky or ungrateful one but they are in the minority. I cringe at the term angel, which implies absolute goodness, I and my colleagues have all the human frailties like everyone else.

      Delete
    15. 2:10- How about just referring to us as senior citizens? That would be polite and respectful. Those other terms you refer to, such as children, do not have the negative connotation that “old” does. Old man, old woman...who decides what old is? The term brings to mind something of less value, like an old shoe. As my grandmother used to say, “As you are now, so once was I. As I am now, you too shall be.”

      Delete
    16. I knew there would be a comment about that. It was sweet not rude. Stop getting offended over silly things.

      Delete
    17. You aren’t old, or little. You’re a troll!

      Delete
    18. I am old and I take offense by it. It sounds like what you would say sbout kittens or puppies.

      Delete
    19. I am on my way to becoming old. I hope I am lucky enough to have caregivers like Abbie who will love me. I will pass on those without a heart, who spend their time picking words to satisfy whose with a chip on their shoulder.

      Delete
    20. We are all going to be little old people one day if we live long enough. Everyone’s definition of old changes as they age. When you are a teen, people in their twenties are old. When you are on your twenties, people in their thirties are old..... and it just continues. The fact that Abbie loves the people she works with is what is important not how she refers to them. I am in my forties so I am sure I am considered “old” to her. It isn’t a big deal. People need to stop being so sensitive!

      Delete
    21. 8:08 -- "There is so little goodwill anymore." What a wise statement.

      Delete
    22. Honestly, for all those complaining about being called "old," I just wonder if you would take issue with someone my age being called "young." I find more older people look down on the younger generation than vice versa. And here you have an example of a YOUNG woman saying how much she enjoys helping an older person, and she gets slammed for it.

      Delete
    23. Oh my word! I can't believe this! My mother is little and an older woman, and all her friends and family often refer to her as a cute little old lady! It is not in the least offensive to her! I think old people are adorable and my job is a caregiver for disabled elderly people! And I think "little old" is much nicer than "big old fat" people! And whenever I see an older person who looks like they need help, in the parking lot, shopping, or whatever, I often say to my Mother, "Those little old people need help." I love elderly people whether they're big or small, they are still up there in age. Nothing wrong with the phrase.

      Delete
    24. 7:04- Describing someone as young has a much more positive vibe than using the term old. We say things are old when they have come to the end of their usefulness or are worn-out, like an old tire or old dishrag. Young brings to mind something new and full of promise. I am a senior citizen and appreciate being referred to as one, not as someone who is little and old. It isn't up to you to decide how others should feel about this. Simply show resepect and consideration when addressing others.

      Delete
    25. "Those people need help" is far more polite and respectful than "Those little old people need help." See the diff?

      Delete
  2. May we be updated on what josiah and lauren are up to and if there is news with them?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would guess they are trying to get pregnant, its what all the Duggar newlyweds do lol!

      Delete
  3. What was with the hand, arm and forehead kissing? Was he "practicing"? It seemed really odd to me. Never seen anyone do that at a wedding before.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thought it was so sweet! There can be pressure for a big, impressive first kiss, and he treated it more as if they were alone and he were just kissing her as he wanted.

      Delete
    2. Ummm...a bit seductive...a bit tender...definitely romantic.

      Delete
    3. I thought it was great. Much better than the ridiculous Duggar wedding first-kisses of the past where the couple makes a big spectacle of leaping onto one another and awkwardly mashing their mouths together.

      Delete
    4. 12:02 - The only one I can remember leaping was Jill and Derick. It was definitely an awkward kiss, yet endearing to see how excited Jill was to be married.

      It's just a lot of pressure to have your first kiss in front of hundreds of people and then thousands more commenting about it once aired. It is completely their choice and am happy for them that they have the choice to have their first kiss in private like Jessa and Ben did.

      I liked that John and Abbie walked out of the church instead of running down the aisle.

      Delete
    5. It was unique, but definitely romantic.

      Delete
  4. I guess Abbie doesn't "love" me. I'm old but at 5'7" I'm not exactly a "little" old woman. lol

    ReplyDelete
  5. Just love John (brotherly)! In a family of 19 children, he's an original! Many blessins this first Thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wishing the newlyweds and all the Duggars a Blessed Thanksgiving.
    HAPPY THANKSGIVING
    Joan,Marion and Marilyn

    ReplyDelete
  7. Replies
    1. I disagree with you on that. Many older people don't like referred to as "little old people" and I thought it a poorly worded remark. As a nurse Abbie should have known better IMO.

      Delete
    2. 1:39 sounds like someone who says what they mean. And I agree. The phrase "little old people" is demeaning. "I like nursing people who have a lot more life experience than I do" would have been a better and more respectful thing for a nurse to say.

      Delete
    3. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    4. @ 8:10 You can't try to turn this around and say the people disagreeing are wrong. It was not a good thing for Abbie to say about anyone who might be in her care as a nurse!

      Delete
  8. This is the most wonderful couple together! It seems they truly appreciate the sweetness of having one another to love. God bless you two!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've not seen it but Johns kissing sounds a bit OTT and far too intimate in front of wedding guests in the church service for me. I'd be uncomfortable watching if a guest -
    Among small family or few friends is fine but 1000 people!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I felt uncomfortable just seeing it on a video. I wouldn't have wanted to watch that as a guest at a wedding. Some things are just PRIVATE and all that kissing of hands, arms and forehead was a bit much.

      Delete
    2. I wouldn't want to watch that sort of activity anywhere. All that hand and arm kissing was ridiculous IMO.

      Delete
    3. If you haven’t seen it I find it interesting that you still felt the need to weigh in with an opinion.

      I, on the other hand, did see it. The kiss(es) were great. Very genuine, unlike every other televised Duggar wedding we’ve seen.

      Delete
    4. I didn't care for the arm and hand kissing. If my husband had behaved like that at our wedding I would have been totally embarrassed.

      Delete
    5. Typical John David. Akward! Poor Abbie. Just thinking about you it makes me feel horrible for her!!!

      Delete
    6. After reading the comments and then watching the episode, I'm not sure what you all are talking about. It was a romantic lead-up to their first kiss. It wasn't sensual, awkward, or weird.

      Delete
  10. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. People are allowed opinions and I'll express mine. I usually say positive things about the Duggars but I will say I thought all that hand and arm kissing in public was in rather poor taste. It made me feel a bit squeamish.

      Delete
    2. It was Abbie's remark that was wrong, Kim. Why would you defend that?

      Delete
    3. I think the Duggars know by now that what they say is going to be scrutinized and have pretty thick skins about it. They have made a pretty good living over the past 10+ years from being on TV and promoting themselves, it comes with the territory, if they don't like it they can always stop and lead private lives.

      Delete
    4. If talking about it is what it takes to change society's perception, then I'm all for talking about "little old people." Putting diminutive labels on people like that is never right.

      Delete
    5. 10:19, I agree. While I'm sure she truly loves caring for the elderly, as a fellow nurse I would caution her about using such terminology (little old people) publicly. I was taught to avoid calling patients honey, darling, sweety etc as it comes across as disrespectful. She could have said she loves caring for the elderly, or even senior citizens. Providing those we care for with dignity and respect is very important.

      Delete
    6. Just exhausted with negativity.

      Delete
    7. I have deleted my comments, not because I think people are right or wrong, just not gonna play the pointing fingers and negativity game. I enjoy this website and like to come see the pics etc, but I think like Jinger does at times, just gonna ignore the comments.

      Delete
    8. Guess what? Elderly people are old. It is just fact. It isn’t mean. If you live a long time, you grow old. You should be happy if you have had a nice long life and stop worrying about what terminology people use to describe you. I don’t care what people say about me. I won’t waste my time worrying about what other people think.

      Delete
    9. Anon 2:44. Yes people grow old, but many of us dislike being talked to or about in a condescending manner. Calling them "little old people" was extremely tactless on Abbie's part. As a nurse she should know better than to talk like that about anyone she has or will care for.

      Delete
    10. @2:44 There is a difference between old and elderly. An elderly person is not necessarily frail and dependent. They are many who are active, right up to the 90s.

      The term "little old" implies uselessness, infirmity and childlike intellect. Her comment that she loves to work with "little old people" struck at best immature and naive and, at worse, unprofessional.

      Ageism exists. How others people refer to a group of people demonstrates how they view that group and their role in society. No one has the right to tell someone how they should feel, how certain phrases and terms carry cultural baggage and/or may be hurtful or disrespectful.

      Delete
    11. anon@10:43- Very well stated! As a senior citizen, I couldn't agree more.

      Delete
    12. I agree with you Angie. As a nurse who has worked in long term care for over 20 years we need to use respectful words to describe our elderly clients.

      Delete
    13. 3:17 Amen. Those are the people who worked for you, taught you, fed you, took care of you, and did everything for you when you were younger. They would probably prefer to still be doing those things. They deserve respect now, not goofy terms to describe them like they were babies. It's hard enough getting older and having the rest of the world leave you behind or want to put you away somewhere.

      Delete
  11. Renee created a lovely dress for Abbie. So becoming to her.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I loved it!!! Her and John make a good couple.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Are these Burnetts related to the late Carol Burnett?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't think so.

      Delete
    2. What's she late for? Carol Burnett is 85 and still alive.

      Delete
    3. Carl Burnett is still alive. You scared me for a second!

      Delete
  14. The way they kissed makes me think there was a lot of hand and forehead kissing before marriage.....

    ReplyDelete
  15. Time 10:03PM Tues 11/20/18
    Before I make this comment I want to wish everybody a happy Thanksgiving for Thursday. Such a sweet couple.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same to you, Neddy, and to all! Happy Thanksgiving! We all have so much to thank God for!

      Delete
  16. I've never seen John David so happy! I'm happy for them. 💞

    ReplyDelete
  17. Their first kiss reminded me of the end of Pride & Prejudice. So romantic!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John David is no Colin Firth, just saying!

      Delete
  18. Such a lovely couple! These two are truly a match made in Heaven. ❤️ Lord, Thank you for bringing these two together. Please reign your mercy and Blessings on them. Amen!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I saw them a few months before their wedding with no chaperones. And it sure wasn’t their first kiss! I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that though

    ReplyDelete
  20. OH MY, that was a very intimate kiss! They look very happy togetherness.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Perfect example of why the older couples are moving further away from publicity and I am SO happy. Frankly they don’t give a rip who likes what they do anymore whether it be kissing their new wife’s hand and arm or otherwise. Go Dugger kids!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Loved watching the wedding. You can tell that John David and Abbie are so in love.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I am sre she ment no disrespect. She is only guilty of being young and unpolished in her verbage. With time comes wisdom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So why is it okay to call Abbie "young and unpolished" and "she'll improve with age," if it's NOT OKAY to talk about little old people? That's a double standard, and proof positive that people are being way too sensitive.

      Delete
    2. @6:44 No double standard. Old people may be old but they are never "little." The second term is demeaning because it's false it's and "little" is said intentionally to lessen the person from what they really are. Young, unpolished, old = true (even if one of those words is technically an opinion). "Little old" = false. Those two words actually negate each other, so it's a bad phrase to use for more than one reason. Does that clear up the confusion for you?

      Delete
  24. I’m a nurse and while I would never call elderly people ‘old’ out of respect. I know plenty of people that wouldn’t care about a comment like that or if they do they woudlnt casue a scene.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I don't think Abbie was being intentionally disrespectful by referring to her patients as "little old people." I do think she was being thoughtless and uninformed. More unsettling to me are the comments here that completely disregard and disparage those who spoke up and said that they were offended by Abbie's remark. Individuals have a right to their own reactions and feelings about things that may affect them personally, as well as the right not to be disrespected for it. Dismissing someone as being "too sensitive" is a passive-aggresive form of bullying. Resorting to this tactic in order to defend the Duggars is desperate and shallow. Perhaps the lesson here is to understand that we don't all view the world through the same lense and that we need to be more receptive of different points of view. I'm sure that if Abbie reads these comments and if she's a good nurse, she will be more mindful in the future of how she refers to the patients she serves.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @6:02 Well said. We can hope that those who do not understand those who were offended will learn something. And Abbie, being young and experienced, will also, if she reads the comments, take them as constructive criticism.

      Delete
    2. Although I was not always this way, I am now little, old, and a person. So "little old people" describes me perfectly. Thank you Annie!!

      Delete
  26. 6:02, so well said. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Arm and hamd kissing. Soo inappropriate. I would get my marriage annulled if my huaband behaved that way infron of weddi g guests

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Careful. He might annul the vows first for your lack of grammar skills

      Delete
    2. Sounds like you wouldn’t have married someone like John David anyway, so don’t worry about it. They are both fun loving people. She knew his personality before she married him. She laughed and said that he was silly. She wasn’t the least bit upset.

      Delete
    3. Marry someone boring and you won’t have to worry about it.

      Delete
  28. She is young. I've been a Nurse for many years. She will learn how to phrase things better with experience.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I loved the way John kissed Abbie. Priceless!!! I have a daughter, a son in law, a grandson who are nurses. They love the older generation. Abbie has a kind com pop passionate empathetic heart. Glad she works with the older generation.

    ReplyDelete
  30. My grandma was old and tiny and I adored her. Y'all....not so much. Y'all mean.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Uh.... Hand and arm kissing???? that's new to me but hey if God put them together then WE shouldn't be all oh wow that so gross or oh my that is "soo inappropriate"! @Anonymous 11;34. we should be saying things like. wow congrats to them they are blessed by God and hope they are happy! just saying. love the duggar family!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for leaving your comments! We answer as many of your questions as we can, but due to the number of comments we receive daily, we are unable to answer every one. Our aim is to post all points of view, but we do not post anything that is profane, insulting, derogatory, or in poor taste.