Marjorie Jackson: 17-Year-Old That Josiah Duggar Is Reportedly Courting Has Interesting Connection To Duggar Clan

Marjorie Jackson is reportedly being courted by Josiah Duggar, and the 17-year-old fellow Christian has some interesting connections to the giant Duggar clan.

Word circulated this week that 18-year-old Josiah Duggar is courting his 17-year-old classmate, though it’s not clear just how far along they are in the relationship. Fans of 19 Kids and Counting will soon get to known Marjorie Jackson, who will be featured on an upcoming episode of the reality show.

But as People explains, the two have known each other for some time before Josiah Duggar started courting Marjorie — and they have quite a bit in common.

The report explained Marjorie’s connection with the family.

“At 17 years old, Marjorie is one year younger than Josiah. Her family has known the Duggar family for several years; the couple met while he was taking Spanish lessons at her mother’s house. She really caught Josiah’s eye, however, during a mission trip to El Salvador in December,” as People previously reported.

“While her family is not quite as large as the Duggars’, Marjorie knows a little something about juggling younger siblings. She is the oldest of five girls, the others being 15, 8, 5 and 2.”

Josiah said Marjorie’s connection to her family was a big part of what attracted him to her.

“It’s been going very well,” Josiah told People. “I met Marjorie a few years ago when I was taking Spanish lessons at her house and I was very impressed with the way she was with her siblings and her love for the Lord.”

Marjorie Jackson appears to have another thing in common with the 19 Kids and Counting family. Like the Duggars, she is all about taking the relationship slowly.

“I really appreciate the Duggar family,” Marjorie told People. “I respect and admire them. I will just take this one step at a time.”

That attitude will come in hand now that Josiah Duggar is courting her. Duggar parents Jim Bob and Michelle forbid their children from having physical contact while courting, with side-hugs the only form permitted, and hand-holding once they are engaged.

“A side hug is a good medium between super closeness and too distant,” Jim Bob Duggar explained.

“You don’t want to be too strict but you don’t want them to be too liberal either, just letting them do whatever,” Jim Bob added. “I encouraged them to set their own standards as they’re getting to know each other.”

While he may not get as much screen time or attention as his older and now-married sisters, Josiah Duggar has gotten his share of attention on 19 Kids and Counting. Viewers recently got to see him graduate from high school, and his family then invited hundreds of guests over to celebrate at their 7,000-square-foot home.

With Josiah Duggar now courting Marjorie Jackson, things are liable to move quickly. Both his sisters Jessa and Jill were married within months, and in the case of Jill, she had a baby less than a year after she tied the knot.

[Image via People]