Jill Duggar Reunites With Estranged Dad Jim Bob, Fans Complain About Release Of Balloons At Daughter’s Funeral
Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard's family joined them at the funeral of their daughter, Isla Marie.
The couple held a funeral for their stillborn baby, who died in utero, on April 19. Jill shared snaps from the event on social media, featuring their family members, including her estranged dad, Jim Bob Duggar.
In the photos, they can be seen holding pink helium balloons. In one shot, they released the balloons into the air.
"Isla Marie Dillard, 'planted on earth to bloom in heaven,'" Jill wrote in the caption. "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made(Psalm 139:13-14)."
Jill's post received mixed responses after fans noticed her dad was around. Some were happy to see them together since they previously had a falling out.
"I am so sorry for your loss. I do see your family was there to support you, even your Daddy, after everything you said about him. You should be so thankful you have such an amazing, supportive, family," one commented.
In October 2023, Jill spoke about the feud between her husband and dad when she appeared on Christy Carlson Romano's "Vulnerable" podcast. According to her, Derick was just being protective of her.
"It used to be really great. Derick trusted my dad, and my dad trusted him," Jill said of the two men's former dynamic. "But once we started having some differences -- we weren't falling in line with everything -- it got a little rocky there to the point where Derick had to have some really hard conversations with my dad and more recently to the point where he was standing up to protect me and saying, 'This not okay the way you're treating your daughter.'"
Things reportedly worsened to the point that Derick threatened her dad that he would file a protective order if Jim Bob would contact her directly. At the time, she was hoping that things would get better.
"We hope for the future that things can get better, but we're not rushing things either with my family," she added. "We want to have good relationships, we want there to be better trust."
Meanwhile, aside from Jim Bob's noticeable attendance, most comments on Jill's post were about the balloons they released into the air. The netizens disapproved of how Jill and Derick decided to celebrate their little one's life because the balloons could harm the environment and kill wildlife.
"Balloons should just be illegal, honestly. I'm sorry, but celebrating life by releasing balloons that will take lives and do so much damage isn't the way to go," one wrote.
Another added, "I'm so sorry for your loss. Please reconsider before releasing balloons again it's terrible for the environment, wildlife and farming equipment."
"Releasing balloons is a bad idea. Not great for the environment and all. Wish you guys did something differently," another wrote with a crying emoji.
Amid the backlash regarding the balloons, several netizens defended Jill and Derick. They also showered the couple with supportive messages.
"Astounded at the audacity of people in these comments. A loss of a child is tragic no matter how or when it happens. Praying for you sister," one wrote with a red heart emoji.
"Human life is more precious and valuable than the environment/balloons. People have been releasing balloons for decades, and the world is still spinning," another supporter opined.
"I'm sorry for your loss [red heart emoji]. And I'm sorry for anyone who is making this about balloons," another fan said.
Isla would have been Jill and Derick's first daughter. The couple is parents to three kids -- sons Israel David, 9, Samuel Scott, 6, and Frederick "Freddy" Michael, 21 months.
