Joy-Anna Duggar recently honored her late daughter, Annabell Elise Forsyth, on what would have been her sixth birthday. The former reality star, known for her appearances on “Counting On,” took to Instagram on July 1 to share heartfelt memories and photographs from Annabell’s brief time with her family.
In a touching carousel post, Joy-Anna, 27, shared black-and-white images that captured the tiny details of Annabell’s birth, including her delicate feet and tiny footprints. One poignant photo featured Joy-Anna cradling Annabell alongside her husband, Austin Forsyth. The couple also included images of their family coming together in support during their time of grief.
Joy-Anna also posted a mirror selfie showcasing her baby bump, a video from her ultrasound, and a tender moment with Austin as they held a box containing Annabell’s remains in a serene woodland setting. One slide in the post featured a yellow rose, which read, “Annabell Elise Forsyth, July 1, 2019, 2:39 p.m., 4.8 ounces, 7 inches long.”
In her heartfelt caption, Joy-Anna wrote, “Happy heavenly 6th birthday Annabell Elise Forsyth ✨👼🏼.” She also shared similar memories on her Instagram Story, recalling a special moment when the hospital hung the yellow rose on their door following Annabell’s delivery.
Reflecting on her daughter’s features, Joy-Anna expressed, “Her features were perfect … her little hands, fingernails, lips, tongue, ears, arms & legs.” She also shared the emotional experience of burying Annabell, stating, “This moment was so difficult. Burying her felt like we had to move on without her. I just wanted to hold my baby, but I had to let her go. I just held her wooden box tightly and bawled.”
Joy-Anna continued to share their journey, recalling how they were able to lay Annabell to rest in a special place on Austin’s family farm. In May 2019, Joy-Anna and Austin announced they were expecting their second child, only to discover at their 20-week ultrasound that they had lost the baby. The couple shared their heartbreak in an Instagram post at the time, revealing the devastating news, “So this is your baby’s heart (pointing to the ultrasound screen). I don’t hear a heartbeat or see any movement. We had gone in for our 20-week ultrasound and gender reveal. It was a baby girl.”
Despite the pain of their loss, Joy-Anna found solace in her faith, stating, “Although we don’t understand why, God has given us unexplainable peace and comfort during this very difficult time. Yes, it still hurts and we have cried countless tears, but we know that we can trust the Lord.” She quoted King David, saying, “I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Sam 12:23), emphasizing her hope of reuniting with Annabell one day.
Joy-Anna chose the name Annabell, meaning “God has favored me,” and Elise, meaning “God satisfies,” reflecting her belief that Annabell is now in heaven. Joy-Anna and Austin are also parents to their son Gideon, born in February 2018, daughter Evelyn, born in August 2020, and son Gunner, born in May 2023.
This heartfelt tribute serves as a reminder of the love and loss that many families experience, and Joy-Anna’s openness about her journey continues to resonate with fans and followers alike.