Following a recent post on our Duggar blog, we received questions from readers wondering why, if the Duggars and Bates are such good friends, they never appear on each other's reality TV shows.
While it is true that there are restrictions, as the shows are on different networks, these two families are very close, and they are always present to show support at important events like weddings and graduations. They are also quick to lend a hand with set-up at these events, and they see each other at times throughout the year.
Erin (Bates) Paine has played piano at many of the Duggar weddings. John-David Duggar was a groomsman in Zach Bates' wedding four years ago. In 2015, Jana Duggar was in Michael Bates' wedding. This year, Trace Bates was a part of Joseph Duggar's wedding, and Carlin Bates stood up with Joy-Anna Duggar at the Duggar/Forsyth wedding.
![]( "Carlin Bates and Joy-Anna Duggar")
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Photos courtesy of UP, thebatesfamily.com, Carlin Bates, Trace Bates
While it is true that there are restrictions, as the shows are on different networks, these two families are very close, and they are always present to show support at important events like weddings and graduations. They are also quick to lend a hand with set-up at these events, and they see each other at times throughout the year.
Erin (Bates) Paine has played piano at many of the Duggar weddings. John-David Duggar was a groomsman in Zach Bates' wedding four years ago. In 2015, Jana Duggar was in Michael Bates' wedding. This year, Trace Bates was a part of Joseph Duggar's wedding, and Carlin Bates stood up with Joy-Anna Duggar at the Duggar/Forsyth wedding.
Carlin Bates and Joy-Anna Duggar (who refer to each other as best friends)
Spring 2017
Trace Bates and Joseph Duggar
Joseph's wedding, September 2017
Jana Duggar and Michaela Bates
Michaela's wedding, August 2015
Photos courtesy of UP, thebatesfamily.com, Carlin Bates, Trace Bates