Who Is Jana Duggar’s Husband, Stephen Wissmann?
Another Duggar has tied the knot! Former Counting On star Jana Duggar wed Stephen Wissmann on August 15.
The couple kept their relationship under wraps for months, but word got out about the impending nuptials when online records revealed they’d applied for a marriage license in Arkansas. Soon after, People confirmed that Jana and Stephen had said “I do” in front of 500 guests at a ceremony in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Jana’s sisters Jessa Seewald, Joy Forsyth, Jinger Vuolo, Johannah Duggar, and Jordyn Duggar were bridesmaids, along with her sister-in-law Abbie Duggar.
Jana is the eldest daughter of Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar and the oldest of their 19 children who remained unmarried. But who is her new husband? Here’s what we know about Stephen Wissmann.
Jana Duggar has been rumored to be courting Stephen Wissmann for years
Followers of the controversial Duggar family have long wondered when – or if – Jana, who is 34, would get married. Her siblings have tended to get married in their late teens or early 20s (though Jana’s twin, John David Duggar, did not say “I do” until he was 28). Some people have even dubbed Jana – who was still living at home with her parents – the “Cinderella Duggar.”
Over the years, rumors have swirled about Jana’s possible courtships. While she’s never publicly confirmed a relationship until now, she’s been linked to Stephen in the past. Back in 2021, a photo surfaced online of Jana spending the Christmas holiday with the Wissmann family in Nebraska, leading to speculation that they were involved.
The Wissmanns already have close ties to the Duggar family
Like the Duggars, the Wissmans are a large family of conservative Christians. And they already have a close tie to the 19 Kids and Counting family. Stephen’s sister Hannah married Jana’s brother Jeremiah Duggar in March 2022. They have two daughters, Brynley and Brielle. If Jana and Stephen have children, their kids will be double first cousins with Jeremiah and Hannah’s children and share the same two sets of grandparents.
Stephen is a pilot and works for his family business
Unlike Jana, Stephen, 31, has a relatively low profile. But he does have a public Instagram, where he has shared photos and updates about life with his large family.
According to a bio on his family’s website, he is a pilot and an assistant manager at Wissmann Enterprises, Inc., his family’s business. His hobbies include making small furniture, working out, and sports. In addition, he is musician who plays mandolin and guitar and sings lead and bass. He is also “gifted in initiating conversations that encourage and challenge, and he has a heart for ministry.”
After the wedding, the couple plans to live in his home state of Nebraska, Jana told People.
The newlyweds have known each other for more than a decade
In her interview with People, Jana confirmed that she and Stephen first met more than a decade ago.
“[The Wissmann’s] would travel and sing. I remember them coming to our home, probably 13 or so years ago and they ended up getting snowed-in here, which hardly ever happens in Arkansas,” she shared.
However, it wasn’t love at first sight for the pair. Initially, Stephen “was not at all on my radar,” Jana confessed. They connected again a few years ago and – as many suspected – dated for a time. Eventually, they broke up, but remained friendly. After Jeremiah and Hannah married, Jana and Stephen rekindled their romance.
“It was like, ‘What are we doing? We still enjoy each other. We still really appreciate each other,’” she said.
Jana says her new husband puts up with her ‘crazy family’
Jana added that Stephen’s patience eventually won her over. She also hinted that his willingness to stand by her as her family dealt with the fallout from her brother Josh Duggar’s criminal trial impressed her.
”I know we have a big crazy family and still kind of putting up with a lot of things,” she said. “I’m like, my goodness, there are not too many people that do that. He must really, genuinely care about me.”
“It takes me a bit to open up, but I think just his continuing to be there, no matter what, through ups and downs,” she added. “He’s been a good friend over the years and has not pressured me in a lot of ways.”
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