Jill Duggar, Derick Dillard React To 'Counting On' Cancellation: ‘We Just Learned The News’

KEY POINTS

Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard only heard about the cancellation of "Counting On" last Tuesday
The couple said they didn't know how long the cancellation had been planned by the network
Jill and Derick said they had many great experiences with the network when they were part of the show

Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard got candid after learning that the Duggar family's reality show "Counting On" had been canceled.

Jill and Derick appeared on the TLC show for six seasons. However, they left in 2017 ahead of the seventh season. The couple shared their thoughts on the fate of the Duggar's reality show in a statement posted on their website.

"Our statement about the cancellation of 'Counting On' is a little late because we just learned the news with the rest of the world last Tuesday + this season of life is quite busy for us," they said. "We first heard of the cancellation when both a friend & a cousin each texted us after seeing TLC's statement online. We do not know how long the cancellation had been planned."

"It’s been over 4 years now since we chose to step away from the show, and, although we were initially barred from sharing our decision to leave the show, we have opened up a little more recently on our social media. During our years on the show, we had many great experiences with the network, and several of the crew members have even become like family to us!"

The couple said they "faced many pressures" and "unexpected challenges" that forced them to leave the show. Also, they chose to leave in order to gain more control over their own lives and to do what was best for their growing family.

"The pursuit of freedom and authenticity has been a growing theme in our lives. Our story is still being written, and this event is just one more step forward toward that goal," they continued. "Our family’s departure from '19 Kids & Counting' and 'Counting On' has allowed us to make our own decisions, including the ability to have a choice in what we share. For now, we will move forward on our own terms, and we look forward to whatever opportunities the future holds."

In May, several netizens called out TLC to cancel "Counting On" following Josh Duggar's arrest over child pornography charges. Jill's husband seemingly agreed with the call by liking several tweets calling out the network to axe the show.

"The Duggars need to be removed from @tlc now. RIGHT NOW! This is beyond disgusting," one tweet that Derick liked read.

"They need to cut all ties today. Like this minute," another tweet he liked read.