The world first met conjoined twins Abby and Brittany Hensel when they appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show as young girls.
Now, decades later, the 34-year-old sisters have shared glimpses of a new chapter in their lives, one that includes Abby’s husband, Josh Bowling, and his adorable daughter, Isabella.
The family recently delighted fans with a series of rare photos on TikTok, giving followers a peek into their shared lives and family moments.
On Wednesday, Abby and Brittany posted snapshots from their daily lives, featuring Abby’s husband Josh, an army veteran, and his daughter Isabella, who has quickly become part of their close-knit family.
The post, accompanied by a reminder to “Don’t forget to #vote!” showed the family enjoying precious moments together, from outings to intimate family gatherings, including some never-before-seen images from Abby and Josh’s 2021 wedding.
In one stunning wedding photo, the sisters are seen standing alongside Josh, both of them radiant in a lace-embroidered gown.
Another heartwarming image captured young Isabella in an adorable flower girl dress, holding a bouquet and posing happily with the trio. It’s a testament to the family’s love and acceptance, showing that while their journey has been anything but conventional, their bond is as strong as any.
The family photos continue with a series of sweet moments, including a charming ice cream date where Abby and Brittany beam with joy, surrounded by Josh and Isabella. Another seasonal shoot shows the family enjoying autumn together, wrapped up in cozy attire and exuding warmth.
In one particularly touching shot, the twins can be seen lovingly gazing at Josh, with Isabella hugging her dad’s arm, perfectly capturing the closeness they all share.
Earlier this week, the twins also posted a rare image with Josh, marking one of the first times fans have seen the family together since the quiet reveal of Abby and Josh’s wedding earlier this year.
Though the ceremony took place in 2021, the couple kept the nuptials private until just a few months ago, when they finally shared the joyous news. Held in a small, intimate setting, the ceremony was a celebration of love, with Abby and Brittany looking radiant as they posed with Josh in a beautiful wedding gown.
While the reveal of Abby and Josh’s marriage was met with excitement from fans, it also sparked curiosity and some criticism.
The twins have a rare condition called dicephalic parapagus, meaning they share a single torso and all organs below the waist.
Each twin controls one arm and one leg, with individual control over their heads, and they share the same bloodstream and vital organs. The unique arrangement has led to questions and misunderstandings, but Abby and Brittany have always been open about their lives, handling public curiosity with ease.
Living together as one while pursuing individual dreams has been a defining aspect of Abby and Brittany’s lives. In fact, the sisters have worked as a teaching duo at a local elementary school, instructing fourth and fifth graders, where they split a single salary for their shared role. In a 2013 interview with the BBC, Abby shared their practical outlook on the arrangement.
“Obviously, right away, we understand that we are going to get one salary because we’re doing the job of one person,” she explained. “As maybe experience comes in, we’d like to negotiate a little bit, considering we have two degrees and because we are able to give two different perspectives or teach in two different ways.”
Since then, Abby and Brittany have continued to inspire, with their unique teaching style resonating with both students and parents alike.
Their natural ability to work with children and their mutual dedication to education made teaching a perfect fit, a sentiment shared by their mother, Patti Hensel. Patti, who appeared on the sisters’ TLC series Abby & Brittany, recalled how the twins had once dreamed of different careers.
“I remember one wanted to be a pilot and one wanted to be a dentist, and that was short-lived,” she said with a smile. “I think it’s going to go well for them [working as teachers] because they’ve just always had a knack with kids, and kids have always kind of been drawn to them.”
The show, Abby & Brittany, which aired in 2012, followed the sisters’ journey from college to their first teaching job, giving fans a closer look at their daily lives and the challenges they face. Since then, the Hensels have largely stayed out of the spotlight, sharing occasional updates on social media.
Abby and Brittany’s relationship with Josh has been one of deep respect and acceptance. After their wedding, Josh moved in with the twins, making their home a place where everyone feels loved and valued. Brittany, who remains single, has fully embraced her role as a loving sister and aunt, supporting Abby and Josh’s journey together.