Abby and Brittany Hensel, conjoined twins who first gained national attention in 1996, have reached a major life milestone as Abby is now married. The sisters appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and later starred in their own reality series on TLC, “Abby and Brittany,” which showed them navigating various aspects of daily life together. Now 34 years old, Abby married Josh Bowling, a nurse and United States Army veteran, in 2021. The couple resides in Minnesota, where the Hensel twins were born and raised, and both sisters currently teach fifth grade.
Abby and Brittany are dicephalus conjoined twins, meaning they share a bloodstream and all organs below the waist. Abby controls their right arm and leg, while Brittany controls the left. Born in 1990, their parents decided against separation surgery due to the high risks involved, with doctors indicating a low chance of both twins surviving the operation. Conjoined twins are a rare occurrence, with only about one in every 200,000 live births resulting in this condition. Most conjoined twins are female, and the majority are stillborn, as reported by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
In a 2003 documentary “Joined for Life,” Patty Hensel, their mother, shared that Abby and Brittany were interested in having children one day. Despite their unique anatomical connection, the twins’ reproductive organs function independently and could potentially enable them to bear children. Abby and Brittany have graduated from college with degrees in education and have pursued careers in teaching, currently working as fifth-grade educators in Minnesota. The family, including Abby’s husband Josh, enjoy nature hikes, ice cream, and snow tubing, as seen in photos and videos shared on social media.
The Hensel twins have defied the odds and learned to navigate life together, sharing experiences and accomplishments while embracing their distinct personalities and shared physical connection. Their journey has been documented in various media appearances, including their own reality show, which followed them through driving, traveling, and other activities. Despite the challenges they face as conjoined twins, Abby and Brittany have remained resilient and positive, supported by their family and friends.
Through their story, the Hensel twins have raised awareness about the lives of conjoined twins and challenged societal perceptions of disability and difference. They have demonstrated the power of love, resilience, and determination in overcoming obstacles and living life to the fullest. Abby’s marriage to Josh Bowling marks a new chapter in their lives, as they continue to inspire others with their unique bond and unwavering spirit. With each milestone they reach, Abby and Brittany Hensel remind us of the beauty and strength that can be found in embracing our differences and celebrating the uniqueness of each individual.
