Have You Heard What Happened to Conjoined Twins Abby and Brittany Hensel?

From Media Sensation to Inspiring Everyday Life

Abby and Brittany Hensel—conjoined twins from Minnesota—captivated the world from their very first television appearances, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Life Magazine, and numerous Discovery Channel documentaries. Born in Carver County to Patty (a nurse) and Mike Hensel (a carpenter), the twins are a rare case of diphalic parapagus twins: two heads, two necks, but sharing one body with two arms and two legs. They underwent several surgeries as children to correct scoliosis and expand their chest cavity, and even had to stop Abby’s spine growth when Brittany stopped growing earlier than expected.

Despite each only controlling half of their shared body, Abby and Brittany have mastered coordination to an astonishing degree. They can walk, run, swim, ride bikes, play sports, and even drive a car—each has their own driver’s license and controls one side of the vehicle. Their parents always emphasized their individuality: Abby loves math and pink, Brittany prefers art and dislikes pink. They even take turns choosing outfits and have their clothes custom-made with two neck holes to reflect their unique personalities.

Growing Up in the Spotlight—and Facing Unique Challenges

Their lives have been chronicled in many documentaries, most notably TLC’s “Abby & Brittany,” which followed them through college and their first teaching job. Although they’ve always attracted curiosity, the twins learned to handle public attention with humor and grace. Their family and friends provided unwavering support, helping them navigate both everyday challenges and the complexities of being different in a world that often struggles to understand.

Their parents made the difficult decision not to separate them after birth, believing that their quality of life together would far surpass any chance of survival apart. Abby and Brittany were taught the importance of privacy and how to answer (or decline) questions about their bodies and personal lives.

Adulthood: Careers, Independence, and Love

After graduating from Bethel University in 2012, Abby and Brittany became fifth-grade teachers in Minnesota. Their choice to go into education was inspired by a desire to encourage children—especially those who feel different—to dream big. Students and parents alike admire the twins for their dedication, warmth, and positivity.

But what truly surprised the public recently was the news that Abby married Joshua Bowling, a nurse and former US Army serviceman, in 2021. Abby is now a stepmother to Joshua’s daughter from a previous relationship. Family photos from their wedding and outings, shared on social media, quickly went viral and reignited discussions about privacy, boundaries, and the right of people with unique conditions to love and live as they choose.

Privacy, Public Scrutiny, and New Family Challenges

Abby’s marriage sparked widespread curiosity about their intimate lives and family dynamics. The twins responded with a series of social media posts—some celebrating their happiness, others expressing frustration at invasive attention. They emphasized: “We are two individuals and deserve to love and live just like anyone else.”

Recently, the family faced a new challenge when Joshua became involved in a paternity lawsuit filed by his ex-wife. The legal case, regarding his daughter Isabella and a younger half-sibling, brought additional attention and speculation. All parties, including Abby and Brittany, have chosen to remain silent to protect the privacy of the children involved.

More Than Just a Medical Marvel

The story of Abby and Brittany Hensel is not just about overcoming medical odds, but about the power of teamwork, resilience, and living authentically. As historian Alice Dreger notes, Abby and Brittany challenge our ideas of individuality and personhood, reminding us that curiosity must be balanced with respect for privacy and dignity.

Their journey has changed how society views disability, difference, and the meaning of self. Their story is a living testament to the strength of family, creativity, optimism, and perseverance.

Conclusion

Looking back at Abby and Brittany’s journey, we see not just a medical rarity, but a vibrant example of courage, humor, and tenacity. Despite every challenge, they continue to inspire us, showing that everyone is unique in their own way—and everyone deserves love, respect, and the right to live life to the fullest.

Abby & Brittany: Not just two souls in one body, but two strong, independent women living life on their own terms.