Duggars and Bates

Following a recent post on our Duggar blog, we received questions from readers wondering why, if the Duggars and Bates are such good friends, they never appear on each other's reality TV shows.

While it is true that there are restrictions, as the shows are on different networks, these two families are very close, and they are always present to show support at important events like weddings and graduations. They are also quick to lend a hand with set-up at these events, and they see each other at times throughout the year.

Erin (Bates) Paine has played piano at many of the Duggar weddings. John-David Duggar was a groomsman in Zach Bates' wedding four years ago. In 2015, Jana Duggar was in Michael Bates' wedding. This year, Trace Bates was a part of Joseph Duggar's wedding, and Carlin Bates stood up with Joy-Anna Duggar at the Duggar/Forsyth wedding.

Carlin Bates and Joy-Anna Duggar (who refer to each other as best friends)

Spring 2017

Trace Bates and Joseph Duggar

Joseph's wedding, September 2017

Jana Duggar and Michaela Bates

Michaela's wedding, August 2015

Photos courtesy of UP, thebatesfamily.com, Carlin Bates, Trace Bates

"I Will Always" Lyrics

Lawson Bates' new single, "I Will Always," made it on the list of the top 60 iTunes country songs of 2016. (Click here for information on how to listen.) He performed it at Michael's wedding as a duet with Rachel Leftwich.

If you missed the wedding episode, tune in to UP on Monday at 8pm ET/7pm CT for a rerun, or check out our recap.

A few readers have asked for the lyrics so they can sing along:

"I Will Always"
Lawson Bates

From the day that we first met
I knew that God had led our steps
As I grew closer to you
You became my everything
And I pray that I could be
The one who would make your dreams come true

And as we're standing here today
Daddy gives the bride away
I can't believe that we've come this far
And though I don't have much
I give you my love
And I want you to know
With all my heart

Chorus:
I promise to
Stand by you
Through all the storms in life
I'll be there and I'll be true
No matter what the road
In this life takes us through
I will always
I will always
Love you

Now I don't know what lies ahead
Or where life's road will bend
Only Jesus knows what tomorrow brings
But if sickness or health
In poverty or wealth
I'll be right there by your side
To walk through anything

So as you take my hand
Together we'll stand
And do our best to follow where God leads
You can always trust
No matter what
The way I feel right now
Will always be

Chorus

People say the only thing
That stays the same is change
But I can tell you right now
Until my dying day
The love I give won't fade

No matter what the road
In this life takes us through
I will always (I will always)
I will always (I will always)
I will always
Love you


Photo courtesy of Lawson Bates; lyrics posted with permission 

Invitation from the Newlyweds

How cute are these newlyweds? Michael and Brandon Keilen offer fans a front row seat at their wedding, which airs Thursday at 9pm ET/8pm CT, only on UP (video below).

Watch as the Bates clan bands together to pull off a beautiful, super-sized marriage celebration for their beloved Michael and her husband-to-be.

Photo/video courtesy of UP

Tonight on 'Bringing Up Bates'

On this week's new episode of Bringing Up Bates, the clan enjoys an exciting week of family time and last-minute preparations as the wedding countdown begins.

What will Michael say when Brandon comes home from a brothers' outing with a big gash on his head? Tune in to UP tonight at 9pm ET/8pm CT to find out! And come back to the blog after the show for our written recap.

Photo/video courtesy of UP