First Set Of Septuplets Turn 18: Catching Up With The McCaughey Family | TODAY

In 1997, Kenny and Bobbi McCaughey became the parents of the first set of septuplets to ever survive infancy, and now they’re turning 18. As TODAY’s “Where Are They Now?” series continues with a visit from the whole family, mom Bobbi McCaughey becomes emotional about their ups and downs over the years.
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First Set Of Septuplets Turn 18: Catching Up With The McCaughey Family | TODAY

[@mothman69]

best part: never alone worst part: never alone

[@sydneycampbell7060]

yeah, thats how it is in my family, I'm a triplet. I'm the only girl. my brothers never leave me alone at school because they don't want me to get hurt and we are in 8th grade. but then again its nice to have people always with you

[@shabarish2727]

Brooke Holland I get it 😂😂😂

[@jessestewart169]

Never no privacy either.

[@pressia07]

I thought they were going to say bathrooms

[@MzClementine]

Brooke Holland until they leave the nest. I have just 3 years left until my son is off to college. I often joke around with him, what would he do without a mum to help pick up and keep him on track... he laughed the other day. And said. I think 🤔 it will be harder on you mum. Why? I asked? I’ll have so much free time! He laughed and says idol bodies and minds make for some pure boredom! I agreed but mama is going to aesthetician school and then off to get my medical aesthetician license. I laughed and said... I don’t do idol. And we may move back to the ocean. Hahaha. He’s like. Oh. I was going to go to school here. I said who needs who more? Hahahaha. The panic in his face was... precious. He’s like... well figure out where your moving to and I’ll go to school there. I was like, ummm you don’t want freedom? He’s like. No way, I’m cool with the European lifestyle of growing up in the home taking over when your old and taking care of you. I said great! You can do the dishes tonight and the white laundry needs dried and folded. Start now... it will be good practice for you! Hahahahaha! The 👀 look on his face. I can’t stop giggling 🤭 just writing this out! Priceless!!! I even said. Gosh I wish I recorded this. Cause. I want to hold you to your words. You want to put this in writing. Or is this just a verbal contract. We both chuckled and I got a serious face on and was like. No seriously 😐 you’re doing dishes and finishing my laundry chore tonight. Gotta get in that practice! Just be thankful I’m not making you cook tonight. Funny my mum called me and said, “there is frozen chicken in the freezer, figure it out, you must cook dinner tonight.” I was just 11. And there was no Internet to google how to thaw or cook frozen chicken. And my mum had no cooking books to guide how to make dinner with frozen chicken. He’s like. Mum that made you an awesome cook. I know it was tough but no one cooks like you do. I chuckled and said, then it’s on! Should I toss the chicken in the freezer and give you a challenge? The panick in his eyes. Hahaha. Hahahahahahahahahahahaaaaa! Ahhhhh OoooooOoooo. I love pulling his leg! Hahahahaha! So hilarious! Great memories! Hahaha!

[@absurdelizabeth]

imagine the college tuition

[@RaineX6]

+Elizabeth Baker i imagine the financial aid must be pretty good though

[@elsafairytale5998]

i was just imagining how big her stomach was with 7 babies

[@misswhitegrape0225]

They were given full scholarships the day they were born.

[@juliae5639]

+Amna Raine I'm a triplet and there is zero financial aid for my family.

[@madisonb5042]

+Julia E But they were the first surviving septuplets. Big families and big stories like that get full scholarships.

[@bonnienash8585]

The most beautiful thing about this is the fact that Mum and Dad still have a wonderful strong relationship, if that’s not true love I don’t know what is!.

[@bbygurllove8813]

Bonnie Nash the child support the dad would have to pay if he left the woman

[@ronaldlittlejohn8572]

That's one perspective, however, I think the most amazing and wonderful thing about this family is that from the very beginning that put all of this into Gods hands, trusting that since He had blessed them with 7 miracles at one time that He was also going to take care of the whole blessings. What a true testament this family is that God does and will take care of His own children. What a true testament it is for the parents to still love one another even more with a much deeper love than what most of us could ever possibly imagine!!!!! AND, the older single daughter has been a very real part of this family and God has blessed her with a wonderful marriage and family of her own as well. God bless this family and thank you to all of you for giving the world such a beautiful gift of watching you grow as a family!!!!!

[@marieschmaltz6373]

Bonnie Nash u

[@vegasgirl3538]

I think the smartest thing they ever did was keeping the kids' lives relatively private and not doing a reality show. I'm sure the money they made would've really helped, but it probably would've ruined their marriage and family in the process. Look what happened to the Gosselins.

[@Florence_O.M]

Yesss! The fact that their relationship survived having 7 kids at once! The financial, emotional, physical stress....true love

[@jessiepaige3279]

I absolutely don't blame them for not wanting a reality tv show

[@haggiefatigue2971]

Yes! The decision made against reality t.v. is what saved them! Their father was insistent about that. Look at the Gosselins, who INSISTED on all things reality. The mother was completely greedy and the family did not survive.

[@laureljade3476]

Kate Gosselin is a Bully

[@Panamenya]

That's because they actually love their kids.

[@christinala8763]

I feel bad for their older sister because they're always in the spotlight and people don't even know she exists

[@thedarknessofnana]

+Christina La Well, if she likes her privacy, she may not mind it. ^_^

[@christinala8763]

***** That's true

[@gabriellesmith8538]

Poor girl! 😕

[@charlieweil5839]

Christina La That is pretty unfortunate. Well, good news is they did not do a reality TV show chronicling their everyday lives because that would've hands down been the worst PR mess you could ever have imagined.

[@summerrabbit1016]

Charlie Weil )o

[@Djah1999]

It's like a school class photo when they sit together^^

[@robynsmith6974]

True!!!!😊😊😂😂

[@user-qz9zu1fq9k]

Amazing how different they all look from one another

[@conniecolson7055]

God bless the McCaughey family! Bobbi and Kenny still look wonderful after eighteen years; it seems like they have always smiled through the years. They have always seemed blessed with love for each other and I wish them much happiness in the future.

[@Ocelaris]

7 babies at once - respect.

[@ChristophProbst]

Worst part: bathroom

[@BCluver292]

I figured it was by age...

[@Unknown-yq4dh]

If all of the girls got there period at the same time D:

[@fvnt0miix953]

They probably have 6 bathrooms haha

[@kristens.7879]

Teresa Taco lmao

[@nadz3398]

They had 5 Bathrooms

[@minon5438]

Surprising diversity from a single delivery!

[@altannohut4335]

+Mi Non imagine all the variety if all the sperm cells could make it to be a human from one ejaculation..

[@12aRosej14]

They are fraternal septuplets. Meaning: 7 different eggs, 7different sperm that fertilized those eggs. Each one has their own unique gene make-ups and chromosomes. That’s why they are different. When twin/triplets/ or other multiple births are completely IDENTICAL it is when one fertilized egg has split into two and implanted in the uterus during the first days after fertilization when the cells are replicating, growing, and splitting creating more cells.

[@Sejuani89]

Ikr? Imagine if they're all identical..

[@rojeanmarinas4778]

@@Sejuani89 i think its a little creepy, and one of them is your friend And visited ther home.

[@kikokikakikokika5276]

Wise dad.. There is another family with 6 kids i believe and they did reality tv but they got divorced situation got ugly publicly etc. This dad made a wise decision to protect his family!

[@54CFC]

I noticed that too.

[@kaif.7661]

Are you talking about the show John and Kate Plus 8? I think that's what it was called! They had twins first and then sextuplets.

[@annietribble3062]

I completely agree. Fame can really negatively affect people and I think that's what happened to Jon and Kate.

[@ronaldlittlejohn8572]

I personally think that testifys to his personal relationship with Jesus Christ and God along with his wife and their trust that God was and did take care of them and will continue to do so as long as they trust in Him!!!

[@peterkozak9212]

Beautiful young adults, thanks so much for allowing all of us to watch you grow up! Bless you in all of your future endeavors!

[@Gri03]

Didn't they have another girl before the 7th babies...???

[@analauragomez5526]

She got married

[@lianelayman7577]

+gri03 Yea

[@malonechildress5091]

Yes they did

[@carleighmae9825]

...ouch

[@jenniferwright3783]

This is literally the coolest thing ever. I bunked with Natalie for 5 days straight (with 12 other girls) and didn't realize that she was a septuplet, but she was one of the nicest people ever and one of my favorite counselors ❤

[@socialmadamebutterfly457]

*Mom seems like such a sweet woman. All the best! God Bless you all.*

[@gabrielvre]

I go to church with em and they are a great bunch!

[@cambrystratton]

UmYea50 what church?

[@hannahshell7414]

Cam Stratton yeah what church?

[@DeejaySLAM]

Church of Satan

[@aimeechessell1898]

Is it the Mormon church they look mormon

[@cambrystratton]

Aimee Chessell that’s what I was thinking 😂I’m mormon

[@cats4114]

I can't believe I was in 6th grade when they were born!! It's nice to get the update and see how grown and lovely they all are... Parents must be so proud :)

[@OdinUpsilon]

I was 2 years old 😂

[@crucialtaunt5717]

@@OdinUpsilon I had just graduated high school.

[@lauremehrkens5891]

Way to go parents. You two did an awesome job in raising 8 beautiful loving children. God bless you all, and may your adult lives be filled with love laughter and success.💕💕

[@IfYouMeetAWolf]

They're all sitting the same way.. mom's genes lol :)

[@eliottmoore1757]

they were probably told to sit like that

[@brookeb19]

There's not many options to sit in that chair

[@carleighmae9825]

Holy..

[@wmden1]

I remember well when this was in the news. I was proud of them, but felt so sorry for her because of the physical misery she had to be in during the whole pregnancy, after she started to show. That little bitty woman had to be one of the bravest and toughest souls we will ever see. I can only imagine the stress, physically and emotionally, for her. The older daughter and the father deserve huge kudos, also.

[@lleennaa9659]

must be awfull for the oldest sister. Her whole Family is there except her.

[@maggielurvey6706]

Tell me about it

[@firestarhk3875]

Mikayla's currently married (and was at this point) - so she was with her husband, as opposed to being completely alone. I imagine if she had still been living at home they would've flown her out there too.

[@mkylie5425]

did i miss something? what oldest sister? i thought there was only 7 of them and they are all there

[@firestarhk3875]

MKylie 54 They have an older sister, Mikayla, who is 22 months older than them. She wasn't in this interview because she was married at this time (and still is) and was living outside of her parents' home with her husband.

[@MrVidaeverdade]

Only 22 months older than them and she's married already?

[@mirandaelliottroy7519]

I remember being little and amazed about their story and then this arrival. Truly a blessing.

[@GrayGoosey1134]

....And i thought being a twin was hard!😁

[@dani-kj2vo]

Lindsey I thought being an identical triplet had its problems but...

[@GrayGoosey1134]

Dani Taylor o wow!

[@unitheunicorn91]

Ikr

[@firstlast-ip7jb]

Ya same

[@gelalim88]

Same.

[@teresaschneider6641]

My baby was November 17- 1997. My baby still rocks my world.

[@kikilavigne9853]

If they were born now they would have their own tv show

[@teresaschneider6726]

I had baby on November 17,1997. That was my husband and I, little blessing. And big brother was happy to. ♥️🙂

[@BrickCityBella]

This isn't about you 🙄

[@debrabolton6475]

What a lovely family. God bless them.

[@walterreansalley1711]

Cheers! What a journey it's been for this family. Exciting to see them after eighteen years -- that all have survived and are doing well. Eighteen! Wow. Congratulations on the progress, and wish you guys the best.

[@nicoleb4077]

I have always respected this family. The parents seem like such great loving parents. When Bobbi cried I did too ❤️💔 beautiful family!!

[@torihehehehe2956]

I love how everyone is so quick to point out the cows in the room Xxx

[@raea3588]

It's crazy how fast it's gone by! I was 12 when they were born. I live only 2 hours from them. I remember so well all of the magazine covers and articles before and after their birth. Kenny and Bobbi should be very proud

[@beckybelmar5700]

They are now twenty!!! What an incredible family!!! Those parents are an inspiration!!!!

[@lidiasoares5675]

you are the best Parents ever. God Bless you and your children

[@denisegerlach1454]

How very amazing. After all the pressures, this family is very strongly united. How great...

[@xdwindywindxd2922]

You are 2 awesome parents!!! God bless you and your children!!!!

[@beccasalts6027]

lol that mom is soo like my mom....every question comes with tears lol

[@mrsmtm8496]

Beautiful family.....

[@Dralyn06]

Congrats to that mom for doing good for their kids

[@richardjameslucas9501]

God bless this lovely family!

[@renumahadeo4507]

Wow!big fmly is the best anytym. Mum dad and big sister u guys need a hug and to all who helped.🤗

[@Knowledge_wisdomwins]

Yes. I remember this all too well. I was living in Des Moines, IA at the time and the babies were born just a few blocks from where I worked. It was big news back then in Hog/Corn country. Glad to see the children all grown up. 😊

[@murk959]

The dad is so humble

[@anonymous-2974]

I love their eyes

[@senoraantero2836]

Takes my breath away 😩.. I have 1 yr old twin girls and I can’t imagine them being 18

[@royjimenez6789]

God bless this beautiful family

[@prabhakarkmv4135]

Oh... The Lucky Seven! Great Team!! Wish u all good health&good luck.

[@Mica-rv5eg]

God Bless. Beautiful Family.

[@24hTrend]

Super, Eure glücklichen Gesichter zu sehen. Leider verstehe ich zu wenig Englisch. Eure Worte sind sicherlich auch sehr wertvoll. Danke

[@lindawatkin4411]

Just wonderful!

[@countyourmiracles.7734]

They're so adorable

[@rohithkumarsp]

how did they even have the financials to grow 7 of them

[@joshfilmsstuff9769]

+Rohith Kumar The publicity from the media of course. They most likely were paid tons!

[@soapqueen2008]

Rohith Kumar and have 8 kids

[@CityThatCannotBeCaptured]

God bless the whole family. Wonderful.

[@kokom154]

It’s been 2 years and I’m just now watching this

[@marythomas1155]

GOD BLESS YOU ALL ALWAYS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY

[@victorakandu9419]

This woman is very special! And the man of course!

[@maia2812]

Wow.. Mom had a looot of work.. What a lovely strong woman..

[@zhainaa6675]

miracle of miracles - seven sweet siblings

[@christy19802660123]

they seem like see such a nice family.

[@amandah5128]

I was born the exact same day as them! We’re almost 21 now!

[@someguy1686]

you're the missing twin! Octuplets!

[@rachaelmarie34]

can help but notice the 3 good looking ones are in the front.....

[@truly_ellelulu2480]

right haha

[@hamiltonv1]

That's kind of rude. Was that statement really necessary?

[@gisselle5933]

Vanessa Hamilton That was very rude, I agree

[@garym444]

Vanessa Hamilton agreed

[@MagosGr]

Well the 3 you are attracted are in the front you mean , cause in this planet there people that are attracted with the ones in the back or in the ones in the front or both or none . So your statement is kinda ignorant and its only here to produce racism .

[@doreenmaclean4953]

What a beautiful family. 💙💙💙💙❤❤❤. A loving Mom and Dad. Wow that Mom sure had a tummy full, that's for sure lol💏💕

[@horselove123red]

I am a quadruplet born in 1997

[@gsdmomb530]

Jennifer Brown Sure you are

[@togiahan5287]

Jennifer Brown uh judging from your pfp, I don’t think you’re born in 1997 lmfao

[@ronaldlittlejohn8572]

I am a twin but my twin brother passed away about 20 years ago. My next two older brothers are Identical twins and my oldest brother is a single kid. 5boys that my mother raised by herself and my "father" didn't help my mother with one penny of child support. My mother was a waitress and cook all her life and had to receive help from welfare. BUT, she kept us all together when her other 9 siblings thought that she should place us in foster homes. Sadly, we as brothers are not close today but that is alright, it is not easy, but my faith in God and Jesus has seen me through the worst of life.

[@gzd5303]

Ronald Littlejohn // I'm sorry for you loss

[@Julie-mo7gu]

Ronald Littlejohn Keep trusting in Him! We don’t know why some things happen but nevertheless He is good. God bless you always

[@Philip_Bialk]

I want to send my best wishes to the McCaugheys. May the love of God shower the septuplets with unending gifts of joy!

[@yoshwii8938]

I can't believe it's been 20 years already... I remember when they were born and I wasn't all that old myself... Now they're 20... Sheesh time flies by so fast!

[@gabrielleperry6758]

Such a beautiful family ❤️❤️❤️

[@cass2515]

Wow this felt very awkward...

[@josealbertomoso9024]

Beautiful family. So important having a father and a mother.

[@Ibolya49]

Congratulations on a nice big family

[@nicolewatterson2893]

If I was the kid of one of the siblings, I would be so amazed to have aunts and uncles who are the same age as my parent.

[@lucyterrier7905]

Beautiful family!

[@mscaralynn77]

I recall watching as each of these children were born as I laid in the hospital in labor with my first child. She was a tough one though, she decided not to make an appearance until the 21st after 39 hours of labor.

[@prabhakarkmv4135]

OMG! Great!! Kids,u r like 7 Wonders!!! All the best.Do well in life.Best of luck.God bless ur entire family.-Love.

[@isabellavalencia8026]

Wow Bobby looks great!

[@suzannea.652]

Amazing😍😍😍.. so wonderful... 😍😍😍

[@princepeterwolf]

Raising seven kids at the same time good lord, bless them!

[@joettaserio9618]

God bless them all!

[@lareesouthern4950]

SHE WASN'T CRYING AT-ALL...💯

[@judyivie2215]

This family is lovely

[@nuruzzaman5631]

May God keep siblings and parents well in whole life

[@pattenny9300]

One big happy family

[@alexislester6381]

Awesome that I'm about to graduate from the same high school as they did in two months

[@amenRAamen]

Have you noticed, the three most beautiful can sit on the first row, lol.

[@mydjmode]

Ya I noticed that, that's shits harsh.

[@georgehenderson2514]

The one in the red plaid shirt seems like the outcast of them all who gets mistreated all the time. Poor kid!

[@bettylinn8915]

+George heinsman he doesn't get mistreated we love him! He's actually really funny.

[@ChillyMilly908]

+George heinsman how, based on this video, did you come to the conclusion that his siblings mistreat him. that's probs the dumbest comment ive seen on this video.

[@georgehenderson2514]

ButterfleeEllie Read between the lines you nitwit

[@celitad.p.934]

I remember them! I was pregnant with my first son when they were born!

[@AuntieSarahof9]

We need an update again!

[@emmadunn8047]

This interviewer tries to act like they’re old friends, when in reality they’re strangers and it just comes out looking incredibly awkward...

[@keptins]

Thats an american thing i guess.

[@harshmnr]

Well I guess she's acting like that because different people from the Today show over the years have interviewed them, but yeah since this interviewer, Savanna, came more recently it likely wasn't her conducting the earlier interviews. ~:~

[@naomitoma8012]

God bless you all

[@annietribble3062]

I think that was really smart that the parents didn't exploit their kids for fame & money. I admire that and it's great that the dad declined a reality television show so the kids could have as normal of a childhood as possible without cameras constantly in their homes for the world to see. Fame and money can really bring out the worst in people.

[@charmaenowings]

And now they are 23 years old. Same as me.

[@samanthab1923]

The parents still look so young.

[@brownhairedplayer2266]

I have met all of them in real life my mom was the vice principal of their high school

[@TheBloodprof]

счастья и здоровья им всем а родители Герои!

[@delaneysmith1247]

we were born the same day! so cool

[@sabinacuello8232]

Si hermosos testimonios .Ber los milagros que Dios hace..

[@vinessalovely8585]

This is amazing!!! :-)😃❤

[@sherierodrigues1569]

Beautiful

[@wxfliemix1827]

Wow! Really cool xD I have a little brother who's turning 3 this year

[@trintrin3507]

Can you imagine going to school with septuplets?? That's awesome

[@abbiecowan515]

Does nobody remember the oldest sister. She's pushed out of the family almost. She's pushed aside. I think she is awesome. She was a miracle to.

[@vallano8970]

The parents are legends lmao