Tennessee Family of 21 to Star in Reality TV Series
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(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) -- The Bates family of East Tennessee is a wholesome Christian family like any other -- with 21 members.
Parents Gil and Kelly Jo Bates have 19 children -- 10 girls and 9 boys ranging in age from 23 down to baby Jeb.
“We actually thought that we wouldn’t have many children but God just showed us how precious children are,” Kelly Jo Bates told ABC News.
The Bates’ larger-than-life family will be the stars of a new reality show, The United Bates of America, that will premiere Monday, Aug. 13 on TLC.
But to watch the show, the Bates will have to make an adjustment in their crowded life. They will have to get a television set.
Kelly Jo Bates gave up her career early on in the couple’s marriage to raise their children, and Gil runs a tree-cutting business with the help of his sons.
Despite that single income, the Bates family manages to live debt-free, mortgage free and uses no credits.
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio
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