They touched the hearts of America with their wholesome “von Trapp Family” energy.
It highlighted the family’s Christian values and their Willis Clan music.
Abuse by their father Toby Willis had started well before fame knocked at the family’s door.
Because all twelve siblings were homeschooled and very sheltered, their reality remained a secret until fame changed that.
“Our family system was disturbingly sick.
That bomb was thankfully diffused after Toby’s arrest.
According to theDaily Mail, the Willis children “gained their freedom the moment their father lost his.”
Toby’s control was so absolute that each sexual abuse victim thought they were alone and kept quiet.
The other family members didn’t know about it.
Jasmine Willis explained, “What held me back from talking all those years was the unknown.
I didn’t know what was going to happen.
Everything that I had as a kid could have been taken away instantly … all my siblings.
Four months later, a friend she told reported Toby to authorities, freeing the whole family.
The family turned to writing music for “therapeutic reasons,” Jeremiah Willis told theChicago Tribune.
I wonder if it can help other people?”
This is not an issue that can be talked about enough.”
They hope their songs inspire others to speak up that are going through similar trauma.
It’s a beautiful day you just have to walk out and see it."
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause."
The Willis Clan had featured all twelve siblings in their performances.
Two years of healing later, the siblings wanted to help others with their message of survival and hope.
The youngest of the siblings have returned to being regular kids again.
“The kids are doing really well, they’re not part of the band anymore.
A six-year-old doesn’t need a full-time job.
And she’s since regretted not being ready to speak about the horrific things that happened to her then.
It started as a form of therapy, but now she calls the book her “witness statement.”
“I didn’t know what to say yet.
It still felt unspeakable and impossible.
This book does not sayeverythingthat happened to me, but it’s what I am ready to say atthistime.
The release date for “Unspeakable” is November 2022.
Jessica Willis Fisher left the band and released a solo album
Writing helped Jessica Willis Fisher mend.
Each song tells the story of a distinct part of her life path.
“I’ve truly lived every word on this album,” she toldForbes.
The family band, and the music, was never the bad part.
She was able to transform her healing into art.
Many of the now-grown siblings have found romantic love and started their own families.
They often share their beautiful family photos onsocial media.
Jennifer shared the story on herYouTubechannel, along with stunning photos of their wedding.
They recentlywelcomed daughter Kara McDowellto the family.
Jedi Willis is also newly married.
TheWillis Clan Instagramshared a romantic photo of the pair on their wedding day.
In one video, theysing a cover of “I’ll Still Love You"as Jeremiah plays guitar.
Since then, there has been radio silence, leaving fans waiting with bated breath.
With the birth of his second child, it’s likely he’s had his hands full.
Hopefully, we’ll get an update soon!
“When all this information finally came to the surface, it changed our life in an instant.
After her retirement from showbiz, she kept her love of music.
Jet’s passion for the Irish whistle helped propel her toward teaching.
Discovering the joy of it, she created a successfulinstructional Irish whistle coursewith private lessons.
Through it, she’s taken her dedication to help victims of abuse even further.
“That is a horrible thing to hear but it’s also encouraging too.
Do I have the strength to?
And if I do what will the outcome be?”
On their wedding day, she was happy to have her grandfather walk her down the aisle.
The couple recently stepped into the next phase of their lives with thebirth of daughter Kara McDowell.
