Ellie Bridget Bates (born April 28, 2007) is the sixteenth child and ninth daughter of Gil Bates and Kelly Bates.
She is the sister of Zachary Bates, Michaela Keilen, Erin Paine, Lawson Bates, Nathan Bates, Alyssa Webster, Tori Smith, Trace Bates, Carlin Stewart, Josie Balka, Katie Clark, Jackson Bates, Warden Bates, Isaiah Bates, Addallee Bates, Callie-Anna Bates, Judson Bates, and Jeb Bates.
Early life
Ellie as a baby
Ellie Bridget Bates was born on April 28, 2007, in Tennessee, to Gil Bates and Kelly Bates. She was the couple's sixteenth child, and they went on to have three more children after her.
Her name means "strong light".
Along with her siblings, Ellie is being homeschooled. She and her siblings are being raised as active participants of Bill Gothard's Institute in Basic Life Principles, and regularly attend the yearly Advanced Training Institute conferences in Big Sandy, Texas.
She is said to be bubbly, but also quiet and sweet. She is tender-hearted and sensitive, and she loves to give hugs and cuddle.
Career
Bates Sisters Boutique
Ellie often does photo shoots for Bates Sisters Boutique in Rocky Top, Tennessee.
Television
Ellie appeared on the TLC show 19 Kids and Counting many times as a child.
In 2012, TLC aired one season of the show United Bates of America, which focused on Ellie's family.
In 2015, UpTV began airing a similar show, Bringing Up Bates. Ellie was regularly featured on both shows.
Wedding involvement
Ellie was a flower girl at her sister Alyssa's wedding to John Webster on May 24, 2014.
She was a flower girl at her sister Michaela's wedding to Brandon Keilen on August 15, 2015.
She was a junior bridesmaid at her sister Carlin's wedding to Evan Stewart on May 25, 2019.
She was a bridesmaid at her brother Lawson's wedding to Tiffany Espensen on May 12, 2022.
She was a bridesmaid at her brother Trace's wedding to Lydia Romeike on October 1, 2022.
She was a bridesmaid at her brother Jackson's wedding to Emerson Wells on October 14, 2023.
