Jackson Ezekiel Bates (born February 17, 2002) is the twelfth child and fifth son of Gil Bates and Kelly Bates.
He is the brother of Zachary Bates, Michaela Keilen, Erin Paine, Lawson Bates, Nathan Bates, Alyssa Webster, Tori Smith, Trace Bates, Carlin Stewart, Josie Balka, Katie Clark, Warden Bates, Isaiah Bates, Addallee Bates, Ellie Bates, Callie-Anna Bates, Judson Bates, and Jeb Bates.
He is the husband of Emerson Bates.
Early life[]
Jackson Ezekiel Bates was born on February 17, 2002, in Lake City, Tennessee, to Gil Bates and Kelly Bates. He was the couple's twelfth child, and they went on to have seven more children after him.
Along with his siblings, Jackson was homeschooled growing up. He and his siblings were raised as active participants of Bill Gothard's Institute in Basic Life Principles, and regularly attended the yearly Advanced Training Institute conferences in Big Sandy, Texas. He graduated in May 2020.
Jackson makes up the "Three Musketeers" with his brothers Warden and Isaiah. The three love going on wild adventures.
His favorite subject is History and he loves to read. He is said to be a very wise and creative child. He is a great artist, and his favorite subject to draw is military planes and tanks.
Personal life[]
Relationship with Emerson[]
On July 9, 2022, Jackson posted a picture on his Instagram hugging an unknown girl. He did not show her face or reveal her name. On July 16, 2022, he posted a photo of them together, stating: "So thankful for you and I'm excited to see where God takes us! ❤️" Several comments identified her as Emerson Wells. They met through mutual friends at a rodeo in Florida. They then exchanged numbers and have talked every day since. They spent nearly their entire courtship long-distance. Jackson met Emerson at a rodeo in March 2022, where they were introduced by mutual friends. On April 23, Emerson's birthday, Jackson took her on picnic date at sunset, where he asked her to be his girlfriend.
Engagement[]
On March 11, 2023, Jackson announced that he was engaged to Emerson Wells. They got engaged on March 10, 2023 at Kraft Azalea Park in Winter Park, Florida.
SHE SAID "YES!" I can't wait for "I DO!"
Marriage[]
On October 14, 2023, Jackson married Emerson Hope Wells at the Bramble Tree Estates in Sorrento, Florida. The wedding was officiated by Jackson's father Gil Bates and Emerson's brother-in-law Jono Contestabile. Jackson's best man was his brother Warden. His groomsmen were his brothers Zach, Trace, and Isaiah, Emerson's brothers Hunter and Nic, and his friends Jason Duggar and Nathanael Wissmann. The ring bearers were Jackson's nephew Kade and Emerson's nephew Judah Wells. Emerson's matron of honor was her sister Makenzie. Her bridesmaids were Jackson's sisters Addallee, Ellie, and Callie, her sister-in-law Morgan Page, and her friends Savannah Richard and Hannah South. The flower girls were Jackson's nieces Lexi, Khloé, and Layla.
Their honeymoon destination is unknown.
Health[]
During a family vacation to Colorado in February 2021, Jackson had a snowboarding accident and broke his arm in two places and had to have surgery. He had to go through a 12-week recovery.
Career[]
Excavating[]
Jackson sometimes works for his father Gil's tree excavating company, Bates Tree Service in Rocky Top, Tennessee. He works alongside his brothers Zach, Lawson, Nathan, Trace, Warden, and Isaiah.
Construction[]
Jackson worked for his brother-in-law Chad's business, Paine Construction in Knoxville, Tennessee. He worked alongside his brothers Trace, Warden, and Isaiah.
Jackson works for his family friend Jason Duggar's business, Build Master Construction in Springdale, Arkansas.
Disaster relief[]
Jackson volunteers for MEDIC Corps, helping people around the world hit by natural disasters. He works alongside some of his brothers and some of the Duggar siblings.
Television[]
Jackson 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 Jackson's family.
In 2015, UpTV began airing a similar show, Bringing Up Bates. Jackson was regularly featured on both shows.
Wedding involvement[]
Jackson was a groomsman at his brother Zach's wedding to Whitney Perkins on December 14, 2013.
He was an usher at his sister Carlin's wedding to Evan Stewart on May 25, 2019.
He was an usher at his family friend Justin Duggar's wedding to Claire Spivey on February 26, 2021.
He was an usher at his brother Nathan's wedding to Esther Keyes on October 22, 2021.
He was a groomsman at his brother Lawson's wedding to Tiffany Espensen on May 12, 2022.
He was a best man at his brother Trace's wedding to Lydia Romeike on October 1, 2022.
He was a groomsman at his friend Nathanael Wissmann's wedding to Katrina Sahlstrom on October 15, 2022.
He was a groomsman at his family friend Jason Duggar's wedding to Madison Jones on October 3, 2024.