Warden Justice Bates (born May 19, 2003) is the thirteenth child and sixth 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, Jackson Bates, Isaiah Bates, Addallee Bates, Ellie Bates, Callie-Anna Bates, Judson Bates, and Jeb Bates.
Early life[]
Warden as a baby
Warden Justice Bates was born on May 19, 2003, in Lake City, Tennessee, to Gil Bates and Kelly Bates. He was the couple's thirteenth child, and they went on to have six more children after him.
Along with his siblings, Warden 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 on June 13, 2021.
Warden makes up the "Three Musketeers" with his brothers Jackson and Isaiah. The three love going on wild adventures. He is said to be a natural athlete, a great singer, and a hard worker. His family calls him "Tigger" because he's full of bounce.
Personal life[]
Relationship with Taylor[]
On November 29, 2023, Warden was tagged in a post on Instagram by Jennifer Maples, the mother of Taylor Maples. The photos showed Warden spending Thanksgiving with the Maples Family, which gave clear indication that Warden and Taylor were a couple. On December 6, 2023, Warden and Taylor jointly posted a photo of them to their Instagram accounts, captioning it "You + Me = ♥", confirming their courtship.
On January 8, 2024, their courtship announcement post was deleted from their Instagram pages. There has been no official statement of their split. On July 3, 2024, after several months of speculation, Warden confirmed through his sister Katie's Instagram stories that he was single, clarifying that his relationship with Taylor had ended.
Career[]
Excavating[]
Warden 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, Jackson, and Isaiah.
Construction[]
Warden worked for his brother-in-law Chad's business, Paine Construction in Knoxville, Tennessee. He worked alongside his brothers Trace, Jackson, and Isaiah.
In May 2022, Warden started working for his brother Trace's construction business, Bates Construction in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Television[]
Warden 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 Warden's family.
In 2015, UpTV began airing a similar show, Bringing Up Bates. Warden was regularly featured on both shows.
Health[]
On February 18, 2023, Warden broke his right collarbone.
In September 2025, Warden got his wisdom teeth removed.
Wedding Involvement[]
Warden 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 friend Justin Duggar's wedding to Claire Spivey on February 26, 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 the best man at his brother Jackson's wedding to Emerson Wells on October 14, 2023.
