Abby and Brittany Hensel: What Most People Get Wrong

You probably remember them from the grainy 90s Oprah clips or that one-season TLC sprint back in 2012. Two heads, one body, and a million questions from a curious world. But honestly, most of the internet is still stuck in a time capsule when it comes to Abby and Brittany Hensel.

People treat them like a medical mystery or a tabloid headline. In reality? They’re basically just two 5th-grade teachers from Minnesota who are trying to live a quiet life while the rest of us obsess over their logistics.

The Marriage News That Broke the Internet

Let's get the big one out of the way. In early 2024, the world collectively lost its mind when public records revealed that Abby Hensel had married Josh Bowling.

The twist? They’d actually been married since November 2021.

They kept it quiet for three years. Can you blame them? Josh is a nurse and a U.S. Army veteran, and by all accounts, they’ve built a pretty normal life in their home state. When the news finally leaked, the "haters" (as the twins call them on TikTok) came out in droves. People were confused. They were invasive. They were, frankly, kind of weird about it.

Abby and Brittany didn't take it lying down, though. They posted a TikTok with a voiceover that basically said: "If you don't like what I do but watch everything I'm doing, you're still a fan." It was a vibe.

That 2025 "Baby" Speculation

If you’ve been on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the photos. In August 2025, TMZ and several other outlets published shots of the twins in Arden Hills, Minnesota, carrying a newborn in a car seat.

Predictably, the internet exploded.

• "Is it theirs?"
• "How does that even work?"
• "Wait, did they actually have a baby?"

Here’s the truth: they haven't confirmed anything. They did post a TikTok shortly after with the caption "blessed," featuring the photos, but they haven't explicitly said, "Hey, we're moms now." It’s worth noting that Josh has a daughter, Isabella, from a previous marriage, so Abby has been a stepmom for a while now. Whether the new baby is a biological addition to the family or they were just helping out a friend, the twins are keeping that door firmly shut for now.

How Do They Actually Work? (The Logistics)

It’s the question everyone thinks but feels bad asking. They are dicephalic parapagus twins. That’s the medical term. Basically, they share a bloodstream and all organs from the waist down.

1. Hearts and Lungs: They have two of each.
2. Stomachs: Two. They can feel hungry at different times.
3. The Nervous System: This is the wild part. Abby controls the right side of the body, and Brittany controls the left.
4. Daily Tasks: They have to coordinate everything. Walking? It’s a synchronized dance. Driving? One handles the pedals and the right side of the wheel; the other handles the left and the blinkers.

They even have two separate driver's licenses. Imagine having to take that test twice just because the DMV says so.

The "One Salary" Controversy

Currently, they’re 5th-grade teachers at Sunnyside Elementary. They love it. The kids love them. But the pay situation is... complicated.

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They have two separate degrees in education from Bethel University. They have two different teaching licenses. Yet, they reportedly share a single salary. Their logic back in the day was that they’re doing the work of one person in terms of being in one classroom at one time.

But honestly? That feels like a scam. Think about it: you’re getting two different perspectives, two sets of eyes on the kids, and two different specializations (Abby is the math/science guru, while Brittany handles language arts). Most schools would kill for that kind of coverage.

Why They Walked Away From Fame

After their TLC show Abby & Brittany aired in 2012, they basically vanished from the spotlight. That wasn't an accident. They wanted to be seen as professionals, not spectacles.

It’s hard to get a classroom of 10-year-olds to focus on long division if the entire world is treating their teachers like a sideshow. By stepping back, they’ve managed to carve out a life that is remarkably—and intentionally—boring. They go to McDonald's. They shop at Target. They teach. They live.

What You Can Learn From Them

If you’re looking for a takeaway, it’s not about the anatomy. It’s about the boundaries.

Abby and Brittany Hensel have mastered the art of "we don't owe you anything." In an era where everyone overshares every meal and breakup, they’ve managed to keep a marriage secret for years while living in the same town they grew up in.

If you want to follow their journey without being a "hater," keep an eye on their official TikTok (@abbyandbrittanyhensel). They occasionally drop updates, but they do it on their own terms. Respect the hustle of two women who are just trying to get through the school year like everyone else.

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Next Steps for the Curious:

• Check their TikTok: It's the only place you'll get the real story directly from them.
• Verify the sources: Don't believe every "medical miracle" headline you see on Facebook; stick to reputable outlets like People or their own social channels.
• Support Teachers: If you're in the Minnesota area, remember they are educators first and public figures second.