Abigail and Brittany Hensel Biography – Age, Height, Career & More

Abigail and Brittany Hensel are American conjoined twins who became famous for their inspiring story of resilience and teamwork. Born as dicephalic parapagus twins—two heads sharing one body—they learned to coordinate every movement, from walking and playing to driving and teaching. They first appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1996 and later starred in their own TLC reality series Abby & Brittany (2012). Today, the sisters live a quiet life in Minnesota, where they work as fifth-grade teachers.

In 2021, Abby married Josh Bowling, an Army veteran and nurse, which became public in 2024. Recently, in 2025, photos of the sisters with a baby sparked curiosity and family discussions.

Abigail and Brittany Hensel Wiki/Bio

FieldDetails
Full NamesAbigail Loraine Hensel & Brittany Lee Hensel
Date of BirthMarch 7, 1990
Age35 years (as of 2025)
ProfessionTeachers, Reality TV Stars, Public Speakers
HometownNew Germany, Minnesota, USA
Current ResidenceNew Brighton, Minnesota, USA
NationalityAmerican
Zodiac SignPisces
Social MediaTikTok: @abbyandbrittanyhensel

Physical Details

FieldDetails
Height (Abby)5’2” (157 cm)
Height (Brittany)4’10” (147 cm)
WeightApprox. 54 kg (combined)
Eye ColorBrown
Hair ColorBrown
Abigail and Brittany Hensel Childhood photo
Abigail and Brittany Hensel Childhood photo Photo Credit: Instagram)

Abigail and Brittany Hensel Early Life

Abby and Brittany were born on March 7, 1990, in Carver County, Minnesota. Doctors and their parents were surprised at birth, since ultrasounds had suggested a single baby. The twins were born as dicephalic parapagus, meaning they share one body but have two heads, two hearts, two spines, and separate upper organs. Abby controls the right side of their body, while Brittany controls the left.

As infants, they had three arms, but one was removed surgically. Their survival was considered a medical miracle, as very few conjoined twins live beyond infancy. Their parents—Patty, a nurse, and Mike, a carpenter—chose not to attempt a risky separation surgery. Instead, they focused on raising the girls with love and support.

Growing up in New Germany with siblings Morgan and Cody, Abby and Brittany quickly learned coordination. By the age of 6, they had already appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, charming audiences with their humor and openness. Surgeries during childhood helped with scoliosis and breathing issues, but overall, they grew up healthy and active.

Abigail and Brittany Hensel Education

The sisters attended local schools, excelling in academics and social life. They graduated from Mayer Lutheran High School in 2008 and then went on to Bethel University in St. Paul. Both earned separate degrees in education in 2012, despite sharing one body.

They divided their studies according to strengths—Abby focused on math and science, while Brittany excelled in language and arts. The twins even passed separate driver’s tests at 16, each responsible for one side of the vehicle’s controls. Their university years were featured in their TLC series, which also documented their travels across Europe and their job search.

Abigail and Brittany Hensel Family Details

Abby and Brittany’s family has been a strong support system. Their mother, Patty, worked as a nurse, while their father, Mike, worked as a carpenter and landscaper. They grew up alongside their siblings, Morgan and Cody, in a close-knit household.

Abby married Josh Bowling in 2021. He is a U.S. Army veteran and works as a nurse. Abby also became stepmother to Josh’s daughter, Isabella, from his previous marriage. Brittany remains single. In 2025, photos surfaced showing the sisters with a baby, sparking speculation about motherhood—something they have spoken about wanting since their teenage years.

Abigail and Brittany Hensel with husband Josh Bowling
Abigail and Brittany Hensel with husband Josh Bowling (Photo Credit: People.com)

Abigail and Brittany Hensel Career

The Hensel twins first appeared in the media at age six on The Oprah Winfrey Show and later featured in documentaries such as Joined for Life (2002). Their biggest spotlight came in 2012 when TLC aired Abby & Brittany, an eight-episode reality series that showed their college life, travels, and entry into teaching.

After graduating, they began teaching fourth grade in Minnesota in 2013, later moving to fifth grade at Sunnyside Elementary in New Brighton. The sisters split teaching responsibilities: Abby teaches math and science, while Brittany focuses on reading and language. Despite holding two degrees, they receive one salary, as the school views them as one employee.

Outside of teaching, they remain active on TikTok, where they share educational videos and clap back at online curiosity with humor and grace. Their careers highlight independence, teamwork, and resilience.

Abigail and Brittany Hensel
Abigail and Brittany Hensel (Photo Credit: Instagram)

Career Milestones

MilestoneDetails
Media DebutThe Oprah Winfrey Show (1996)
High School GraduationMayer Lutheran High School (2008)
Driver’s LicensesBoth passed separate tests at 16
College DegreesEducation degrees from Bethel University (2012)
TLC Reality SeriesAbby & Brittany (2012)
Teaching CareerStarted in 2013, now teaching 5th grade

Controversies

Abby and Brittany have stayed away from scandals but often face invasive questions about their personal lives, including marriage, intimacy, and family planning. Abby’s marriage in 2021 drew global attention, especially when it became public in 2024.

In 2025, photos of the sisters with a newborn sparked rumors, though they have chosen not to publicly address the speculation. They’ve also spoken about being underpaid as teachers despite holding two degrees. However, they continue to live privately and focus on their students and family.

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