In the United States, the couple Lyle and Eleanor Gittens have been officially recognized as the oldest married pair in history, reports Baltimore Chronicle with a link to Guinness World Records. Together, the couple has a combined age of 216 years and 132 days — Lyle is 108 years old, while Eleanor is 107. They have been married for 83 years, making them record holders not only for total age but also contenders for the longest ongoing marriage among living couples.
Lyle and Eleanor first met in 1941 while studying at Clark University in Atlanta. At the time, Lyle played on the college basketball team, and Eleanor attended one of the games to support the players. She later recalled that she did not remember the outcome of the match, only that it was the first moment she saw Lyle. Confident in their connection, the couple married the following year despite Lyle facing imminent military service in World War II. Their wedding took place on June 4, 1942, when Lyle received a three-day deferment from military training. That day also marked his first meeting with Eleanor’s family.
Following their wedding, Lyle served in the 92nd Infantry Division in Italy, while Eleanor, already pregnant with their first child, Roger, worked at an aviation parts company and kept in touch with her husband through letters. Once the war ended, the couple settled in New York, where they welcomed two daughters, Angela and Iggy. Both later worked in public service, and Eleanor earned her doctoral degree at the age of 69.
After reaching their centennial birthdays, their daughter relocated them closer to her in Miami. Lyle admits that he misses New York but appreciates their new surroundings. When asked about the secret to their long and happy marriage, Eleanor simply said, “We love each other,” while Lyle added, “I love my wife.” This year, they celebrated their 83rd wedding anniversary.
Earlier we wrote that USCIS Introduces Stricter Public Charge Rules for Green Card Applicants.
