Texas Couple Sets Guinness World Record as Oldest Living Couple on Earth: 'We Support Each Other'

While studying at the University of Texas in the 1930s, a young couple decided to go on a date, and soon, they were head over heels in love with each other. Little did they know they would set a world record as the oldest living couple almost eight decades later.

Five years before tying the knot, Charlotte and John Henderson met in a class at the University of Texas, Austin, where they exchanged glances that changed their lives. Back then, Charlotte aspired to be a teacher, and John was on the school's football team.

John confessed that the first time Charlotte looked at him, he was sure about taking her out on a date. At the time, the young couple was unaware they would end up spending a lifetime together.

The First Time They Laid Eyes on Each Other

John, born in 1912, moved to Austin, Texas, from Fort Worth to start school at the University of Texas. He was an excellent football player but didn't have a girlfriend to share his stories with.

It was a usual day in 1934 when John entered his zoology class and sat behind a pretty girl who would be his wife in the future. That girl was Charlotte, who had recently moved to Austin from Iowa with her family after her sister's husband tragically passed away.

"I thought he was just a fine fella, and I didn't mind his looking over my shoulder," Charlotte recalled while talking about the moment she noticed John for the first time.

Impressing His Love Interest

In hopes of impressing the gorgeous girl in his class, John bought a second-hand Dodge Roadster for $26, which was way out of his budget as a student.

After learning about the couple, people often wonder what their secret to longevity is.

"

," John

. He spent some memorable moments in the car with Charlotte during the five years he dated her. Even Charlotte said she "felt important" sitting in it.

Five Years Later

Before embarking on a new journey in their lives, the couple wanted to be financially stable. Charlotte began teaching in Houston, while John became a sports coach. Decades later, John joked during an interview:

"It took her five years to make up her mind that she wanted to get married."

The young couple was pronounced husband and wife in an intimate wedding ceremony in December 1939. Soon, they traveled to San Antonio for their honeymoon and then returned to their Baytown, Texas home, where they spent the next few decades together.

A Lifetime of Togetherness

While the world went through some massive changes and the advent of technology introduced convenience, the Hendersons stayed together. After tying the knot, Charlotte continued teaching, but John worked in an oil refinery until he retired in 1972.

Charlotte and John spent some memorable moments together as a married couple, moments they enjoyed recalling after becoming centenarians. In 2019, the couple set a world record and later celebrated eight decades of being spouses.

John was 106 while Charlotte was 105 when the Guinness World Records recognized them as the oldest living married couple. After retiring, they began living in Austin's Longhorn Village.

Advice From the Couple

Having been married for more than 80 years, John had some interesting advice for married couples. "Don't try to outdo your mate," he said. He also suggested couples support each other and work towards a better future. When asked how his marriage lasted so long, John replied:

"Live life in moderation and be cordial to your spouse."

"We've always loved each other, cared for each other," Charlotte added. Although she feels the time they spent together went by too quickly, the couple doesn't think about their past. They love living in the moment.

Secret to Longevity

After learning about the couple, people often wondered what their secret to longevity is. According to John, the answer is exercise and healthy living habits. "We never overdo anything," he told USA TODAY.

Some think the secret to the couple's long life was not having kids. Despite being married for about 80 years, the Hendersons have no children, but they disagree that this made them outlive most people on this planet.

Their 80th Anniversary

The Longhorn Village community hosted a celebration party for Charlotte and John's 80th wedding anniversary, ensuring the couple enjoyed their big day. They invited the couple's friends and family for a feast.

John even recreated a part of their first date by picking up his college sweetheart in a 1920's Roadster. Moreover, he handed Charlotte a bouquet of fresh flowers to make her feel special.

Living past eighty years with your spouse by your side is something not many people get to experience. If you enjoyed reading about Charlotte and John's story, don't forget to share it with your friends and family.

Click here to read another story about a couple married for 91 years with 64 grandkids who are still deeply in love despite life's struggles. The two met in Yemen after fate's harsh plans left them orphaned.