logo
Charlotte and John Henderson | Source: facebook.com/FOX7Austin | facebook.com/jason.free.39
Charlotte and John Henderson | Source: facebook.com/FOX7Austin | facebook.com/jason.free.39

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

Salwa Nadeem
Jan 05, 2023
08:15 A.M.

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.

Advertisement

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

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

"

It turned out to be the best $26 I ever spent

," 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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

'Mary Poppins' Star Glynis Johns Dies in Assisted Living Home after Celebrating 100th Birthday

January 05, 2024

Tom Selleck Reveals His Morning Tradition of Spoiling His Wife of 36 Years: ‘I’m Pretty Romantic'

January 31, 2024

Harrison Ford’s Wife Calista Flockhart Steps Out in Floral Pink Dress & Mesh Gloves

January 16, 2024

‘Grease’ Star Stockard Channing Changed after Moving to Another Country & Her Partner’s Death – What Happened to Her

February 15, 2024

‘Grease’ Star Stockard Channing Changed after Moving to Another Country & Her Partner’s Death – What Happened to Her

February 14, 2024

Donny Osmond & Wife Debbie Show the Sweeter Side of Their 45-Year Marriage as They Hug in Loved-up Snap

January 23, 2024

Sam Elliott's Daughter & His Wife Are Best Friends despite Previous Conflicts – Inside Their Relationship

February 15, 2024

T.D. Jakes Shares 5 Children with His Wife of over 4 Decades – inside His Family

December 15, 2023

Mickey Middleton Is Bryan Cranston’s Ex-wife Who Is Also an Author

December 15, 2023

Man Born with Life Expectancy of 2 Years Is Now Father to Cute Twins Who ‘Look like Daddy’

December 01, 2023

Meryl Streep, 74, & Friend Called 'Power Couple' after Sparking Dating Rumors – Her Life Following Breakup

March 04, 2024

Jimmy Carter Met Wife a Day after Her Birth — They Were Married for 77 Years despite His ‘Adultery’

November 20, 2023

JLo Confesses She & Ben Affleck Have ‘PTSD’ from Initial Romance: ‘It’ll End in Divorce,’ Users React

December 21, 2023

5 Amazing Stories of Celebrities Who Found the Love of Their Life after 40

January 25, 2024