by Miami, Florida — A couple who first exchanged vows more than eight decades ago is now making global history. Eleanor and Lyle Gittens, longtime partners who built a life spanning cities, generations and eras, have been officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest married couple — and they say their secret to lasting love is surprisingly simple.
Couple Earns Multiple Guinness World Records
This month, Guinness confirmed that Eleanor and Lyle Gittens now hold three major world records, reflecting both the length of their marriage and their exceptional longevity. Their honors include:
- Longest marriage for a living couple (different sexes)
- Oldest living married couple (aggregate age)
- Oldest married couple ever (aggregate age)
The pair wed on June 4, 1942, in Bradenton — Eleanor’s hometown — at a time when the world was engulfed in World War II and the jazz era shaped American culture. Despite coming from different backgrounds, they found common ground in commitment and companionship.
A Union Built on Personality and Playfulness
Lyle Gittens recalled with humor that he was “from the North during the so-called jazz era,” adding:
“I was what you call hip, very hip, so hip, that I didn’t speak English. I spoke only slang. And she had to help me remember how to speak English.”
The couple spent most of their married life in New York City, Lyle’s hometown, before moving to Miami to be closer to family. Their daughter Angela said the move was orchestrated with care:
“We decided that they should be taken care of more directly. So, we tricked them into coming down.”
Today, they live independently in a high-rise apartment just down the hall from Angela.
Children Draw Inspiration From Their Commitment
Their daughter said her parents’ marriage endured because they believed firmly in the promise they made in 1942.
“I think their expectation was they agreed to be married, and they were going to stay married,” Angela explained. “I don’t think either one thought they’d live this long — but I don’t think they expected they wouldn’t stay married.”
Through the decades, their union has grown into a remarkable legacy: three children, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, all of whom have witnessed the couple’s rare dedication to one another.
A Lifetime of Love, Laughter and Shared Rituals
Reflecting on their record-breaking recognition, Lyle answered simply:
“Happy to be alive!”
Eleanor added that the honor felt “great” and “astonishing.”
For the couple, longevity isn’t just about the years — it’s about what those years contained. Lyle said one unexpected blessing has been watching generations flourish.
“We’ve seen the great-grandchild finish college. Makes us extremely happy.”
From their perspective, their remarkable journey feels natural.
“We’re here and so since we are supposedly the oldest, this is how it looks like,” Lyle said. “What you see is what you get.”
The Secret to Their Long-Lasting Marriage
When asked what kept their marriage going through eight decades, Lyle needed only three words
“Love, love, love.”
But he also playfully offered a second secret:
“We used to have a martini every night.”
Despite their age, the Gittens still share a spark and a sense of humor — a living example of a partnership that has endured time, change, and history itself.
For more uplifting stories and thoughtful discussions, visit mikeandjonpodcast.com.
