A truly inspiring story of love and commitment that has lasted a lifetime.
A Fairfield, Connecticut, couple has been named the longest married couple in the US by the Christian marriage enrichment group Worldwide Marriage Encounter. John and Ann Betar celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary in November surrounded by thier 5 children, their 14 grandchildren, and their 16 great-grandchildren. As Good Morning America reports, The Betar’s consider themselves “blessed.” 97-year-old Ann said, “It is unconditional love and understanding. We have had that. We consider it a blessing.”
The couple, who took their vows on November, 25th, 1932, grew up in the same Syrian community located in Bridgeport, Connecticut. It was tradition in those times, and in their culture for parents to arrange marriages for their children, but Ann “defied her parents” when they chose a man other than John to be her husband. The couple instead eloped to Harrison, New York, and were married without the permission or blessing of their families. But after more than 80 years together, Ann says she has no doubt they “made the right choice.”
Although they prefer not to give marriage advice, the couple insists their “secret” to 80-plus happy years together is really quite simple, “compromise and don’t hold a grudge.” Ann also told GMA, “We are very fortunate. It can be repeated and repeated.”
