With 83 years of marriage, Americans become the oldest couple in the world

They were students at the University of Atalanta when they first came together in 1941.. At the time they met, Lyle was on the college basketball team and Eleanor went to a game to cheer on the team.

Lyle and Eleanor Gittens were married on June 4, 1942. They therefore completed 83 years of marriage in mid-2025.

Second World War separated couple

Early in their marriage, Lyle was sent to Italy to serve with his Army unit, the 92nd Infantry Division, due to World War II.. By this time, Eleanor was already pregnant with their first child.

They kept in touch through letters. When the war ended, Lyle and Eleanor were finally able to build their lives together. The couple has a son, Lyle Rogers, and two daughters, Angela and Ignae.

Record was Brazilian

Lyle and Eleanor Gittens took over from Brazilians Manoel Angelim Dino and Maria de Sousa Dino, who celebrated almost 85 years of marriage. Manoel died last month, in Boa Viagem (CE), aged 106.