78 Years and Counting: The Longest Married Couple
"Las Vegas" and "long-lasting marriage" don't seem to belong in the same sentence, but one couple is defying the city's repuation for shotgun weddings and quickie marriages. Wilbur and Theresa Faiss have been married for 78 years and have just been certified by Worldwide Marriage Encounter as the longest-married couple in the U.S.
What's the key to such a long and successful marriage? "It's very simple. It's give and take and compromise," Wilbur Faiss, 100, told CNN. Still going strong after so many years, he must have something right! The couple's expanding family now includes three children, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
"You're in love, and that's all you think about, you know," Wilbur said about his relationship with his wife.
Technically, there are at least three couples in the U.S. who have a couple years lead on Wilbur and Theresa, including a New Mexico couple who are on their 83rd anniversary. These other couples have already been recognized by the Longest Married Couple Project, making it the Faiss' year to shine.
Nominated by their son, Bob Faiss, the Las Vegas couple was delighted at having been honored by the Longest-Married Couple Project. Even President Barack Obama took notice; he plans to give the couple a shout out next time he visits Las Vegas. "How often does an ordinary guy get recognition by the President of the United States? It's one of these things that's once-in-a-lifetime," said Wilbur.
-Christina Hedges
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