Secrets To A Happy Marriage From A 99-Year-Old Couple On Their 80th Wedding Anniversary

Donald and Vivian Hart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, know a thing or two about nurturing a long and happy marriage. The 99-year-olds celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary last week. The couple, reminiscing on their lives together, shared some words of wisdom on how they’ve kept the spark alive.

“It’s good to laugh together ,” Donald, a World War II veteran, told ABC News during a family celebration of the major milestone. “Have fun with each other, but don’t make jokes at the expense of the other.” 

“Always be sure to put God first in your life,” Vivian added. “Be always willing to help and stay alert to your spouse ... We don’t keep our mind on our troubles.”

Music was also a shared passion through the years. Donald recalled singing to Vivian often during the early days of their relationship. Bing Crosby’s “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” had been a particular favorite, he said.

At their anniversary celebration on Friday at the assisted living facility where they live, he serenaded his wife with that love song once more. “Let me call you sweetheart,” he crooned. “I’m in love with you.” 

Speaking to local media, the couple’s children remembered their parents’ love and commitment even through years of hardship.

“When I look back on it, I think, ‘Boy, we were really poor,’” son Don Hart told WOOD-TV. “When [my dad] first got out of the military, I was 7 years old. We lived in a dinky house it had been a chicken coop. We didn’t have things, but we had a lot of fun.”

Vivian and Donald’s family claim they are the longest-living couple in the state of Michigan . The lovebirds tied the knot in 1937.

Donald and Vivian have three sons, four grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren, according to the local WDIV-TV. They tied the knot in 1937 and could rank among the longest-married couples in the U.S.