Eleanor Gittens107 years old, and her husband Lyle Gittensof 108, were named the couple with the longest married couple in the world. The couple resides in Miami, Florida (United States) and in early 2025 celebrated their 83rd anniversary. They married on June 4, 1942.
In addition to holding this title, the Gittens also broke the record for the longest married couple in historywith a combined age of 216 years and 132 days, according to Long livet, the world’s leading authority on human longevity.
Lyle and Eleanor Gittens’ love story began in 1941when they were both students at Clark Atlanta University. Lyle, who played on the basketball team and was even later inducted into the university’s Men’s Basketball Hall of Fame, caught the attention of Eleanor, who was a spectator at a game against rival Morehouse College.
Although the first years of their relationship were marked by the certainty that Lyle would be drafted, they planned their wedding for the June 4, 1942. Lyle received a three-day pass from his training at Fort Benning, Georgia, to travel to Bradenton, Florida, Eleanor’s hometown, where they were married.
Eleanor Gittens, 107, and her husband Lyle Gittens, 108, were named the world’s longest-married couple. They married on June 4, 1942. Photo: Gittens Family/LongeviQuest.Lyle recalled that on the train ride from Georgia he had to sit in a segregated car. The occasion was joyful, if brief, and Eleanor later shared that, upon Lyle’s departure after the wedding, she wondered if she would see him again.
As the Second World War was intensifying, Lyle was sent to Italy with his Army unit, the 92nd Infantry Division. Eleanor, now pregnant with her first childmoved to New York City, where he met Lyle’s family for the first time.
In New York, Eleanor found work on the payroll for a company that produced airplane parts for the war effort. Their only communication during the separation was through heavily censored letters by military mail employees; According to Eleanor, the red ink of censorship hid more of Lyle’s words than it left visible.
A life built on service and joy
Once the war ended, Lyle and Eleanor were finally able to reunite and set up home. in New York City. Their son Lyle Rogers, born during the war, was soon joined by their daughters Angela and Ignae.
Although the return to civilian life was difficult due to the scarcity of jobs, both Gittens passed the New York civil service examination and obtained government jobs. They found deep satisfaction in empowering others to find jobs.
The couple resides in Miami, Florida (United States) and in early 2025 celebrated their 83rd anniversary. Photo: LongeviQuest.Despite the long, difficult work hours during the 1950s and 1960s, they developed a joyful tradition: after work, Lyle would make two martinis to share with Eleanor while They enjoyed each other’s company and shared their daily achievements. This custom persists to this day, although it became a shared Modelo beer during lunch.
As they approached retirement, Eleanor found new avenues of personal fulfillment by earning her PhD in Urban Education from Fordham University at the age of 69. The couple also remained active for decades in the Clark Atlanta University Alumni Association. Additionally, his membership in the International Congress of Caribbean Archeology inspired many of his travel adventures, his favorite destination being the island of Guadeloupe.
The secret of longevity in Miami
After spending nearly 80 years in New York City, Lyle, who grew up there, and Eleanor They moved to Miami as they became centenarians, living near their daughter Angela. Despite his happiness in Miami, Lyle confesses that miss the Big Apple. «If you don’t live in New York City, you’re camping,» he joked.
From her residence, Eleanor enjoys one of her favorite activities: watching cruise ships arrive and depart from the Miami terminal. Lyle, at 108, is largely confined to bed, but he keeps his curiosity intact and uses his smartphone with ease. «Even at my age, you can still gain knowledge»he assured.
In addition to holding this title, the Gittens also broke the record for the oldest married couple in history, with a combined age of 216 years and 132 days. Photo: LongeviQuest.When asked about the secret of their 83 years together, both gave answers that reflected the simplicity of their love: Eleanor said, “We love each other”and Lyle responded, “I love my wife.”
Observers note that maintaining their marriage never seemed to require much effort; It was something easy for them. This tacit understanding was evident in a moment captured during a photo shoot, where they held hands and they exchanged a knowing look, a silent conversation that demonstrated eight decades of mastery of each other’s expressions.
