Longest marriage for a living couple (different sexes)

The longest marriage for a living couple (different sexes) is 84 years 77 days, by Manoel Angelim Dino and Maria de Sousa Dino (both Brazil), who married on 20 November 1940 in Boa Viagem, Ceará, Brazil, as of 5 February 2025.

This record was validated by LongeviQuest with the cooperation of the couple's wider family.

Manoel (b. 1919) and Maria (b. 1923, maiden name Almeida de Souza) first met around 1936 while working in agriculture for their respective families, but it was not until their paths crossed again some years later that their relationship began.

From the moment Manoel saw Maria again, he was captivated. Determined not to let the opportunity slip away, he declared his feelings and asked her out. However, Maria’s mother was initially against the relationship. He had to earn the trust of her family, and soon began building a home for the future they would share.

After marrying in 1940 at the chapel of Boa Ventura, the couple worked side by side, growing and selling tobacco to support their growing family. Over the years, they raised 13 children, who later blessed them with 55 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, and now 12 great-great-grandchildren!

Now both over 100 years of age, their days are spent in peace. Due to his age, Manoel mostly rests during the day, but often joins Maria in the living room in the evening to listen to the rosary prayer on the radio at 6pm followed by the televised mass.

According to Maria and her family, the key to a lasting marriage is simple: love.