Their combined ages of 211—with 80 years of marriage—makes them the oldest living couple on Earth, according to the Guinness World Records, but for John Henderson, 106, and his wife Charlotte, 105, of Austin, Texas, it’s as if time never mattered.
The couple, who met in 1934 while attending the University of Texas where Charlotte was studying to become a teacher and John played for the university’s football team, married in 1939 during the Great Depression.
When asked about their years together, Charlotte reflected on how “one year just went into the next year,” according to USA Today.
“We’ve always loved each other, cared for each other,” Charlotte said. “It’s just one of those things that comes naturally to us.”
Longhorn Village, the senior living community where the Hendersons live, helped the couple celebrate their anniversary on December 22 by throwing a huge party with friends and family. The two lovebirds were also surprised with a 1920s roadster for the day, similar to the one John used to drive to impress Charlotte when they first met.
The couple’s great-nephew, Jason Free, who nominated them for the world record, spoke to an NBC affiliate in Austin, Texas about his great-uncle and aunt’s special relationship.
“They are a wonderful couple, and an example of a very happy couple…glad to be around each other, travel together, and live life,” Jason said. “They’ll tell you the stories of the past, but they don’t dwell on the past—they remember it, but they look forward to the future, and they’ve always been that way.”
The coupled settled in to Longhorn Village, a retirement community for University of Texas alumni and staff, after returning 10 years ago. Although they never had kids, the two were always surrounded by children, Charlotte while teaching and John while coaching junior high football. John is currently the oldest living football player for the University of Texas and according to PEOPLE, the two have attended at least one game every year for the last 84 years.
The Hendersons remain grateful for not only each of their long lives, but for their long-lasting relationship.
“I’m thankful for life itself and being able to live a full life and really a healthy life,” said John. “I’m thankful for every day that rolls around,” Charlotte added. “I’m just thankful for everything.”
