Yahoo News Elderly couple aged 83 and 77 finally tie the knot after 35 YEARS of unmarried bliss
An elderly couple have finally tied the knot after being together for 35 years, deciding to get married so they can be “in heaven together”.
David Wiese, 77, and Carolyn Gabbard, 83, got together in 1983 and have lived in unmarried bliss since then.
But when Carolyn was moved to a hospice after suffering a stroke, David finally popped the question and after just three days of wedding planning, the couple exchanged vows in front of 40 friends, family and fellow residents at the RiverStone Health Hospice Home in Billings, Montana, USA.
David said while he had considered himself married to her for the last 35 years, he believes their marriage will make sure they’re together in heaven, while his bride joked that it was “about time”.
The happy couple have been together for 35 years and have 17 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren between them.
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David admitted he hadn’t popped the question previously because he had already been divorced four times when he began dating Carolyn in 1983.
But when he proposed to Carolyn in her hospice room on February 5, she immediately said “yes” and the couple planned their big day in just three days.
David wore a rented tux while Carolyn’s dress was donated by a local shop, while a florist provided free floral arrangements. Staff at the hospice baked the couple a cake, as well as styling Carolyn’s hair and giving her a manicure.
David said: “I asked Carolyn to forgive me for us not getting married before.”
Carolyn has three sets of twins and another child from a previous relationship: Don and Dave, both 63, Doug, 61, Wendy, 57, Connie and Carrie, both 55, and Sue who passed away a few years ago at the age of 50.
Carrie, Connie and Don attended the ceremony on February 9 while Wendy and Dave watched via Facetime.
Carrie said it was a “gorgeous” occasion, adding: “The dress was perfect and Dave looked dapper in his tux. They put rose petals down the aisle where he wheeled her down.
“You could feel the love, it was absolutely amazing.
“I’m tickled. He’s always been a part of the family and I’m glad that he made it official.”
