Conn. couple named 'longest married' in US

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) -- A Fairfield couple knows a thing or two about making a marriage work. They have been man and wife for 80 years and are getting national recognition.

John and Ann Betar have been married for more than 80 years. At 101-years-old and 97-years-old respectively, they are the country's longest-married couple.

"We just fell in love that's all," said John.

"Can you believe that 80 years later here you guys are," asked News 8's Ali Reed.

"80 years and they said it wouldn't last," said John laughing.

They tied the knot on November 25th, 1932 and have been by each other's side ever since. So what's their secret?

"80 years, you know, it's just contentment," said John.

"80 years of really living, I mean, normally," said Ann.

"It's just contentment. She's no problem. She's always never worked. She's always a cook, took care of her family. Good mother, great mother," said John.

"And he always has his hand on my knee or my hair," said Ann.

The happy couple met in Bridgeport. In fact, they lived right across the street from each other but their union almost never happened because Ann's parents had arranged for her to marry someone else.

That's when John and Ann took matters into their own hands and eloped.

"We went to harrison, New York," said John.

"We didn't have any money to go any further," said Ann.

They went on to have 5 kids, 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

"Your love grows, you know and it grows in very good directions for the two of us," said Ann.

Their record-breaking union has meant the phone at their Fairfield house has not stopped ringing. John and Ann can't believe they hold the record.

"Hope we live more," said John laughing.

"It kind of suprised me there aren't any more," said Ann.

The baker who made their anniversary cake was also surprised.

"He thought it was our 80 years, we were 80 years old. She said no it's their anniversay, 80th anniversary. He said he's never had one before," said John.

When it came to making a wish, they say theirs has already come true.

"May you all be as fortunate as we are," said John.