Couple breaks Guinness World Record for longest marriage—84 years, 13 kids, 50+ grandkids

They’ve spent more time together than any other living married couple. Manoel Angelim Dino and Maria de Sousa Dino, a Brazilian couple, recently set the Guinness World Record for the longest marriage among living couples—84 years and 77 days.

Beyond their remarkable milestone, they’ve built an extraordinary family legacy—raising 13 children, welcoming 55 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

Their love story spans nearly a century, a time when raising children didn’t come with parenting books, expert blogs, or the constant comparison of social media.

And yet, in a world where marriage and parenting feel more complex than ever, their wisdom offers something rare: simplicity.

With 43% of U.S. marriages ending in divorce and studies showing that 67% of couples experience a decline in relationship satisfaction after having children, their enduring love is an outlier.

So, what can today’s parents learn from a couple who raised an entire generation—without the conveniences (or pressures) of modern parenting?

1. Parenting was never meant to be a solo act

Between career demands, the mental load of motherhood, and increasing societal pressure to “do it all,” many parents today feel isolated. In contrast,Manoel and Maria raised their 13 children with deep family ties and a strong community around them.

2. Marriage isn’t just about love—It’s about showing up

For nearly a century, Manoel and Maria faced financial hardship, raised a large family, and worked the land together—always as a team. Their relationship thrived not because it was easy, but because they showed up for each other.

3. Routines and rituals keep a family grounded

Even today, Manoel and Maria maintain a simple evening ritual—sitting together to listen to the rosary on the radio and then watching mass. This daily tradition, while small, has been a source of connection for nearly 85 years.

4. There’s no ‘perfect’ way to parent—But love is what sticks

Raising 13 children was no small feat, yet Maria’s advice for modern families is refreshingly simple: love.

With parenting trends changing by the decade, it’s easy to feel like there’s a “right” and “wrong” way to raise kids. But research shows that what children need most isn’t perfect parenting—it’s emotionally available, loving parents.

5. The legacy you leave is in the values you share

Manoel and Maria’s impact isn’t measured in career achievements or financial wealth—it’s reflected in the generations of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who carry forward their values of love, resilience, and faith.

Ref: Couple breaks Guinness World Record for longest marriage—84 years, 13 kids, 50+ grandkids