After More Than 40 Years as Neighbors, a Senior Couple Says Yes to Forever

This is the sweetest little story. After spending over 40 years as next-door neighbors, a senior couple gets engaged… Now they’ve got a hard decision to make: whose house they’re going to continue living in!

Senior Couple Gets Engaged After 40 Years as Neighbors

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Art and Marilyn had lived close to each other for 40 years, but grew close only in the last few. They each lost a spouse after being caregivers for them, and unexpectedly found love again after they spent more time together.

On Dec. 17, Art asked Marilyn to marry him inside a private igloo at Gatton Park's Winter Village in downtown Lexington, Kentucky.

"It's been just miraculous to get to know you, and what a terrific person you are,” Art told Marilyn in front of a view of a giant, lit-up Christmas tree in the park. “You're charitable and kind, quirky, and just a lot of fun to be with. So, asking you if you would marry me.”

‘Yes,’ Forever and Ever

Marilyn told him, "Art, I would love to marry you, with all my heart and love and soul. I can think of nothing else I would love to do than marry you. Forever. Forever."

"It would be great that we get to love and hold each other into our golden years," he told her as he handed her the ring.

"Well, that'll be a long time though. Is that okay?" Marilyn responded.

When she opened the ring box and saw a large diamond, she gasped in surprise. "Oh, my goodness, Art! Oh my heavens!” 

Sealed with a Kiss

She then leaned in, and the two lovebirds sealed their commitment with a romantic kiss.

The clip of their proposal went viral with over 1 million views. Since then, they’ve kept out of the spotlight, so we don’t know their wedding date. But Marilyn’s family says the pair are enjoying attending church, social events, and spending time with friends and family.

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It’s these kinds of stories that warm hearts and make you feel good inside. I hope this brought a smile to your face today!

WATCH:  After More Than 40 Years as Neighbors, a Senior Couple Says Yes to Forever

@gattonpark

Please join us in congratulating this happy couple on their engagement! ❤️ There was extra holiday magic in the air on Wednesday during Winter Village at Gatton Park. Art proposed to Marilyn in a cozy igloo while the Tree’s light show set the background. 😊 Art and Marilyn have been neighbors for more than 4 decades. They grew close in recent years after they both lost their beloved spouses. They enjoy attending church and social events together. They love spending time with their friends and family and going to plays and musical shows. 🎄 We are so happy that Art chose Winter Village to pop the question, and we wish them many years of love, light, and happiness. ❄️ We can’t promise you’ll stumble upon a proposal, but we can promise a festive time at Winter Village. Come visit us now through Dec. 23, nightly, from 5-10 pm.

♬ Silver Snowflakes - Keys To Motion

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h/t: People

Featured Image Credit: TikTok/gattonpark

Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.