Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher, a couple from North Carolina, USA, hold the record for the longest marriage in the world, having been husband and wife for an incredible 86 years and 290 days.
According to the Guinness World Records, the longest recorded marriage in history belonged to Herbert Fisher (born in 1905) and Zelmyra Fisher (born in 1907), both from the United States. They were married for 86 years and 290 days until Herbert passed away on February 27, 2011. Zelmyra followed in 2013.
Herbert and Zelmyra grew up together in North Carolina, forming a close friendship that eventually blossomed into love. In 1924, they tied the knot in a quaint little home. Zelmyra once described her husband: “He was quiet and kind. He wasn’t particularly outstanding, but he was incredibly sweet.”
Together, they endured many historical events, from the Great Depression (1929–1939) to World War II, and witnessed the terms of multiple U.S. presidents. Yet, their love remained steadfast through time.
The Fisher family lived in the same house that Herbert built with his own hands in 1942. During the Great Depression, Herbert worked as a machinist for the Coca-Cola Company, while Zelmyra stayed home to farm and care for their children.
The couple deeply understood the importance of respecting each other’s independence. This allowed them to grow as individuals while maintaining a strong commitment to their family life.
World War II brought further challenges, as global instability loomed. Yet, despite these hardships, Herbert and Zelmyra’s devotion to each other never wavered.
Herbert was a hardworking man who did his best to provide for his family, while Zelmyra remained his unwavering source of support. Despite financial struggles, they successfully raised five children, all of whom went on to graduate from college.
86 years, 9 months, and 16 days of loyalty to one love
A marriage that lasts for 86 years, 9 months, and 16 days must surely be filled with joy. Humor played an essential role in their relationship, helping to ease life’s stresses and pressures.
The couple shared that they always found each other romantic, humorous, and respectful. They believed that joy in everyday moments was the key to a happy marriage. Laughing together strengthened their bond.
Shortly before his passing, Herbert jokingly remarked about their long marriage: “I’m just as surprised as anyone that we’ve been married this long!”
Herbert and Zelmyra shared many lifelong interests. They both enjoyed watching television programs and cheering for the Atlanta Braves baseball team. They often sat together on their porch, watching trains pass by and waving at neighbors. They also shared a deep faith and regularly attended church to pray together.
In a 2010 Valentine’s Day interview, the couple reflected on their enduring marriage: “Our marriage has lasted a lifetime because we see each other as trusted friends. A couple is like a team—supporting one another through hardships rather than competing over who is right and who is wrong.”
When asked about the secret to their long-lasting marriage, they humbly replied: “There is no secret. We simply sacrificed and did what was necessary for our family. Divorce was never an option—not even a thought. Our advice to couples is to respect, support, and communicate with each other. Practice faithfulness, honesty, and sincerity. Most importantly, love each other with all your heart.”
They also revealed that as their children grew up and started their own lives, they found themselves talking to each other more than ever. With age, they became more patient with one another and learned to share their thoughts and feelings more openly.
In 2011, after Herbert’s passing, Zelmyra shared: “I never imagined our marriage would last this long. But after 86 years with him, I know for sure—I could never have found a better man.”