Couple breaks Guinness World Record for longest marriage

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

guinnessworldrecords.com

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

By Stefania Sainato Updated Feb. 27, 2025

Table of Contents

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.

Modern Reality: Married parents today spend nearly twice as much time on childcare as parents did in the 1960s, yet many report feeling more stressed and unsupported.

Takeaway: Parenthood was never meant to be a solo mission. Whether it’s leaning on extended family, co-parenting effectively, or cultivating a support network, finding your version of ‘the village’ makes the journey easier—and more joyful.

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.

Modern Reality: Studies have found that the number of children is a significant negative predictor of marital satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of active partnership and shared responsibilities in maintaining a strong marital bond.

Takeaway: Love isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s built in the daily, often invisible work of partnership. Sharing household labor, supporting each other’s goals, and making time for connection amid the chaos of parenting are essential to long-term happiness.

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.

Modern Reality: Research shows that couples who establish shared routines—no matter how simple—report higher levels of happiness and relationship satisfaction.

Takeaway: Whether it’s a nightly bedtime story, Sunday pancake breakfasts, or a weekly check-in, small rituals create stability for kids and strengthen relationships over time.

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.

Modern Reality: Studies indicate that lower marital satisfaction is linked to more authoritarian parenting styles, while a warm, connected approach leads to better long-term outcomes for children.

Takeaway: Parenting books, expert tips, and research-backed strategies all have their place—but at the end of the day, what kids remember most is how deeply they felt loved.

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.

Modern Reality: Research suggests that children who grow up in stable, loving homes develop stronger emotional resilience and healthier relationship patterns later in life.

Takeaway: The best thing we can do for our children isn’t to be perfect—it’s to be present. The love we pour into our families today creates a ripple effect for generations to come.

Final thought: A simpler way forward

In a world filled with parenting manuals and expert advice, Manoel and Maria’s story reminds us that the essence of successful parenting and enduring marriages lies in love, commitment, and community. By focusing on these core principles, modern parents can navigate the complexities of today’s world with resilience and grace.