Married For Nearly 7 Decades, These Two Lovebirds Still Say 'I Do' Every Night

February 24, 2025

Today's good news story comes from Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

After nearly seven decades of marriage, Don and Marilyn Barnett have a love story that continues to inspire. The 94-year-old husband and his 93-year-old wife have a simple but powerful nightly tradition— Don sings to Marilyn every single night before bed.

Don sings to wife every night love story
Don and Marilyn / Credit: CBS News

Don says he started doing this about 50 years ago.

"And I discovered a couple of things," Don said. "First of all, it pleased her. And secondly, it calmed us. And if we had a disagreement or something before, it was gone by the time we went to sleep."

Their son, Doug, says the serenade happens every night, without fail.

"I'm not aware that they ever miss it," Doug said.

Even when Marilyn recently fell and broke her hip, Don never missed a night—continuing to sing to her in the hospital.

Seventy years of love, one song at a time. Watch their heartwarming story here:


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