NEWPORT, Ky. — Taking things one day at a time, and togetherness – those are the secrets to a good marriage according to one Northern Kentucky couple who’ve been together for 76 years.
Joe and Dorothy True said love got them through the tumultuous year that was 2020.
Both caught COVID-19, and Dorothy, 93, had to be hospitalized – which meant Joe, 94, couldn’t see her. He said it was hard to be apart from his wife, and he called her when he missed her.
“You always miss the one you love,” Joe True said.
Especially one you’ve loved for more than seven decades. So far, the pair has eight children, 18 grandkids, 22 great-grandkids and six great-great-grandkids.
“It’s like building your own army sometimes,” Joe True said. “It’s like building your own army, and you’re blessed with each one of ‘em.”
The Trues acknowledged their life together hasn’t always been easy, something their fight with COVID showed. Instead of dwelling on the time the virus kept them apart, they focused on how they got to quarantine together.
“We did a good job staying together – not too much fussing or fighting – we never fight anyway,” Dorothy True said.
The couple’s daughter, Patti McGill said the couple has been that way for years. She remembers the couple making meals together on Sunday.
“He would stand with her, frying chicken with her – helping her all the way through,” she said. “Such a blessing to watch that.”
Joe and Dorothy’s son, Anthony said things haven’t always been easy for the couple – but they made it through the tough times.
“Not only to be married for 76 years, but to still be healthy and still be in love,” He said.
Joe joked about taking Dorothy to a drive-in for their anniversary.
“I’m happy, very happy,” he said. “Wouldn’t change a thing.”
As the couple looks forward to their post-pandemic life, they said they’d like to spend a little time in Florida – and a lot of time with family.
