Elderly Couple Who Eloped in 1964 Remarries 6 Decades Later: ‘I Wanted Her to Have a Wedding’

Gary and Linda Manna's oldest son Mike officiated their vow renewal, which was attended by many generations of family

Linda and Gary Manna
Linda and Gary Manna. Photo:

Amber Lihs

An elderly couple from Nebraska exchanged traditional wedding vows 60 years after they eloped!

Gary and Linda Manna tied the knot in front of generations of family and friends recently, something they missed out on when they first exchanged vows in front of a pastor in Reno, Nevada in 1964, local news site 6 News WOWT reported.

“I wanted her to have a wedding," Gary, whose exact age is unknown, told the site.

Linda and Gary Manna
Linda and Gary Manna.

Amber Lihs

Linda went down the aisle following her daughters, who were escorted by one of her sons. The couple's eldest son Mike Manna officiated their ceremony.

“The main thing was to honor them. 60 years. There’s not that many couples that have stayed together 60 years. They were a great example to us, my brothers and sisters," Mike told the site.

As seen in video footage on 6 News, the couple danced and shared a kiss in front of their five children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They told the outlet it was the first time in many years that their whole family was able to celebrate in the same room.

Linda and Gary Manna
Linda and Gary Manna.

Amber Lihs

The special day was made possible by the Dreamweaver Foundation, which grants wishes for elderly adults with "life-limiting" illnesses. It's unclear whether Gary or Linda has the illness, and a diagnosis wasn't mentioned.

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But even in death, the couple said they know they'll be together. “We also know and believe that we’ll be with family,” Linda told 6 News.

Linda and Gary Manna
Linda and Gary Manna.

Amber Lihs

The bride also added that forgiveness, faith and music is what has kept their marriage strong for six decades and counting.

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