Don and Marilyn Barnett of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, both in their 90s, have kept a bedtime tradition for the past 50 years that has strengthened their marriage of nearly seven decades.
Marriage is a gift from God, but many couples today struggle to stay together. The Barnetts show us what God meant marriage to be – a lifelong commitment where love and devotion matter every day.
The Nightly Tradition
Every night before bed, 94-year-old Don asks his 93-year-old wife Marilyn, “Want a song?” When she responds with “Sure!” he sits beside his bride of 68 years and sings to her. This special moment has strengthened their bond for 50 years.
“I just look forward to it,” Marilyn told CBS News. “And he has a beautiful voice.”
The couple began this heartwarming tradition about 50 years ago, making it a constant part of their relationship through all of life’s changes.
Don explains that their nightly songs serve multiple purposes. “I discovered a couple of things,” he shared. “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.”
This musical tradition has become more than just a sweet gesture. It heals any tensions from the day. By ending each day with song, they make sure no disagreement lasts overnight, following the wisdom in Ephesians 4:26 to “not let the sun go down on your anger.“
Through Sickness and Health
Their son Doug confirms they never skip this special time. “I’m not aware that they ever miss it,” he says. Even when facing health problems, they keep this tradition alive.
Last month, when Marilyn fell and broke her hip, Don continued to sing to her every night, showing what “in sickness and in health” truly means.
Don believes singing to his wife means more than just saying goodnight. “When you sing to your spouse, she realizes that you really care enough to go out of your way — rather than just say, ‘Goodnight, honey,'” he explains. This extra effort shows a depth of love that words alone cannot express.
Their marriage of nearly 70 years stands as a powerful example in a world where many view relationships as temporary. They have weathered life’s storms together since saying “I do” 68 years ago, and they continue to choose each other daily through their nightly ritual.
As they approach their 70th wedding anniversary, the Barnetts inspire couples of all ages to build lasting relationships through small, faithful acts of love each day.
Consider your marriage as the most important earthly relationship God has given you. Disagreements will happen, but like the Barnetts, we must resolve conflicts before the day ends.
When we prioritize communication and forgiveness in our marriages, we reflect Christ’s love, becoming one in Him as God intended.
WATCH: Couple Married for Nearly Seven Decades Shares a Unique Tradition Every Night
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