Couple Celebrates Astonishing 80 YEARS of Marriage – So What's Their Secret?

An Oregon couple celebrated 80 years of marriage last week, recalling how they met and sharing their advice for a successful marriage.

Ermin and Erma Johnston discuss how they met and what can help make a happy, successful marriage, after just celebrating 80 years themselves (Image via KVAL video screenshot)

It all started with a Sunday-school party in Albany, according to KVAL-TV. Ermin Johnston remembered meeting the woman who would be his wife, saying she was one of two young ladies he escorted home after the party.

Erma was the second of the two women he dropped off and he told KVAL he knew she was "the one."

"She was a sweetie, and I was a farm boy who didn't know anything," Ermin said.

But Erma pipped in to say she disagreed.

"Oh yes you did! He knew enough to pick me," she added.

During the Great Depression on August 23, 1933, the pair were married.

"...it was beautiful," Erma said.

Ermin and Erma Johnston when they were married in Albany, Oregon, 80 years ago. (Image via KVAL video screenshot)

Fast forward through eight decades, the Johnstons now have three children, nine grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Of course the most popular question for a couple married for such a length of time had to be asked: what's the secret?

While Ermin would say there is "no secret," he and his wife did give viewers some advice.

" … just keep living," Ermin said, later adding "and behave yourself."

Erma said communication is key.

Watch the couple talk about their relationship in KVAL's report:

(H/T: KHOU-TV)

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