Couple Married for 68 Years Reveals the 1 Surprising Thing They Do Every Night Before Bed

Mar. 15, 2025

Marilyn and Don Barnett.Photo:CBS News

CBS News

Don and Marilyn Barnett have spent most of their lives loving each other — and each night they have a special ritual to fortify their decades-long romance.

The couple from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, have been married for 68 years. Don, 94, and Marilyn, 93, shared withCBS’s Steve Hartmanthe key to their harmonious partnership — every night before bed, Don serenades his wife.

As they prepare to go to sleep, Don always asks, “want a song?” And Marilyn always answers, “sure!”

“I just look forward to it,” Marilyn said. “And he has a beautiful voice.”

The ritual began roughly half a century ago, and according to their son Doug, the sweet tradition occurs every single night — whether they’re at a hotel or at home in their own bed.

Don and Marilyn Barnett.CBS News

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Marilyn fell and broke her hip in January, but Don still sang to her in her hospital bed as she recovered.

“It’s very simple. It’s very easy to do,” Don said, and Marilyn added, “We wouldn’t go to sleep without that.”

Marilyn and Don Barnett.CBS News

Don added, “You see, 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,'”

source: people.com