New Orleans Pair Could Be Longest Married Couple In the U.S.

Family disputes a Connecticut couple’s recent claim on the title

What’s the secret to a long marriage? Ask centenarians Norman and Norma Burmah, who have been married for 82 years and are believed to be the longest living married couple in the U.S. Norman, who is 102, and Norma, who turns 100 in July, have been married since January 26, 1931. Last year, on Valentine’s Day, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal recognized the New Orleans couple as the longest living married couple in the state. But recent national attention on a Connecticut couple married for 80 years created a stir among the Burmahs’ grandchildren, who are sure Norman and Norma are the rightful owners of that record. “We were pretty sure they were the longest living African-American couple in the United States, but the fact that they could be the country’s longest living married couple is just phenomenal,” said granddaughter Glenda McKinley. “We see them as our national treasure.” The Burmahs once owned a private catering company and are now retired, living independently near one of their daughters in Marksville, L.A. The couple lost their New Orleans home in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The Burmahs have two daughters (one deceased), six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

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