89-Year-Old War Vet Shares Simple Advice Behind His 66-Year Marriage
You might not be familiar with the name Colin Thackery, but the 89-year-old Korean War veteran is a pretty big deal over in England after winning the most recent season of Britain’s Got Talent. It wasn’t just his impressive singing skills and charming smile that warmed audiences’ hearts across the pond, but also how he paid tribute to his late wife, Joan, with dedications during his performances. The couple were married for 66 years before Joan’s passing in 2016.
When recently asked by the hosts of Loose Women (a UK chat show similar to The View) about what kept he and Joan’s marriage so strong over all those years, Thackery’s simple response was “tolerance.” He quickly elaborated, saying that meant “knowing when to shut your face up.” His own face, that is. “It was completely different from the army, because in the army I was in charge. But not at home.” The doting husband clearly didn’t have a problem with that domestic setup, though. The love he still feels for his wife is written all over his face.
You can see that for yourself in the performance below. Fresh off the heels of his BGT win in June, Thackery returned to the stage for Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions in September. The contest was comprised of previous winners from the show and other international Got Talent versions (including the US).
Although he didn’t win this second time around, he still make an impact with his touching performance dedicated to Joan. Take a look:
Anyone else in need of a tissue? You can pick up a copy of his debut album, Love Changes Everything ($24.99, Amazon), which includes a cover of his wife’s favorite song, “Wind Beneath My Wings,” along with plenty other romantic and moving tunes inspired by his marriage.
We love examples of real-life long-lasting relationships, especially when they’re as sweet as this one.
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