The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Football letterman and wife earn spot in Guinness Book of World Records
11.14.2019 | Football
Texas’ oldest living letterman, John Henderson, and his wife, Charlotte, were recently named the oldest living married couple in the world by Guinness World Records.
AUSTIN, Texas – With a combined age of 211 years, Longhorn football letterman, John Henderson, 106, and his wife Charlotte, 105, were recently named the oldest living married couple in the world by Guinness World Records. Charlotte was born on Nov. 8, 1914. Henderson, born on Dec. 24, 1912, was a guard and earned a football letter for The University of Texas in 1935. Henderson is Texas' oldest living letterman.
"What an awesome story, great man and inspirational couple," said Texas head coach Tom Herman. "I just spoke with him this week to congratulate him and Charlotte, and we had a wonderful visit. Eighty years of marriage, that truly is amazing, and he immediately recalled the first day they met as students at UT. He has such a terrific memory and so many stories to share. He also poured his blood and sweat into this program as a player, helped lay the groundwork for it and has continued as a lifelong supporter. We're beyond grateful for that, and he exemplifies everything great about Texas Football."
Congrats to our Longhorns - John & Charlotte Henderson - recently tabbed the World's oldest married couple by Guinness Book of World Records. A 1935 football letterman, John is also the oldest living Longhorn Letterman. @GWR#ThisIsTexas #HookEm pic.twitter.com/nknMAlx84q
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) November 14, 2019
The Henderson's met while in class at The University of Texas in 1934. They continued dating through college while Charlotte was studying to become a teacher and John was a student-athlete completing his education degree, as well as playing football in an era of leather helmets and no facemasks. They married in 1939 during the Great Depression and spent just $7 on the hotel room for their honeymoon. They will celebrate 80 years of marriage on Dec. 15, 2019.
The Hendersons are longtime Longhorn season ticket holders, and for the past 84 years, John has attended at least one football game and says he still goes to the gym for 20-30 minutes each day. Both John and Charlotte now reside at the Longhorn Village in Austin, Texas, where they have lived together for a decade. Longhorn Village is a senior living community associated with Texas Exes.
So enjoyed spending time with the residents of Longhorn Village and especially meeting John Henderson who last played football for Texas in 1935... He's 106 years young and going strong! 👏🏽👊🏽🤘🏽 pic.twitter.com/Rr4OXFMswk
— Chris Del Conte (@_delconte) May 2, 2019
Texas recognized John as the oldest living Longhorn Letterman during Texas' win over Louisiana Tech earlier this year. He also served as the Longhorns' honorary captain prior to a victory over Kansas State in 2013.