Neighbors of more than 40 years get engaged at Lexington winter village

People reports that Art proposed to his neighbor Marilyn on Dec. 17 inside a private igloo at Gatton Park's Winter Village in downtown Lexington, Kentucky.

The pair had been neighbors for more than four decades but only grew close in recent years after each lost a spouse; they began spending more time together and enjoying church, social events, plays and musicals. During the proposal, with a large Christmas tree light show glowing in the background, Art told Marilyn, "It's been just miraculous to get to know you, and what a terrific person you are. You're charitable and kind, quirky, and just a lot of fun to be with. So, asking you if you would marry me," and Marilyn replied, "Art, I would love to marry you, with all my heart and love and soul. I can think of nothing else I would love to do than marry you. Forever. Forever."

The moment, including Marilyn gasping when she saw the ring and Art sliding it on her finger, went viral on TikTok with over 1.2 million views, 250,000 likes and more than 4,000 congratulatory comments. Despite the online attention, the couple prefer to keep their life out of the spotlight; their family says they continue to enjoy church, social events, time with friends and family, and attending plays and musical shows.

Key Topics

Culture, Art, Marilyn, Gatton Park, Winter Village, Lexington Kentucky