Surrounded by family members, elected officials and community leaders, Leland and Gussie Lacaze of Robeline were formally recognized Tuesday as Louisiana’s longest known married couple, celebrating 79 years of marriage.
The recognition followed a statewide search conducted by Louisiana Family Forum, which annually identifies and honors the longest married couples across the state ahead of Valentine’s Day. The Lacazes will mark their 79th wedding anniversary on Feb. 15 and are among 13 couples inducted into the organization’s 2026 Marriage Hall of Fame.
The couple’s story began in May 1945 in the small sawmill town of Flora. Leland, who played guitar with friends on Saturday nights, caught Gussie’s attention during one of those gatherings. Their courtship was soon interrupted when Leland was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II.
For two years, the couple exchanged letters while he was overseas. Before leaving, Leland asked Gussie if she would marry him when he returned. She agreed but declined to marry before his deployment, later explaining she did not want to risk becoming a young widow.
Leland returned home in January 1947. The couple married on Feb. 15, 1947, beginning a union that has now spanned nearly eight decades.
During Tuesday’s ceremony, Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills praised the couple’s faithfulness and commitment, describing their marriage as an example of covenant and devotion for younger generations.
Several state and local leaders attended the event, including representatives from the governor’s office and members of the Louisiana Legislature, who presented proclamations recognizing both the couple’s 79th anniversary and their distinction as the state’s longest married couple.
In addition to their nearly 79 years together, the Lacazes built a large family, including four children, eight grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
Leland, a World War II veteran, also shared reflections on his decades of public service. He worked for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development beginning in 1951 and later with the Natchitoches Parish Police Jury, continuing employment until the age of 92. He also frequently traveled to Baton Rouge over the years to assist local officials in securing funding for parish needs.
As part of the recognition, arrangements were announced for Leland to receive a VIP visit to the National WWII Museumin New Orleans, fulfilling a long-standing wish to tour the museum dedicated to the conflict in which he served.
Also inducted into the 2026 Marriage Hall of Fame were:
Marion and Jean Hess of Metairie — 78 years
Billy and Billie Crooks of Dry Prong — 77 years
Angelo James and Josie Lewis of Shreveport — 75 years
James and Margaret Mohr of Shreveport — 74 years
Harrison and Jeanette Matherne of Raceland — 74 years
Bobby Earl and Pat Hicks of Marion — 74 years
Conrad and Nettie Simoneaux of Lafayette — 73 years
Nettie and Leo Honeycutt of West Monroe — 73 years
Louis and Barbara Rogge of Baton Rouge — 71 years
Mike and Darlene Campagna of Baton Rouge — 70 years
Organizers said the annual recognition highlights marriages that exemplify long-term commitment, faith and family, values they say strengthen communities across Louisiana.
In addition to the ceremony, the couple received multiple official proclamations recognizing their milestone. On behalf of the Louisiana Senate, Senator Alan Seabaugh extended commendations honoring Mr. and Mrs. Leland LaCaze on the occasion of their 79th wedding anniversary and upon being named Louisiana’s Longest Married Couple. The proclamations praised their lifetime of devotion, highlighting their wartime letters, decades of family life and service, and their example of faithfulness and perseverance.
Governor Jeff Landry also issued an official statement, giving special recognition to Leland and Gussie LaCaze on the celebration of 79 years of marriage on behalf of the citizens of the State of Louisiana.
