(Everett Collection / Shutterstock.com)
What does true love really mean? Perhaps Johnny Cash said it best when asked about his idea of paradise. The man in black responded, “This morning, with her, drinking coffee”, a heartwarming expression of his deep affection for his wife June Carter.
History has many such examples of famous figures whose true love relationships still inspire today. Although the people from these legendary relationships have passed, remembering their stories keeps their love alive through eternity.
1. John and Abigail Adams
As one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, John Adams played an integral part in winning the American war of independence from Great Britain and later served as the second president of the United States from 1797 to 1801. He and his wife, Abigail Adams shared an enduring love and friendship. Throughout their 54-year partnership, they sent each other thousands of beautifully scripted love letters. Abigail Adams wrote to her husband on December 23, 1782, eloquently describing her affection:
“My Dearest Friend,
“…should I draw you the picture of my heart it would be what I hope you would still love though it contained nothing new. The early possession you obtained there, and the absolute power you have obtained over it leaves not the smallest space unoccupied.”
“I look back to the early days of our acquaintance and friendship as to the days of love and innocence, and, with an indescribable pleasure, I have seen near a score of years roll over our heads with an affection heightened and improved by time, nor have the dreary years of absence in the smallest degree effaced from my mind the image of the dear untitled man to whom I gave my heart.”
(Public Domain)
2. Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal
Each year, close to 4 million tourists visit the Taj Mahal in India. This mesmerizing mausoleum made of white marble represents one of the greatest architectural achievements and is considered one of the seven wonders of the world.
The Taj Mahal also serves as a beautiful testament of the love shared between the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal shared a happy, devoted marriage, during which Mumtaz Mahal bore him fourteen children. Sadly, in July of 1631, Mumtaz Mahal passed away during childbirth.
Shah Jahan became stricken with grief, and, out of his devotion to his late-wife, commissioned the construction of the extraordinary Taj Mahal to honor her memory. Completed in 1648, the masterpiece remains a gem of Muslim art and a magnificent expression of the power of love.
(Public Domain)
3. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
Queen Victoria reigned over the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from June 20, 1837, until her death in 1901. Her and her husband, Prince Albert, shared a legendary love affair that earned its place in the history books. After meeting Prince Albert, Queen Victoria fell madly in love and eventually proposed to him.
Shortly after their engagement, Albert wrote to Victoria: “I need not tell you that since we left, all my thoughts have been with you at Windsor and that your image fills my whole soul. Even in my dreams I never imagined that I should find so much love on earth.”
The coupled married in 1840 and had nine children together. Tragically, Prince Albert died of typhoid fever in 1861. After his death, Queen Victoria fell into a deep despair, as illustrated in a letter she wrote to her eldest daughter: “how I, who leant on him for all and everything – without whom I did nothing, moved not a finger, arranged not a print or photograph, didn’t put on a gown or bonnet if he didn’t approve it shall go on, to live, to move, to help myself in difficult moments?”
Queen Victoria continued to mourn her beloved husband by wearing black for the remaining 40 years of her life.
(Public Domain)
4. Marie And Pierre Curie
Marie And Pierre Curie’s relationship represents a marriage of true minds. Born in Poland in 1891, Maria Curie (formerly Marie Sklodowska) met Pierre Curie after she enrolled at the Sorbonne University of Paris. The two physicists were a perfect pair sharing their passion for science and research.
They worked together side by side, making huge advancements in the world of medicine. The couple eventually won two Nobel prizes in 1903 and 1911 for their research and discovery of radioactivity, making Marie Curie the first woman to earn such an achievement.
(Everett Historical / Shutterstock.com)
5. Johnny Cash and June Carter
Sometimes you come across couples that just seem destined for one another. Country icon, Johnny Cash, first met fellow-musician, June Carter, backstage at a show. Back then, both were already married. Still, smitten Cash persisted and continued to pursue June over the years. June supported Johnny, helping him battle his personal demons.
Eventually, love took hold, and both would leave their partners. Cash finally proposed to June live on stage in 1968. Thereafter, they shared a 45 year-long marriage. Johnny and June passed away just 3 months apart, a fitting and romantic end for one of the most inspiring examples of true love relationships in history.
Tales of true love inspire and endure through eternity. For those who have already found love, they remind us of the beauty of love and ways to find new meaning through caring for another. For those who still seek the right person, these tales of true romance give hope that true romance does exist after all.
(Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Look Magazine Photograph Collection / Public Domain)
