Woman Marries Again at 79: 'Sometimes in Life the Best Comes at the End' (Exclusive)

Erin Clack, Emily StrohmWed, April 29, 2026 at 11:44 AM UTC

0

Gary Ehnes and Kathy CooleyCredit: Maria Trima -

Kathy Cooley married again at 79 after being "swooped" off her feet by Gary Ehnes, 76

"Sometimes in life maybe the best comes at the end," Kathy tells PEOPLE of finding love again

Her daughter-in-law says the couple's marriage is "a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late"

A California woman walked down the aisle again at the age of 79 — and her daughter-in-law says her joyful wedding was "a beautiful reminder that it's never too late" to find love.

Kathy Cooley, who lives in Playa del Rey, met Gary Ehnes, a Vietnam War vet, on a dating app in April 2025. Before long, she tells PEOPLE, the 76-year-old had "swooped" her into "his arms and heart."

"It was instant chemistry," Kathy recalls of her connection with Gary, whom she says shares a similar zest for life and staying active. "Gary and I thank God every day that we found each other. We can't get enough of each other!"

Seven months after they met, Gary popped the question on Thanksgiving Day in front of Kathy's entire family. She has four adult children — Bill, 54, Chris, 44, Kari, 43, and Kirsten, 38 — and 10 grandchildren. (Kathy's marriage to Gary is her fifth.)

Gary Ehnes and Kathy Cooley with grandchildrenCredit: Maria Trima

The couple tied the knot on April 11 at Dreamcatcher Ranch in Playa del Rey, which is owned by Kathy's daughter Kari and her husband, Joe. Kari and Kathy's daughter-in-law Maria joined forces to help plan the "beautiful" nuptials.

And it was a true family affair. Kathy and Gary's kids served as bridesmaids and groomsmen, and the grandchildren had various roles as junior bridesmaids, flower girls, ring bearers and readers.

Kathy Cooley is escorted by her eldest grandsonCredit: Maria Trima

Kathy was escorted down the aisle by her eldest grandson. For her bridal look, she refashioned Kari's white strapless debutante dress — which her daughter wore as a teen — adding a corset in the back.

Advertisement

— sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

"Kari was 18 when she wore the dress — I'm 79!" Kathy says. "I loved wearing a memory, and the style of dress was still trending. My granddaughters told me I looked like a princess."

Kathy Cooley and granddaughtersCredit: Maria Trima

Kathy says her and Gary's wedding symbolized their two families "being married together" — "in the presence of two seniors who are madly in love."

Maria, who is married to Kathy's son Chris, shared highlights from the emotional occasion on Instagram, writing, "My 79-year-old mother-in-law’s wedding. She found a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love… a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late."She described Kathy as the "happiest, most glowing bride."

Kathy Cooley and Gary Ehnes' wedding celebrationCredit: Maria Trima

"My favorite moment was the vows they said to each other," Maria recalls to PEOPLE. "It was such an incredible and emotional moment, so sweet and genuine. You could truly feel how much they love each other."

"The whole day felt truly magical," she adds.

Maria says she and Kathy share a special connection, as they're both photographers and live just two blocks away from each other. "My mother-in-law is someone who loves life and always stays positive," she tells PEOPLE. "She’s truly an incredible woman."

Gary Ehnes and Kathy CooleyCredit: Maria Trima

Now that they are husband and wife, Kathy and Gary are hoping to make the most of their next chapter together. "We feel very fortunate in health," Kathy says, noting that the two enjoy doing water aerobics together four times a week.

Reflecting on finding love again with Gary, she says, "Sometimes in life maybe the best comes at the end."

on People

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”