Wife Told She Has Just Days to Live—What Husband Does Next Breaks Hearts
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
The undeniable bond between a man and his wife of over 45 years was captured in their final days together, as he did everything to make her smile before she passed.
Charity Johnson, 43, captured the heartwarming video of her dad, Hollis, doing everything he could to make his wife, Loretta, smile and laugh during her final days. Whether it was dancing around her bed, making her favorite food, or watching Lifetime shows together, Hollis made sure his wife felt loved, supported, and entertained until the very end.
Hollis, 68, and Loretta were married for an incredible 45 and a half years, and during that time they welcomed seven children and 21 grandchildren. It was no secret to Charity that her parents were best friends, but she told Newsweek that it was "so wholesome and beautiful" to see the love and compassion between them during those final days.
"I feel so blessed to be the product of true love," Charity said. "I witnessed an organic partnership and friendship based on trust and the foundation of God. They were amazing examples for anyone who knew them."
Hollis and Loretta Johnson during her final days before she passed away in May 2025.
Hollis and Loretta Johnson during her final days before she passed away in May 2025.
@thetipsybloom_style / TikTok
Loretta was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome in 2020, which impacted her mobility severely. Her health deteriorated in the years thereafter, and earlier this year she was placed on dialysis for kidney failure.
Unfortunately, Charity explained that her body didn't respond well to dialysis, and there were no other treatment options available. Doctors warned that Loretta had just seven days to live, so the family decided to take her home to Slidell, Louisiana, and make her as comfortable as possible.
It felt important for the family to celebrate Loretta's life until she passed away on May 3 due to kidney failure. Ultimately, she survived for 11 days after the doctor warned she had just a week left, and those extra days meant the world to her family.
Charity continued: "My dad retired earlier than he wanted to become her full-time caregiver. He took care of her for the last two years without any assistance. She was so spoiled by my dad because that was her man. She bragged about him to anyone that would listen. They read the Bible together, he gave her baths, picked her up and transferred her to and from the wheelchair, they laughed, and slept next to each other every night."
Indeed, Charity captured a sweet video of her dad dancing and singing to entertain his wife during her last week. The clip was shared on TikTok (@thetipsybloom_style) and it left internet users sobbing, with over 7.4 million views and 1.2 million likes at the time of writing.
Coping with grief hasn't been easy for the family, as Charity said her mom "left a void that will never be filled." But watching videos like this back and remembering the love that her parents shared for over four decades, brings so much comfort.
Charity told Newsweek: "We are learning to live without our link and supporting each other the best we can without her guidance. Our dad is staying active and taking care of himself. He is even open to dating, and I hope God grants him all the desires of his heart. He is an amazing man of impeccable character who honored his vows for 45 and a half years until death did them part.
"We've had an overwhelmingly positive response to the video. In a world that can feel so divisive, their love story seemed to remind people of the value of unwavering love and support. The doctor gave her seven days, she gave us 11. Four more days was a win."
After sharing the video of her parents proving to be "the definition of true love" on TikTok, it has generated over 40,500 comments.
One commenter wrote: "this is the most beautiful thing I've seen in a good long while."
Another TikTok user wrote: "I love how she left with happiness surrounding her."
While another person added: "The fact that he can still make her smile like that in this time speaks volumes."
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