I’m struggling to understand.....

And, oldandverygrey - remember that many couples didn’t stay married for 40, 50 or 60 years until relatively recently - many women died in childbirth, or either spouse had a much shorter life for various reasons. Our ‘modern’ view of a long lived marriage is a possibly quite unrealistic expectation ?

I hope they enjoy their remaining years. Life is to short.

Life changes at any age .A few years ago acouple in their 80s separated cause He when off ( local ) with another woman in her 80s.
To make it worse her church said she should be friends with them and forgive ,what a great support they were for her ( I dont think )

Good for them.
They’ve probably had a terrible marriage but stayed together for the children, grandchildren, etc.
They probably woke up one morning & thought ‘I’ve only got a few more years I want to spend them in peace’
Very brave, but I get it.

Their time now to do what They want.

Niucla97 that's like jilting the bride at the altar, only a lot worse. I hope they still had the party and she took her sister or someone who loved her on the cruise.

Sparkle -no need to say sorry, your opinion is as valued as mine. Lets just say we agree to disagree.