Lad, 17, who wed woman, 71, weeks after meeting at son’s funeral pays tribute to his ‘babydoll’ as she turns 80

A 17-year-old who married a 71-year-old woman two weeks after meeting her, has paid a tribute to his ‘baby doll’ online as they mark her 80th birthday.

Almeda and Gary Hardwick married in 2015 just two weeks after meeting at Almeda’s son’s funeral.

The pair, from Tennessee, USA, married in a ceremony which cost just £137.

Since then the couple have been sharing their love on TikTok but their account was reported for inappropriate content.

Gary revealed to followers: “We had some of our content pulled down, it was reported for ‘sexually explicit content.’”

However this hasn’t stopped the couple from racking up more than 50,000 fans online.

Despite the age gap the couple say they are deeply in love.

Gary said: “We’ve been through ups and downs together that we always overcame, looking back, it truly only made us stronger.”

You’re truly the love of my lifetime and I love you with every beat of my heart. Here’s to celebrating my queen.

Gary Hardwick

Surprisingly Almeda has not been Gary’s oldest girlfriend, with him dating a 77-year-old before her.

But she’s proven to be his number one – even going as far as to get her name tattooed across his chest.

Gary said: “Almeda is so young at heart that age never bothers us, we never really think about it. I just know that God answered my prayers that day she walked into my life.”

In 2021 the pair told followers they both battled coronavirus.

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But they seemed to be having lots of fun during lockdown snogging and serenading each other for their fans.

Gary is now 26 and his wife has recently celebrated her 80th birthday.

Referring to Almeda as his ‘baby doll’ Gary described her as the most amazing wife in the world.

In an Instagram post he said: “Happy birthday to the most amazing wife in the world. Today is not only your day, but most importantly, today is about celebrating the birth of such a wonderful & true woman with such a heart of gold.

“I’m the luckiest husband for everyday that I get to wake up beside you. You make me the happiest man each and every day and I want to always make you the happiest woman.

“You deserve the world and until my last breath I’ll work hard to give you that. All of my happiest moments are moments I share with you. I hope you have the best birthday ever today and I hope you enjoy all of your surprises my love.

“You’re truly the love of my lifetime and I love you with every beat of my heart. Here’s to celebrating my queen. Happy Birthday baby doll.”

Gary also revealed he even prepared a romantic dinner for his wife.

He said: “Wine infused salmon supper, really good wine, birthday cake, and surprises for my baby doll.”

And fans were quick to share their congratulations with one saying: “Congratulations! Happiness and many years of life!”

Another said: “Happy Birthday sweet heart.”