The Notebook has long held its title as one of the most beloved tearjerkers in cinematic history, but for TikToker @noeldelano’s grandparents, the story hit even harder. In a now-viral video, Noel shared the deeply emotional moment her 80-year-old grandparents watched the movie for the first time—while cuddled up together on the couch.
“The purest moment watching my grandparents watch The Notebook for the first time,” she wrote in the video caption. “They have been together since they were 14, they are 80 now.”
"They cried through the whole movie and talked about all the good memories from when they were young together."
— @noeldelano
A tender moment before tragedy struck
As the film reaches its emotional climax—when Ally’s memory briefly returns before slipping away again—Noel pans to her grandparents. Her grandpa is gently wiping away tears with a tissue, while her grandma leans into him, both overcome with emotion. It's a quiet, powerful scene that resonates with anyone who has loved deeply.
"This was filmed shortly before my grandpa had a stroke that left him without his speech and mobility."
— @noeldelano
But what makes this moment even more poignant is what Noel revealed next. "This was filmed shortly before my grandpa had a stroke that left him without his speech and mobility," she wrote in the caption.
The internet falls in love with their love
The clip quickly gained traction, with viewers around the world touched by the tenderness of the couple’s moment. “Them laying together on the couch 😭✋,” one user commented. Another added, “Wow, 66 years of love 🥺.”
Many sent love and well wishes following the news of her grandfather’s stroke. “Omg I love them so much. And they look amazing!!! I pray your grandfather recovers fully. ❤️🙏🏻,” one person shared. Another said what many were likely thinking: “I’m very happy your grandma got this moment before he couldn’t speak anymore. To hear those sweet memories that go through his mind and actually say it to her.”
"To hear those sweet memories that go through his mind and actually say it to her."
— TikTok user
A lifetime in photos
With followers clamoring to know more about this love story, Noel delivered. She shared another video: a photo montage of her grandparents’ life together, set to Billie Holiday’s “I’ll Be Seeing You”—the same song featured in The Notebook.
The montage includes portraits from their youth, photos from school dances, snapshots of their military service, and tender family moments like her grandma holding a baby. The video feels like a personal scrapbook that somehow tells a universal story.
@noeldelano Replying to @𝖐𝖆𝖗𝖒𝖆🌙🖤🐈⬛✨
“Wowwww your grandma is so beautiful and your grandpa is so handsome. They look so perfect for each other ❤️,” wrote one fan. Another added, “This is beyond sweet, they’re beautiful. Thank you for sharing ❤️.”
Love is in the little things
Noel’s videos don’t just tell a love story—they preserve it. In the span of two short clips, she’s shared a legacy of commitment, resilience, and deep connection. It’s a reminder that love doesn’t always need grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s just lying side by side, watching a movie you’ve never seen, and remembering a lifetime together.
