Beautiful photo shows loving couple hold hands as death parts them after 77 years of marriage

US: A Reddit user from California by user name User RealLiveGirl, shared a heartbreaking photo of her grandparents to the social site with the caption; "My Grandma, 96, with my Grandpa, 100, hours before her death this weekend. 77 years of marriage."

The user later added;

"I know they are my grandparents. But this picture is seriously the saddest and cutest thing I've ever seen."

The photo has elicited reaction from other users who agreed as one user with the identity CramPacked said;

"Sorry for your loss. But what a 'great' way to go. Holding hands with your spouse, in a warm bed, presumably with loved ones around.

"Sympathy to your Grandfather who lost his lifelong wife. God bless all around."

Another user hammerw was deeply affected by the photo;

"This hit deep for me. My grandparents raised me and continue to allow me to live with them.

"They're both 74, 5 hours apart in birth, and have been together since 16.

"My grandfather's mortality has been really hitting him mentally lately.

"Me leaving for college next weekend is going to feel conflicting for the first little while I think. I would be on the street without them. Sending love and care to you, your grandfather, and your family OP <3 this is a memorable photo."

Another added;

"This image is what it truly means to grow old together."

But it also seems the granddaughter received negative comments concerning the photo, as she wrote;

"Thank you. This note made much of the 'hate' I've received worth it."