Readers Share Local Love Stories for Valentine's Day

Johnson City Press readers celebrate their loved ones with heartwarming photos and stories.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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In a special Valentine's Day feature, the Johnson City Press asked readers to share photos and stories of the people they love, whether partners, family members, friends, or even pets. The submissions showcase a range of local love stories, from high school sweethearts celebrating nearly 60 years of marriage to reconnected childhood friends, and from multi-generational family celebrations to tributes to loved ones who have passed away.

Why it matters

The reader-submitted love stories provide a heartwarming glimpse into the diverse relationships and cherished bonds that exist within the Johnson City community, reminding us of the power of love to connect people across generations and life experiences.

The details

The featured love stories include high school sweethearts Harlan and Barbara Arnold, who have been married for almost 60 years; Matthew Aaron and his wife Amy, who reconnected after knowing each other since fourth grade; a photo of an 80th birthday celebration with a father, daughter, and granddaughter; a great-grandfather and his great-grandson; and a tribute to a couple married for 45 years until the wife's passing.

  • The Johnson City Press asked readers to share their local love stories for Valentine's Day 2026.

The players

Harlan and Barbara Arnold

A couple from Jonesborough, Tennessee who have been married for almost 60 years.

Matthew Aaron

A man who reconnected with his wife Amy, whom he had known since fourth grade.

Judy Ayers

A reader who shared a photo of her brother celebrating his 80th birthday with his daughter and granddaughter.

Susie Willis

A reader who shared a photo of a great-grandfather and his great-grandson in Erwin.

Loren Ferguson

A reader who shared a photo of her parents, who were married for 45 years until her mother's passing.

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What they’re saying

“Their love and devotion to their family, each other and their community pushes me to be a better person each day.”

— Sydney Arnold, Granddaughter of Harlan and Barbara Arnold (Facebook)

“Amy and I first met in the fourth grade. I had a crush on her even back then, but I was too shy to say a word. Life took us in different directions, but God had a plan. Nearly 40 years later, we reconnected—and it was like no time had passed at all.”

— Matthew Aaron (Facebook)

The takeaway

The diverse array of local love stories shared by Johnson City Press readers showcases the enduring power of human connection and the many forms that love can take within a community, from lifelong partnerships to rekindled childhood bonds and multi-generational family ties.