by Goshen, Ohio: In an inspiring act of self-love and acceptance, a 77-year-old woman has captured hearts nationwide after holding a wedding ceremony to marry herself at her retirement home. Dorothy “Dottie” Fideli, a resident of O’Bannon Terrace Retirement Home, decided it was finally time to celebrate the most enduring relationship of her life — the one she has with herself.
A Celebration of Self-Love
After years of reflection, Fideli came to a heartfelt realization: the person who had stood by her through every joy and hardship was her own self. “I have been with myself for 40 years,” Fideli told KCENNews. “Something just came over me one day in church — that you want to do something special for yourself.”
Determined to make that happen, she organized a full wedding ceremony complete with a veil, white gown, and flowers, turning the lobby of her retirement home into a heartwarming scene of joy and celebration. Neighbors, friends, and staff joined in to witness her beautiful declaration of self-commitment.
A Second Chance at Love — With Herself
This wasn’t Fideli’s first marriage — but it was certainly her most meaningful one. She was previously married in 1965, though that union ended nearly a decade later. “We just went to the Justice of the Peace, and I went home and he went to work,” she recalled.
Now, decades later, Fideli says she’s found peace and fulfillment in celebrating the love that starts from within.
“Love is the most important thing in this world,” she shared. “And if you love God and love yourself, this world will be a field of roses.”
The Wedding Day She Always Dreamed Of
The night before her big day, Fideli slipped into her white gown and sparkling veil, clutching her bouquet with excitement. “This is something new for me!” she said with a laugh, admitting that she felt like a nervous bride again.
Her ceremony took place in the retirement home lobby, surrounded by residents and friends who cheered her on as she walked down the aisle — to meet herself.
“I never thought I’d look this pretty in a bright thing!” she said joyfully. “It’s emotional for me. Because this is something I’ve wanted.”
The simple yet profound act was not about loneliness, but about self-empowerment and inner peace. For Fideli, it symbolized gratitude — for the years she’s lived, the lessons she’s learned, and the person she’s become.
Her Message to Others: Love Yourself First
Beyond her unique ceremony, Fideli hopes her story inspires others to seek happiness from within. “If it’s not in the cards for them, then there’s something out there that will make them happy and fulfill their soul,” she said, encouraging others to find purpose even when life takes unexpected turns.
Experts agree with her message. Xandra Hawes, LPC, with Soul Essence Psychotherapy, notes that “love is a verb.” She explained that self-love isn’t passive — “you have to act. It’s a way of being and moving through the world, offering kindness and forgiveness to yourself.”
That’s exactly what Fideli demonstrated through her remarkable act — turning what could have been an ordinary day into a life-affirming celebration of independence and joy.
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A Lesson in Loving the Life You Live
Fideli’s story serves as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to honor yourself. Her wedding wasn’t about defying tradition — it was about rewriting what love can look like at any age.
As she continues her golden years surrounded by friends at O’Bannon Terrace, Fideli says she hopes others find the courage to do what makes their hearts happy, whether that’s marrying a partner — or, like her, celebrating the love they already have within.
What do you think about Dottie’s decision to marry herself? Would you ever hold a celebration of self-love like this?
Share your thoughts in the comments on race-day-live.com.
