MOUNT VERNON, Texas (KLTV) - After spending more than seven decades together, an East Texas couple died within hours of each other due to natural causes.

Carol and Joanne Van Zandt of Mount Vernon were married for 73 years.

Family members said that though losing them both on the same day pains them, they're at peace knowing neither Carol nor Joanne had to grieve the loss of one another."Til death do 'em part. That's just it. I mean, they literally couldn't live without each other," neighbor Haley English said."The beauty of their story overshadows any sadness," Toni Van Zandt, daughter of Carol and Joanne, said.