The picture of an elderly couple in bed, holding hands like their lives depended on it, has gone viral even as the story behind it has touched many hearts.

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The photo which was posted on Reddit by the granddaughter of the couple was described as "the saddest, cutest thing she had ever seen."

It was reportedly taken hours before the user's 92-year-old grandmother passed on, leaving her 100-year-old spouse behind.

The pair have been married for 77 years and after a lifetime together, finally got separated by death.

The caption on the photo read:

"My Grandma, 96, with my Grandpa, 100, hours before her death this weekend. 77 years of marriage."

She later adds:

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

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Considering how rare this kind of realities would be in the next few years, what with the increase in divorces, this snap will definitely be cherished.