“Secret Wishes Revealed: What the World’s Oldest Conjoined Twins Truly Feel About Separation”

When we think about conjoined twins, it’s almost a given that our minds instantly leap to thoughts about separation—could it even be possible? Intriguingly, the complexities surrounding conjoined twins vary dramatically based on how they are joined, which influences their chances of leading independent lives. Take, for example, Abby and Brittany Hensel, who share organs from the waist down, making surgery a precarious option. Then there are the extraordinary stories of twins like Ronnie and Donnie Galyon, who were the world’s oldest conjoined twins. From early days as carnival attractions to living full lives in Dayton, Ohio, these twins made headlines not just for their unique condition but for the remarkable way they navigated the world together. Despite the challenges, they embraced their bond with humor and grace—proving that even in the complexity of existence, a strong connection carries the day. Can you imagine sharing every moment of life with someone, never once wishing for separation? Join me as we dive deeper into their inspiring journey. LEARN MORE.

When you think about conjoined twins, the first thing that pops to mind is normally about the plausibility of them separating.

As there are different types of conjoined twins, there are also different likelihoods that two people can become their own separate bodies with surgery.

For example, Abby and Brittany Hensel are dicephalus conjoined twins which means they share organs from the waist down, so surgery would be unlikely.

The world’s oldest set of conjoined twins were Ronnie and Donnie Galyon who were also similarly conjoined too.

The pair grew up and joined carnivals and circuses as toddlers after their father drove them around as an attraction.

They ended up outliving the age most people believed they would make it to.

Ronnie and Donnie Galyon joined the circus at 3 (YouTube/@insideedition)

Dying at age 68 in 2020, they even made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for their lifespan length, outliving their heroes, Chang and Eng Bunker by six years.

Ronnie and Donnie were each born with their own heart, stomach, liver, lungs, kidneys, arms and legs.

However, they were joined by their urinary tract, with a semi-shared bladder which emptied into one penis which Donnie controlled.

Thanks to their three decades in the circus industry, when they retired at the age of 39, the twins were able to afford a home, having managed to support their family for years.

They lived independently in Dayton, US, for 20 years and even worked out how to manage household tasks around each other, such as shaving (they shaved each other) and doing their own laundry.

The twins managed to get around in a specially made wheelchair (YouTube/@insideedition)

However, Ronnie and Donnie did have a huge issue with sleeping and could only sleep one at a time by taking it un turns as they were unable to both lie flat at once.

That was until they were in their late fifties and were gifted a specially made bed.

In their later life, the twins were able to be supported by their brother Jim and his wife Mary, while still managing to get around the community using their custom-built wheelchair.

Ultimately, even though doctors put their mental development at around 10 years old, Ronnie and Donnie were happy and fulfilled with their love of car toys and games.

Despite their struggles and differing opinions (which would sometimes lead to them physically fighting each other), they never thought about separation.

While doctors had already figured that it would be too risky, the pair shared that whenever they were asked if they wished they had ever been separated, they said no.

According to Michigan Live, Ronnie and Donnie both replied in unison: “God made us this way. Let Jesus separate us.”

For the last few years of their life, the twins were taken care of by Jim and Mary.

In 2009, they were hospitalised after blood clots in Ronnie’s lungs left the pair needing round-the-clock care.

Sadly, Ronnie and Donnie passed away due to heart failure on 4 July 2020, aged 68 years and 253 days.