A love story in the spotlight: How one couple's Oscar-night tradition is winning hearts
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There’s something undeniably special about the golden age of cinema—the glamour, the gowns, the elegance.
And for one longtime couple, that movie magic is still going strong.
Meet Kitty and Dennis Riggs, grandparents whose shared love of film—and of each other—recently caught the attention of many online.
On Oscar night, their granddaughter Mary Katherine captured a sweet exchange between the two.
The clip didn’t just show a cute tradition—it revealed decades of shared humor, tradition, and affection.
Kitty’s lifelong passion for the Oscars
Kitty has celebrated Oscar night in style for over 15 years.
For her, it’s more than just a TV event—it’s a chance to relive the sparkle of Old Hollywood.
As she puts it, "If somebody’s going to walk down the red carpet, by golly, I’m gonna in my heart be there."
Growing up with the silver screen
Kitty’s love of movies runs deep.
Raised in Louisville, Kentucky, she spent Sundays with her father at the Loews theatre where he worked as a projectionist.
"Movies were bigger than life, with lights and music. They were elegant," she recalls.
Also read: NYC tourists heartbroken: Iconic 100-Year Christmas tradition canceled
Dennis becomes part of the tradition
At first, Dennis usually let Kitty enjoy the Oscars on her own.
But over time, he joined in—styling her hair, helping pick outfits, and even acting as her red carpet announcer.
This year, he introduced her as a 55-year Oscar expert named "Kitty Riggs of Sedona, Arizona," and Kitty responded with a nod to her stylist alter ego: "Franc."
Also read: Trump’s latest move rekindles an old American tradition "from the ashes"
A granddaughter’s quiet admiration
Mary Katherine, who received the video from her grandfather, decided to share the moment, saying, "I just knew people would love it."
Viewers were touched by the couple’s humor and affection—especially when they learned that "Franc" is Dennis’s longtime nickname when he helps with Kitty’s hair.
Everyday romance and thoughtful gestures
Dennis has supported Kitty in many quiet ways.
From doing her hair when she couldn’t to picking out outfits just because, his thoughtful gestures are a testament to their deep bond.
"Grandpa got it for me" is something Kitty says often.
Source: TikTok / @mkk.clines
Also read: Is this classic American candy about to disappear forever?
A love story that resonates
For Mary Katherine, their story is one of everyday magic. “I’ve always watched them be a perfect example of love,” she says.
Seeing others appreciate that, too, made the moment even more meaningful.
Also read: Star stuck! This actor’s Oscars moment takes an unexpected turn on stage
Still having fun after all these years
Kitty jokes about their sudden recognition: "We’re 10 minutes into our 15 minutes of fame."
But the truth is, no spotlight is needed—their joy is genuine, whether they’re attending Sedona’s “Oscars on the Rocks” or dressing up at home for fun.
Also read: Rock icon and his significant other steal the spotlight at an exclusive pre-Oscars event
A granddaughter’s lasting memory
Mary Katherine grew up watching this love story unfold.
To her, sharing it was a way to celebrate everything she admires about her grandparents—and the overwhelming kindness from others only made it sweeter.
Kitty and Dennis remind us that love doesn’t fade with time. It deepens.
Whether it’s a playful exchange or a well-timed hairstyle from “Franc,” their story encourages us all to celebrate life’s small, beautiful moments.
Read next: A resurfaced Neil Diamond performance is stirring up more drama than expected
Do you have a tradition or memory with a loved one that still brings you joy? We’d love to hear your story—share it in the comments below and help us celebrate the moments that make life beautiful.
And for one longtime couple, that movie magic is still going strong.
Meet Kitty and Dennis Riggs, grandparents whose shared love of film—and of each other—recently caught the attention of many online.
On Oscar night, their granddaughter Mary Katherine captured a sweet exchange between the two.
The clip didn’t just show a cute tradition—it revealed decades of shared humor, tradition, and affection.
A lighthearted Oscars-night tradition between this couple shows how love and laughter can shine at any age. Image Source: YouTube / CNBC.
Kitty’s lifelong passion for the Oscars
Kitty has celebrated Oscar night in style for over 15 years.
For her, it’s more than just a TV event—it’s a chance to relive the sparkle of Old Hollywood.
As she puts it, "If somebody’s going to walk down the red carpet, by golly, I’m gonna in my heart be there."
Growing up with the silver screen
Kitty’s love of movies runs deep.
Raised in Louisville, Kentucky, she spent Sundays with her father at the Loews theatre where he worked as a projectionist.
"Movies were bigger than life, with lights and music. They were elegant," she recalls.
Also read: NYC tourists heartbroken: Iconic 100-Year Christmas tradition canceled
Dennis becomes part of the tradition
At first, Dennis usually let Kitty enjoy the Oscars on her own.
But over time, he joined in—styling her hair, helping pick outfits, and even acting as her red carpet announcer.
This year, he introduced her as a 55-year Oscar expert named "Kitty Riggs of Sedona, Arizona," and Kitty responded with a nod to her stylist alter ego: "Franc."
Also read: Trump’s latest move rekindles an old American tradition "from the ashes"
A granddaughter’s quiet admiration
Mary Katherine, who received the video from her grandfather, decided to share the moment, saying, "I just knew people would love it."
Viewers were touched by the couple’s humor and affection—especially when they learned that "Franc" is Dennis’s longtime nickname when he helps with Kitty’s hair.
Everyday romance and thoughtful gestures
Dennis has supported Kitty in many quiet ways.
From doing her hair when she couldn’t to picking out outfits just because, his thoughtful gestures are a testament to their deep bond.
"Grandpa got it for me" is something Kitty says often.
Source: TikTok / @mkk.clines
Also read: Is this classic American candy about to disappear forever?
A love story that resonates
For Mary Katherine, their story is one of everyday magic. “I’ve always watched them be a perfect example of love,” she says.
Seeing others appreciate that, too, made the moment even more meaningful.
A timeless love story that began on their wedding day and still sparkles decades later. Image Source: People / Kitty and Dennis Riggs.
Also read: Star stuck! This actor’s Oscars moment takes an unexpected turn on stage
Still having fun after all these years
Kitty jokes about their sudden recognition: "We’re 10 minutes into our 15 minutes of fame."
But the truth is, no spotlight is needed—their joy is genuine, whether they’re attending Sedona’s “Oscars on the Rocks” or dressing up at home for fun.
Also read: Rock icon and his significant other steal the spotlight at an exclusive pre-Oscars event
A granddaughter’s lasting memory
Mary Katherine grew up watching this love story unfold.
To her, sharing it was a way to celebrate everything she admires about her grandparents—and the overwhelming kindness from others only made it sweeter.
A timeless bond between Kitty and her granddaughters, kept strong through shared traditions and joyful celebrations like Oscar night. Image Source: People / Kitty and Dennis Riggs.
Kitty and Dennis remind us that love doesn’t fade with time. It deepens.
Whether it’s a playful exchange or a well-timed hairstyle from “Franc,” their story encourages us all to celebrate life’s small, beautiful moments.
Read next: A resurfaced Neil Diamond performance is stirring up more drama than expected
Do you have a tradition or memory with a loved one that still brings you joy? We’d love to hear your story—share it in the comments below and help us celebrate the moments that make life beautiful.
