Couple Celebrated 70th Anniversary at Salem Starbucks

Bud and June Hagan reached the rare milestone after visiting the same Salem coffee shop for eight years.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Weddings

Bold vector editorial illustration showing two coffee mugs and a floral bouquet on a wooden table, representing a 70th anniversary celebration. — Bud and June Hagan, an Oregon couple married in 1956, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this week with a gathering at their local coffee shop in Salem. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Bud, 89, and June Hagan, 86, marked their 70th wedding anniversary with a surprise party organized by staff at their regular Starbucks location in Salem, Oregon. The couple, who married in 1956, have been daily visitors to the coffee shop for the past eight years.

Why it matters

Reaching a 70th wedding anniversary is a rare achievement, as U.S. Census Bureau estimates suggest only 0.1 percent of couples reach this milestone. The celebration highlights the role of local establishments in fostering community connections for long-time residents.

The couple reached their 70th anniversary milestone, a feat estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau to be achieved by only 0.1% of all couples. Bud, 89, and June, 86, have maintained a daily habit of visiting their local Starbucks for the last eight years.

The players

Bud Hagan

He is an 89-year-old retired employee of Northwest Natural Gas who has been a daily regular at the Salem Starbucks for eight years.

June Hagan

She is an 86-year-old who celebrated 70 years of marriage alongside her husband, Bud Hagan.

The details

Staff at the Salem location decorated the shop with gold foil balloons and heart streamers to honor the regulars. The store manager arranged for a personalized cake and a floral bouquet to mark the occasion for the couple, who have three children, five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

September 30, 1956: Bud and June Hagan were married in Lexington, Nebraska.
1996: Bud Hagan retired after 33 years at Northwest Natural Gas.
September 30, 2026: The couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
October 2, 2026: A larger anniversary celebration was held for the couple.

Culture Shift

The Hagan anniversary reflects a rare endurance compared to modern marriage longevity patterns tracked by the U.S. Census Bureau. As social habits evolve, this celebration underscores the intersection of long-term commitment and the community-building role of local daily meeting spots.

Residents may find this story highlights how regular interaction with local staff can transform a simple morning coffee routine into a meaningful community bond. It serves as a reminder of the potential for small businesses to become integral social anchors for the aging population.

The takeaway

Commitment and daily routine can create lasting connections within a local community regardless of one's age. Finding and maintaining a dedicated third space allows individuals to build enduring relationships with neighbors and staff outside of the home.