In a remarkable turn of events, a 96-year-old man from the United States, Normand Tousignant, has officially been recognized as the world’s oldest new grandfather by the Guinness World Records. This significant achievement came after the birth of his first granddaughter, Madison, on September 22, 2022, when he was 92 years and 24 days old.
This extraordinary milestone has brought new attention to the joys and surprises that can come with family life at any age. Tousignant’s title surpasses that of Charles Smith, an Australian man who, at 91 years and 209 days, previously held the record when he welcomed his first granddaughter on August 29, 2025. The record certification for Tousignant was announced on October 20, making headlines globally.
At a birthday celebration held in August, Tousignant was presented with his Guinness World Records certificate, and he beamed with genuine happiness as he received this prestigious acknowledgment. In a heartwarming display of familial pride, both he and Madison wore matching T-shirts featuring the words “Record Holder.”
The emotions surrounding the recipient’s journey to this incredible point in life were palpable. Tousignant’s daughter, Kerry, recounted her father’s reaction upon learning about her pregnancy: it was a blend of excitement, mixed feelings, and profound pride. She described the day he received his certificate as one filled with joy and wonder, making it a truly unforgettable experience for both father and daughter.
Born in Gardner, Massachusetts, Tousignant came from a large family, being one of 17 children from a French-Canadian Catholic background, while he is currently the sole surviving sibling. Despite this, he maintains close ties with his family’s roots through his large network of 56 nieces and nephews.
The 96-year-old enjoys a rich tapestry of hobbies and interests that include religion, reading, puzzles, and family gatherings. He also takes pleasure in attending concerts and visiting museum exhibitions. Throughout most of his life, he worked as a clinical psychologist, contributing to the mental well-being of others.
His wife, Mary Louise, shares an affinity for reading and also has Canadian heritage, though she grew up in Los Angeles, California, alongside her two older brothers. Throughout her career, she worked as a journalist and editor for The Washington Post.
The couple welcomed their daughter Kerry in 1990, just as Tousignant was turning 60. Transitioning to fatherhood at an older age, he found himself retired when Kerry began attending kindergarten, allowing him to take on a full-time parenting role during a time when it was still unusual for men to be stay-at-home dads.
Kerry remembers her father often being the sole male volunteer or accompanying parent in her class, which highlights the dedication he brought to his parenting responsibilities.
Initially, there was some hesitance about applying for the Guinness World Record certification due to Tousignant’s modest nature. However, one day before his birthday, they received the exciting news that their application had been successful, allowing them to carry out the surprise.
Kerry admitted that keeping the news a secret was a challenge, but witnessing her father’s delight as he opened the box containing the certificate made all the trouble worthwhile. This touching moment is not just a milestone in their family’s history but a celebration of life’s unexpected joys, proving that love and family transcend age.