Couple married for 55 years die just hours apart while holding hands

Domingo and Ana Maria Chavez are found with their hands clasped together on a heart shaped pillow

[scald=3887106:sdl_editor_representation] who passed away within hours of each other after 55 years of marriage (USA Today/ YouTube)

A couple who were married for 55 years have died within hours of each other while holding hands.

American pair Domingo and Ana Maria Chavez passed away last week in Caldwell, Idaho, but their love story began in 1958 when they met at a Blue Moon Dance in Texas, KTVB reports.

Family members said the meeting was “love at first sight” and that they both shared a passion for dancing throughout their lives.

For over half a century the pair did everything togther, the family said, including travelling together, raising eight children and working together at the same farm.

“My grandpa he twirled with her...they just love dancing," Krystal Chavez, the couple’s granddaughter, told KTVB.

"And they loved each other."

In 2006 Ana Maria was diagnosed with dementia and Domingo’s own diagnosis came shortly after.

Their eldest son, Freddie Chavez, cared for them both at his home, until last Thursday when the couple’s health deteriorated rapidly.

During the pair's final hours together, the Chavez family pushed their beds together and propped their clasped hands on a heart shaped pillow.

Ana Maria passed away first in the morning, while still holding her husband’s hand, the family said. Domingo died just hours later.

“Their love was really strong,” Freddie told KTVB, “They don't suffer anymore and I know they're in heaven right now looking down on us just dancing away in the streets of gold.”

The couple are survived by their children, 30 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.

Ana Maria and Domingo Chavez (USA Today/ YouTube)