Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – The world’s oldest conjoined twins, Lori and George Schappell, have passed away at the age of 62, defying expectations since birth. The siblings, who shared part of their brain and vital blood vessels, surpassed predictions that they would not live past 30, making them the oldest living conjoined twins in the world as of 2022.
The twins, born as twin girls, made history by becoming the first same-sex conjoined twins to identify as different genders when George announced he was transgender in 2007. Living independently from the age of 24, Lori and George pursued separate interests, with George building a career as a country singer and Lori excelling as a trophy-winning tenpin bowler.
Despite their unique circumstances, the twins traveled extensively, appearing in documentaries, talk shows, and even making a guest appearance on the television show “Nip/Tuck.” Their obituaries noted their strong bond and their firm desire never to be separated, with George stating in a 1997 documentary, “Why fix what is not broken?”
Lori and George’s close relationship extended beyond their personal lives, with Lori working in a laundry to accommodate George’s gig schedule, which included international tours to Germany and Japan. Lori, who was able-bodied, assisted her brother, who had spina bifida, in navigating the world in a wheelchair.
The cause of the twins’ deaths has not been disclosed, but they passed away on 7th April at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. They leave behind their father, six siblings, several nieces and nephews, and many friends, all of whom mourn the loss of these extraordinary individuals who defied the odds and inspired many with their remarkable story.