90-Year-Old Starts Spontaneously Singing 'What a Time in Heaven' to Family
Fannie Spaulding of Crum, West Virginia, has become internet famous at 90 years old.
As we hear Spaulding sing a little bluegrass gospel while wearing her nightgown, we can’t help but find ourselves completely smitten with her joyful soul.
Spaulding was enjoying some family time when she stood up and began to sing.
Her tune of choice was “What a Time in Heaven,” a song that explores the hope and rewards waiting in heaven once we pass from this earth.
Wearing a soft pink nightgown, standing barefoot on the carpet, Spaulding burst into song. The lyrics express a hopeful yearning for an eternity that trumps even the greatest joys to be found on earth.
“What a time in heaven, when I lay those burdens down,” she sang. “What a time in heaven, when I put on my robe and crown.”
Spaulding’s great nephew, Lincoln Bragg Jr., captured the moment on video and posted it online. In less than two weeks, the video has been viewed well over 2 million times.
Bragg Jr. said Spaulding used to sing in church, and that her living room performance wasn’t planned — she just stood up and began to sing. “This was a blessing,” Bragg said.
Comments of praise have flooded in from people far and near. Many are calling Spaulding inspirational, an example of what a joyful soul looks like at 90.
“There’s something about the elderly singing with hope,” commented one Facebook user. “Knowing that when they leave this world something better is waiting.”
Spaulding’s gospel tune is an encouraging reminder to hold fast to hope. We may not live to see 90, but those who have placed their faith in Christ can rest in God’s promise that eternity is waiting, no matter how difficult life becomes.
“I have known this woman my whole life & still sit behind her every Sunday at church,” wrote Rosa Dorton. “She has been a big inspiration and a true blessing.”
Spaulding celebrated her 91st birthday on June 9, at a party with family and friends. She will officially turn 91 on June 14.
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