In a world of social media and instant messages, handwritten letters can feel like a thing of the past. But for Billy and Ruth Graham, ink-pressed words on paper—sent across hundreds of miles—were an essential way of staying connected.

Alongside the joy of raising a family, Billy and Ruth shared a life wholly devoted to the Gospel. Decades of global ministry resulted in a rich collection of handwritten letters and cards exchanged between Billy and Ruth, now mostly preserved at the Billy Graham Archive and Research Center.

From tenderly written notes on holiday cards to pages of letters, their words reflect a sincere devotion to one another—and a love story ultimately written by God. This Valentine’s Day, the letters and cards of Billy and Ruth Graham remind us of the type of love that can flourish when our hearts are first rooted in Christ.

Love Through Distance

The calling God gave Billy Graham to share the Gospel around the world often required time away from home. During long periods of travel, Billy wrote regularly to Ruth—sharing ministry updates while also expressing his desire to be back home with her.

In a letter dated March 27, 1959, he wrote during his time in Australia:

“There is hardly a moment that passes that you are not in my thoughts. I miss you terribly, and wish that the miles that separate us could be narrowed so that during this rest period I could be with you.”

In the closing paragraph of the letter, Billy wrote about carrying photographs of his family in his pocket and showing them to others, and asks Ruth to send more. He ends the letter simply:

“I just wanted you to know how much I loved you and missed you.”

Billy often began his letters to Ruth with straightforward expressions of affection. Though known for his preaching and writing, Billy acknowledged the limits of words when expressing his love for his wife. In an earlier letter, Billy wrote:

“My darling Ruth,
Just a note to say I love you—I could say it a thousand times and never tell you how much. I wish I were a poet and could articulate it to you the way I feel it. Poor you—you just have to put up with plain ‘I love you’ or ‘I adore you.’”

While Billy often wrote longer letters, Ruth expressed her affection in her own way—through poetry. Over her lifetime, Ruth wrote dozens of poems. Like any marriage, theirs included seasons of distance and closeness, joy and sorrow.

In one card to Billy, Ruth captured her gratitude for sharing life with him through all its seasons.

A dream fulfilled…

To walk with you
through all these years,
through every kind
of weather,
and walk into
the setting sun
still loving
and … together.

Billy and Ruth were brought together by their love for God. After meeting at Wheaton College in 1940, both committed their lives to serving the Lord—a commitment that continued into their marriage. As Billy travelled across continents preaching the Gospel, he often drew strength from knowing Ruth was at home faithfully caring for their children and shaping a Godly home.

In January 1962, Billy wrote in a letter to Ruth:

“It hardly seems possible that a week has passed since you left Round Hill, yet it has been more than a week. I shall never forget those wonderful days we had together. The memory of them helps keep me going as we are now engaged in a serious battle for the souls of men on this continent. … Just to look at the picture of you and the children on my desk gives me inspiration and brings deep emotion to my heart.”

Love in Words

Alongside long letters written during seasons apart, Billy and Ruth also exchanged short notes and cards filled with words of affection.

In a birthday card, Ruth wrote:

“I love you.
Every inch.
Every ounce.
Every line in your dear face.
Every glimpse of silver in your hair.
You’re the only man I ever really wanted — and I want you more all the time.”

In a later note, Ruth reflected on the life they had built together:

“You have made my life!
Thank you for being you, for our five wonderful great children, for the 19 grandchildren and on and on and on. Thank you for growing old with me, knowing the best is yet to be.”

She closed, as she often did, with warmth and humor:

“The enclosed is what I saved you by not buying you that leather recliner at the discount store in Boone. I love you.”

Years passed, and the couple remained steady in their expression of love towards each other through written words. In a note sent with flowers for Valentine’s Day in 1998, Billy reflected on the decades of love and life they’ve shared:

“Fifty-six years have passed since we first met, and the moment we met I fell in love with you! My love has increased as these years have passed. You are the Valentine the Lord chose for me, and after all these years I love you more than ever.”

A Love Remembered

Billy and Ruth Graham’s love letters reflect a marriage shaped by faith, devotion, and commitment. This Valentine’s Day, let their heartfelt correspondence warm our own hearts and invite us to reflect on the ultimate love God has for each one of us.