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World’s longest toenails record holder, Louise Hollis, dies at 86

By Musa Adekunle

07 December 2024   |   5:26 pm

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Guinness World Record holder for the longest toenails, Louise Hollis, has died at the age of 86. The news was shared by her daughter, Dana, who confirmed her mother’s passing to Guinness World Records earlier this week. In a message posted on Louise’s official Facebook page, Dana expressed gratitude for the love and support her…

Guinness World Record holder for the longest toenails, Louise Hollis, has died at the age of 86.
The news was shared by her daughter, Dana, who confirmed her mother’s passing to Guinness World Records earlier this week.

In a message posted on Louise’s official Facebook page, Dana expressed gratitude for the love and support her mother received over the years.

She said, “Thank you for all the love and support you have shown her over the years. Please pray for our family as we go through this very difficult time. God bless you all.”

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“Guinness World Records is saddened to learn of the passing of longest toenails record holder Louise Hollis from Compton, California, USA,” GWR also wrote on their website.

Louise, a California native, shot to fame in 1991 when her toenails’ combined length was measured at an astonishing 220.98 cm (87 inches).

Her fascination with growing nails began in 1981 after she watched a TV show about record-breaking fingernails.
According to Guinness World Records, her toenails were so remarkable that the 2004 edition described each nail as being as wide as a page in the record book. The nails became her trademark, influencing her lifestyle significantly.

Speaking to Fox Television’s Guinness World Records Primetime in 1999, Louise humorously describes how her toenails altered her walking style. She said, “They got so long, I couldn’t walk anymore unless I held up my heel. Each summer I would always let ’em grow long because I like to wear sun shoes. The next summer, they were just too pretty, and I just hated to cut ’em. And so, I didn’t!”

Her unique nails made her a global star. In 2007, it was noted that Louise could only wear open-toed shoes with soles at least three inches thick to prevent her nails from dragging.

She also made appearances on shows like The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where her humour and charm stood out. At 68, when Ellen asked her how she’d manage if she ever had to run, Louise quipped, “I just walk softly and carry a big stick.”

Despite her fame, her nails brought challenges, especially in her personal life. Louise, who had 12 children, recounted how her husband gave her an ultimatum to choose between him and her nails. Her response? “I’ve had you for 22 years; you can split. The nails are new.”