Top 10 love letters of all time
From Johnny Cash's note to wife June Carter and Richard Burton's sweet words to Elizabeth Taylor, a new survey reveals the greatest love letters of all time. Read them and weep (literally).
1. Johnny Cash to June Carter (1994)
'We get old and get used to each other. We think alike. We read each others minds. We know what the other wants without asking. Sometimes we irritate each other a little bit. Maybe sometimes take each other for granted. But once in awhile, like today, I meditate on it and realise how lucky I am to share my life with the greatest woman I ever met.' (extract)
Like this? You'll love…
9 funniest love declarations in films
2. Winston Churchill to Clementine Churchill (1935)
'My darling Clemmie, in your letter from Madras you wrote some words very dear to me, about having enriched your life. I cannot tell you what pleasure this gave me, because I always feel so overwhelmingly in your debt, if there can be accounts in love.' (extract)
Like this? You'll love…
9 funniest love declarations in films
3. John Keats to Fanny Brawne (1819)
'I cannot exist without you - I am forgetful of every thing but seeing you again - my life seems to stop there - I see no further. You have absorb'd me.' (extract)
Like this? You'll love…
9 funniest love declarations in films
4. Ernest Hemingway to Marlene Dietrich (1951)
'I can’t say how every time I ever put my arms around you I felt that I was home.' (extract)
Like this? You'll love…
9 funniest love declarations in films
5. Napoleon Bonaparte to Josephine de Beauharnais (1796)
'Since I left you, I have been constantly depressed. My happiness is to be near you. Incessantly I live over in my memory your caresses, your tears, your affectionate solicitude. The charms of the incomparable Josephine kindle continually a burning and a glowing flame in my heart.' (extract)
Like this? You'll love…
9 funniest love declarations in films
6. Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor (1964)
'My blind eyes are desperately waiting for the sight of you. You don’t realise of course, E.B., how fascinatingly beautiful you have always been, and how strangely you have acquired an added and special and dangerous loveliness.' (extract)
Like this? You'll love…
9 funniest love declarations in films
7. King Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn (1527)
'I beg to know expressly your intention touching the love between us. Necessity compels me to obtain this answer, having been more than a year wounded by the dart of love, and not yet sure whether I shall fail or find a place in your affection.' (extract)
Like this? You'll love…
9 funniest love declarations in films
8. Beethoven to His ‘Immortal Beloved’ (1812)
'Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved, Be calm–love me–today–yesterday–what tearful longings for you–you–you–my life–my all–farewell. Oh continue to love me–never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved. Ever thine. Ever mine. Ever ours.' (extract)
Like this? You'll love…
9 funniest love declarations in films
9. President Gerald Ford to Betty Ford (1974)
'No written words can adequately express our deep, deep love. We know how great you are and we, the children and Dad, will try to be as strong as you. Our Faith in you and God will sustain us. Our total love for you is everlasting.' (extract)
Like this? You'll love…
9 funniest love declarations in films
10. Jimi Hendrix to unknown girlfriend (unknown date)
'Happiness is within you….
so unlock the chains from your heart and let yourself grow like the sweet flower you are…..
I know the answer—
Just spread your wings and set yourself.
FREE' (extract)
Survey by Beagle Street
Like this? You'll love…
9 funniest love declarations in films
The best vibrators for 2026, tested by 130 women
The best rosé for summer, expert-tested
22 last-minute Valentine’s gift ideas for men
Best whisky gifts 2026
