World's oldest Siamese twins have died after 62 years

Lori and George Schappell died Sunday in a Pennsylvania hospital. The cause of death was not made public.

The siblings, whose skulls were partially fused and shared 30% brain, surprised doctors who claimed they would not live to the age of 30. They died at the age of 62.

Lori was able-bodied, but George, who had spina bifida, was confined to a wheelchair. However, this did not stop him from fulfilling his dreams, as he enjoyed a successful career as a country singer. His sister, in turn, worked in the hospital laundry for several years. She arranged the schedule around George's concerts, which took place all over the world, from Germany to Japan.

ALSO READ: Siamese twins talk about dating life — 1 has a boyfriend, the other is asexual

Lori and George Schappell's life

Lori was able-bodied, but George, who had spina bifida [Getty] Pulse Nigeria

Schappell were the first identical twins to identify as different sexes after George, whose original name was Dori, admitted he was male.

According to the media, the brother and sister lived independently in a two-room apartment. They changed bedrooms and also showered separately.

Once asked if the death of one of them would necessarily mean the death of the other, Lori replied, "No, it wouldn't. That's another misconception. We can be taken to hospital and then in an emergency they will quickly separate us to save the other.

"But do we want this? Absolutely not. Why fix what isn't broken? Just because we can't get up and walk away from each other doesn't mean we don't have a moment of privacy."

The woman dreamed of starting a family, which her brother did not oppose. "She could do everything with her husband and I would act like I wasn't even there," he said.

This article was originally posted on Onet Woman.