Louise Hollis, the woman who held the Guinness World Record for the longest toenails, has passed away at the age of 86.
Her death was confirmed by her daughter, Dana, who informed Guinness World Records this week.
In a statement issued on Friday, Guinness World Records acknowledged Louise’s remarkable achievement and her passing, which was shared by Dana through her mother’s official Facebook page.
Dana thanked fans for their support over the years and requested prayers for the family during this difficult time.
Louise, a California native, made headlines in 1991 when her toenails, collectively measured at 220.98 cm (87 inches), earned her the world record.
Her fascination with long nails began in 1981 after watching a television program about the longest fingernails, which inspired her to begin growing her toenails.
She also grew her fingernails to considerable lengths but never set a record in that category.
According to the 2004 edition of Guinness World Records, each of Louise’s toenails was approximately the same width as a page in the record book, marking the longest toenails ever documented at the time.
Over the years, her toenails became a defining feature of her life, and she had to make several lifestyle adjustments to accommodate them, including modifying her footwear.
In a 1999 interview with Guinness World Records Primetime, Louise shared how her toenails had grown so long that walking became challenging.
“I couldn’t walk anymore unless I held up my heel,” she explained, adding that she stopped cutting them because she enjoyed the way they looked.
By 2007, Guinness World Records noted that Louise rarely wore shoes, but when she did, they were custom-made, open-toed with thick soles to prevent her toenails from dragging on the ground.
Louise also made a memorable appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show at age 68, where she showcased her extraordinary toenails.
When Ellen jokingly asked what Louise would do if she had to run, Louise replied, “I just walk softly and carry a big stick.”
She also shared how she dealt with cold weather, explaining that she either stayed indoors or wrapped herself in a blanket to stay warm.
Her record-breaking toenails also affected her personal life, as Louise shared that her marriage ended after her ex-husband gave her an ultimatum: “Nails go or I go.” Louise’s response was firm: “I’ve had you for 22 years; you can split. The nails are new.”
Despite the challenges that came with her extraordinary toenails, Louise never considered cutting them short after achieving the record.
“I think after I get into the Guinness book, I’ll cut them down to size. But they’re never going to be short, anyway. No way!” she said.
