Lori and George Schappell, the world's oldest living conjoined twins, have passed away at the age of 62 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Despite being joined at the head with separate bodies, the siblings defied predictions they would not live past 30. Born as twin girls, they became the first same-sex conjoined twins to identify as different genders when George announced he was transgender in 2007. George, who had spina bifida, relied on Lori to help him get around in a wheelchair. The twins lived independently from the age of 24, with George pursuing a career as a country singer and Lori excelling as a trophy-winning tenpin bowler. They traveled widely, with George even touring in Germany and Japan. The pair frequently expressed their desire not to be separated, with George stating, "Why fix what is not broken?" in a documentary from 1997. The siblings are survived by their father, six siblings, several nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Lori and George Schappell were known for their independence and ability to pursue separate interests while living together. They were the oldest living conjoined twins in the world, having partially fused skulls and shared blood vessels and 30% of their brain. George, who came out as transgender in 2007, was a country singer and would practice in his room while Lori gave him peace and quiet. Lori, on the other hand, loved bowling and won several trophies for her skills. The twins had their own rooms in their apartment and would alternate nights spent in each one. Despite their unique situation, they valued privacy and respect for each other, allowing each other to have solitude when needed. They appeared on various TV talk shows, documentaries, and even the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. The cause of their deaths has not been disclosed, but they passed away on 7 April, leaving behind a legacy of defying expectations and living life to the fullest.