First, they shredded documents together in a political scandal that rocked Washington and mesmerized the nation. And now, 40 years later, two key players in the Iran/Contra controversy – Oliver North and his secretary Fawn Hall -- have been joined by marriage.

The two tied the knot in a “secret” civil ceremony in rural Arlington County, Virginia, according to the online publication SpyTalk, whose reporter Michael Isikoff first broke the news on Sept. 8.

North, a retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, became a televised cause célèbre in the 1980s with his gap-tooth smile and puppy dog eyes as he defiantly testified before Congress about his role in the arms-for-hostages deal as a member of President Ronald Reagan’s National Security Council.

Hall became a star as well thanks to the marathon hearings, known for her big hair and a loyalty to her boss so fierce that she smuggled documents out of the White House – inside her skirt and boots – to protect him.

The two defended their actions, including jamming a paper shredder with incriminating documents, as being necessary to secure the release of American hostages being held in Lebanon and to curb Soviet expansionism.

North was convicted in 1989 on three felony charges for helping to arrange the illicit sale of weapons to Iran and divert the proceeds to fund a secret war against anti-communist Contra rebels in Nicaragua.

After his convictions were vacated, North launched an unsuccessful bid for a U.S. Senate seat in Virginia in 1994 and went on to become a high-profile conservative political commentator. Hall, a part-time model who was granted immunity from prosecution, dropped out of sight.

CNN reported that the marriage took place on Aug. 27, posting a copy of the wedding certificate conjoining North, 81, with Hall, who is said to be in her mid-60s.

North’s longtime wife, Betsy, died late last November, soon after their 56th wedding anniversary. They have four children.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Forty years after Iran/Contra, Oliver North marries his White House secretary Fawn Hall

Reporting by Josh Meyer, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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