'We didn't expect a reply': American couple plan quick Italy move after Trump's win

Planning to sell their house and quit their jobs

An American couple from South Carolina who never expected a reply to their tongue-in-cheek request for Italian citizenship have been stunned after their application was approved - and are now planning to sell their house and quit their jobs.

'I was just being facetious'

Gigi Griffis and her husband John had been joking about obtaining Italian citizenship after Donald Trump's election win - but never actually thought they would qualify. "After the election, I was just being facetious," Gigi told CNN. "I said, 'Well, I'm going to apply for my Italian citizenship and I'm moving to Italy.'"

Started the process 'just for fun'

Despite her lack of expectations, Gigi began the process of applying for citizenship through an Italian ancestor, as her great-grandfather was born in Italy. To her surprise, she received a response from an Italian consulate this week informing her that her application had been approved.

'Out of the blue'

"It really came out of the blue," Gigi said. "I didn't expect this at all. I never thought I'd get a reply, much less that it would actually be approved."

'We're just kind of in shock'

The couple, who have been married for 28 years, say they are now planning to sell their house and quit their jobs to move to Italy. "We're just kind of in shock," Gigi said. "We never thought this would actually happen."

'We're so excited'

The couple, who have two grown children, say they are excited about starting a new chapter in their lives in Italy. "We're so excited," Gigi said. "We've always loved Italy and we've always dreamed of living there. Now, our dream is finally coming true."