Arizona Grandma Wanda Dench and Jamal Hinton celebrate 9th Thanksgiving after 2016 accidental text

Wanda Dench and Jamal Hinton continue their heartwarming Thanksgiving tradition, now in its ninth year.

An Arizona grandmother and the stranger she accidentally invited to Thanksgiving dinner in 2016 are celebrating their ninth holiday together, proving that even the most unexpected connections can lead to lifelong friendships.

Wanda Dench and Jamal Hinton first met when Dench mistakenly sent a Thanksgiving invitation intended for her grandson to Hinton.

Instead of brushing off the error, Hinton replied humorously, asking if he could still join the celebration. Dench’s reply, “Of course you can. That’s what grandmas do ... feed everyone,” sparked a heartwarming tradition that has captivated people across the globe.

In a recent Instagram post, Hinton shared a collage of photos documenting their years together, writing, "Excited to announce that I’m hosting Thanksgiving this year for Wanda and I! Looking forward to a day filled with good food, great company, and lasting memories. Year 9 is coming soon!"

Excited to announce that I’m hosting Thanksgiving this year for Wanda and I! 🦃✨ Looking forward to a day filled with good food, great company, and lasting memories. Year 9 coming soon! pic.twitter.com/HgDuJpjK8Y

— Jamal Hinton (@Jamalhinton12) November 25, 2024

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by COMPLEX (@complex)

The announcement comes just weeks after Dench revealed her diagnosis of breast cancer. In a heartfelt message shared on Hinton’s Instagram, Dench reflected on the impact their friendship has had on her life and urged others to cherish their relationships. 

"I’ve learned a lot of life’s lessons through it all, but what I want to stress most of all is just because you may be older, we still have a life to live. So continue getting your checkups, and continue to live YOUR life!" she wrote.

Their friendship hasn’t been without challenges. In 2020, Dench lost her husband, Lonnie, to COVID-19. Hinton and his girlfriend, Mikaela, supported her through the difficult time, bringing food and gifts to help her through the holidays. 

Despite the personal losses and life changes, their bond has only grown stronger.

"The cameras and the fame, everything could stop tomorrow and nothing’s changing between us," Hinton shared in a 2022 TODAY Show interview. Dench echoed his sentiments, adding, "He’s in my heart for life."

The pair’s story has inspired a Netflix film, The Thanksgiving Text, which will highlight their journey and the deep connection sparked by a mistaken text. In a joint statement with Netflix, Hinton and Dench said, "We hope it inspires more people to reach out and make connections that they wouldn’t ordinarily make. We are so blessed to find a genuine friendship brought together by God from a mistaken text message."

As they sit down for their ninth Thanksgiving together, Dench and Hinton continue to remind the world of the power of kindness, humor, and unexpected friendships.