There’s been a heartbreaking update in the saga of the grandma and the stranger she accidentally invited to Thanksgiving after 10 years.
The heartwarming story of a grandmother and a man she accidentally invited to Thanksgiving dinner a decade ago has taken a bittersweet turn.
Their beloved tradition, which became a symbol of kindness and connection, had to be adjusted last year due to unexpected circumstances.
In 2016, Wanda Dench mistakenly sent a Thanksgiving dinner invitation to Jamal Hinton, believing she was texting her grandson.
Upon realizing her error, Hinton asked if he could still join her for dinner. Dench warmly replied: “Of course you can. That’s what grandmas do… feed everyone.”
Hinton shared their text exchange on social media, where it quickly went viral, offering a rare moment of wholesomeness that resonated with people worldwide.
The pair continued their Thanksgiving tradition year after year, forming a unique bond that grew stronger over time.
Their relationship deepened through shared experiences beyond the holiday table.
Hinton stood by Dench during her toughest moments, including the loss of her husband, Lonnie, in 2020 due to complications from COVID-19.
Speaking to CNN, Hinton described their connection, stating: “We’re more a family now.”
The two also shared fun moments, such as when Hinton accompanied Dench to get her first tattoo.
Unfortunately, the pair faced another challenge recently.
In an Instagram post last last year, Hinton shared an update from Dench, revealing her diagnosis of breast cancer.
The illness was discovered during a CT scan for bronchitis, which revealed a concerning lump.
Dench explained that her treatment, including chemotherapy, had left her immunocompromised, making it unsafe for her to join Hinton and his family for their annual Thanksgiving gathering.
Dench expressed her disappointment, saying: “I was looking so forward to meeting his family and having turkey with everybody, but we have to accept things the way they are. I’m sure next year is going to be so much better.”
Despite being unable to meet in person, the pair found a creative way to stay connected.
They went live on Instagram, allowing Dench to chat with Hinton and his family, maintaining their cherished connection.
This year, the pair are reuniting after Dench revealed to Today that she is cancer-free, as of her last check-up.
This year, they’ve partnered with Green Giant which is providing all of the food, from turkey to mashed potatoes to green bean casserole.
Dench said: “It was an easy decision to partner with Green Giant because I grew up with them, and Jamal did, too.
“Who doesn’t have green bean casserole for Thanksgiving every year? It just felt good.”
The pair’s heartwarming story even caught the attention of Netflix.
In 2021, the streaming platform announced plans to produce a movie titled The Thanksgiving Text, inspired by their viral tradition.
However, updates on the film’s progress have been scarce.
Reflecting on their journey, Hinton shared that when he first asked for a Thanksgiving plate in 2016, he was joking.
He never expected it to turn into something so meaningful. “It turned out to be something amazing,” he said.
Dench told Today that she hopes their abiding friendship ‘reminds people how awesome Thanksgiving can be,’ continuing: “that it’s all about good food and family and loved ones and getting together with conversation.”
Hinton agrees, adding: “Personally, I’m hoping everyone enjoys their green bean casserole.
“We got to actually inspire people, and that’s all I want to – inspire people to do better, or to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
“It’s just amazing to sit back and think that one mistaken text led to so many people’s happiness and joy.”
