An Unlikely Friendship Born from a Text Message
What began as a simple mistaken text message has blossomed into a remarkable decade-long friendship that continues to capture hearts worldwide. Wanda Dench, 68, and Jamal Hinton, 26, from Arizona are preparing to celebrate their tenth Thanksgiving together this year, maintaining a holiday tradition that started completely by accident.
Their extraordinary story began in 2016 when Dench accidentally sent a Thanksgiving invitation to Hinton's number, mistakenly believing she was texting her grandson. Rather than ignoring the message, the then-teenager Hinton jokingly replied: 'Still get a plate tho?' To his surprise, Dench responded without hesitation: 'Of course you can. That's what grandmas do - feed everyone.'
Overcoming Challenges Together
The pair have maintained their Thanksgiving tradition every year since that first accidental invitation, with one significant exception in 2024 when Dench was undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Dench was diagnosed following a routine CT scan that detected a mass in her breast, despite having no family history of cancer and previously clear mammograms.
During her treatment, which left her immunocompromised, the friends adapted their tradition by connecting via Instagram Live. Hinton passed his phone around to family members so they could all wish Dench a happy holiday virtually. Thankfully, Dench is now cancer-free and thrilled to be resuming their in-person celebrations this year.
The friendship has weathered other significant challenges, including the death of Dench's husband, Lonnie, from COVID-19 in April 2020. For her first Thanksgiving without him, Hinton and his girlfriend Mikaela joined Dench for an early dinner, with a framed photo of Lonnie placed on the table in tribute.
A Celebration of Milestones and Community
This year's Thanksgiving holds special significance as it marks both the tenth anniversary of their friendship and partners with Green Giant for the brand's 100th anniversary. The company is providing classic holiday dishes including turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, rolls, and pumpkin pie, while Hinton's family adds their own touches with prime rib, brisket, and mac and cheese.
Their story has become a viral sensation, inspiring people worldwide with its message of unexpected connection and kindness. In December 2021, just a week after their sixth holiday together, Netflix announced that a movie inspired by their story was in development.
Hinton previously told the Today show: 'I told her the cameras and the fame, everything could stop tomorrow, and nothing's changing between us.' Dench perfectly echoed this sentiment, adding: 'He's in my heart for life.'
Their friendship has expanded beyond Thanksgiving, with regular visits throughout the year and support during difficult times. During the pandemic, Hinton and his girlfriend would leave food outside Dench's door to ensure she was cared for.
Reflecting on their journey, Dench shared how Hinton taught her to be 'open to friendships [even] when you think you have nothing in common with somebody.' She added: 'He's literally changed my life,' while Hinton responded: 'It's amazing to have her as a friend and as my family.'
As they prepare for their tenth Thanksgiving celebration at Hinton's family home, their story continues to remind us that sometimes the most meaningful connections come from the most unexpected places.
