From a Wrong Number to a Lasting Friendship: Wanda Dench and Jamal Hinton’s Thanksgiving Tradition

Wanda Dench and Jamal Hinton first crossed paths at the intersection of a mistaken text and a bold invitation. Ten years later, they continue to celebrate Thanksgiving together, and their improbable friendship has inspired people across the country.

It all began in 2016, when Dench intended to send a text to one of her six grandchildren, inviting them to her Thanksgiving dinner. By chance, the message went to 17-year-old high school senior Jamal Hinton instead. Skeptical that it could be from his own grandmother, who wasn’t particularly tech-savvy, Hinton replied cautiously, asking for a photo. When Dench sent a selfie that clearly wasn’t his grandmother, Hinton responded with his own selfie—and a playful question.

When Hinton asked if he could still join for Thanksgiving, Dench didn’t hesitate. She offered him a seat at her family table. “After all,” she said, “what are grandmothers for?”

Their story quickly went viral. Americans were delighted to hear that Hinton had indeed spent Thanksgiving with Dench and her family, sharing laughter, stories, and a festive meal.

“My grandkids teased me, saying, ‘We should take technology away from grandma because she doesn’t know how to use it properly,’” Dench recalled. “But it wasn’t my fault! My grandson had changed his phone number, and Jamal ended up with it.”

The internet affectionately dubbed Dench “Thanksgiving Grandma,” a title she has carried ever since.

A Tradition Is Born

This was no fleeting viral moment. Over the past decade, Dench and Hinton have celebrated nearly every Thanksgiving together—except for one year when Dench was undergoing breast cancer treatment. Even then, Hinton joined her virtually via FaceTime, keeping the tradition alive.

From the beginning, their story drew public attention. On that first Thanksgiving, Jamal said he could barely find a parking spot outside Dench’s home due to the reporters and camera crews who had shown up. “We couldn’t eat without someone asking us a question. It was crazy, but still amazing. It’s a beautiful home, a beautiful family,” Hinton said, remembering how Dench’s late husband, Lonnie, asked him question after question, genuinely wanting to know their new guest.

Dench’s homemade dinner was a hit. Hinton, who had never been much of a pumpkin pie fan, found himself enjoying her dessert. “I’m all about the dessert,” Dench joked.

At the same time, America was undergoing significant change. Donald Trump had just defeated Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, the Black Lives Matter movement gained momentum, the Chicago Cubs won their first World Series in over a century, and Taylor Swift was embroiled in a public feud with Kanye West. Through it all, Dench and Hinton’s friendship remained a comforting constant.

Dench recalls her late husband telling her a year before he passed from Covid-19 complications in 2020: “He woke me up and said he had a message from God: ‘God’s not done with you and Jamal yet.’” Lonnie explained that America needed healing, and their unlikely friendship could help bring people together. Dench admits she didn’t fully understand at the time, but she has carried his words with her ever since.

“Reading the comments each year about how our story has touched people has been such a joy,” she said. “I didn’t plan it. It wasn’t intentional. It’s just a blessing.”

Lending Support

As the world faced the uncertainty and loss of the pandemic, Dench leaned on her extended family—including Hinton—for comfort. The first Thanksgiving without Lonnie in 2020 was an intimate gathering, with only close family members and Hinton. “We placed a plate on the table with a candle to represent my husband being there in spirit,” she explained. Each subsequent year has been a little easier, filled with gratitude and togetherness.

They’ve maintained cherished traditions, like going around the table to share what they’re thankful for each year. Dench’s answer remains the same: her family, now expanded to include Hinton.

New traditions have also formed. A few years ago, they stayed up until 2 a.m. playing board games, and now that has become an essential part of their Thanksgiving celebration, alongside turkey and pumpkin pie.

Growing Together

Their bond has extended well beyond the holiday table. When Dench decided to get her first tattoo, she called Hinton for a recommendation. He not only suggested a reputable shop but accompanied her to the appointment. She chose three shooting stars to honor her late husband, mother, and father.

Despite Hinton’s consistent avoidance of cooking responsibilities, he has occasionally helped Dench in the kitchen. “It was really exciting. That was fun,” she said, recalling those moments.

Now 26, Hinton reflects on how much he has grown since their first meeting. “I feel like I know very little about the world, and I’m now open to listen and learn from anyone,” he said. He has transitioned from a 17-year-old know-it-all into a business owner, sales director, and youth basketball coach—a role he never imagined for himself but now cherishes deeply.

A Genuine Friendship

This year, it’s Hinton’s turn to host Thanksgiving. They will celebrate at his aunt’s home in Phoenix, and Dench, now in better health, will attend. She’s excited to meet his family and thank them for raising such a remarkable young man.

“Growing up, my favorite moments were Thanksgiving at my grandmother’s house, seeing all my cousins, aunts, and uncles,” Hinton said. This year, the duo is preparing a surprise for their families, keeping the tradition lively and fun. Their celebration is sponsored by Green Giant, a brand providing canned and frozen vegetables, which Hinton says is perfect since he’s again skipping the cooking.

Dench never imagined that a single wrong-number text could lead to media interviews, brand sponsorships, and even a Netflix project based on their friendship. Yet through it all, both emphasize the authenticity of their bond.

“The only thing I can imagine is that our friendship is genuine,” Dench said. “It’s not fake. Even if the media disappeared, we would still meet every Thanksgiving.”

From a simple text to a decade-long tradition, Wanda Dench and Jamal Hinton have shown that sometimes, the most meaningful connections come from the most unexpected beginnings—and that a little kindness and an open heart can truly change lives.