A simple text message mixup in 2016 has blossomed into America’s most heartwarming decade-long friendship, proving that the most meaningful connections often begin with the most unexpected mistakes.
Story Highlights
- Arizona grandmother Wanda Dench accidentally texted stranger Jamal Hinton a Thanksgiving invitation in 2016
- Their humorous exchange went viral when Hinton asked “Can I still get a plate though?” and Dench replied “That’s what grandmas do…feed everyone”
- The unlikely pair has celebrated Thanksgiving together for nearly a decade, weathering personal tragedies and health challenges
- Their friendship survived Dench’s husband’s COVID death and her recent breast cancer diagnosis
- Netflix produced a film about their story, and they now partner with Airbnb to share Thanksgiving experiences with others
The Accidental Text That Changed Two Lives
Wanda Dench thought she was sending a routine Thanksgiving invitation to one of her six grandchildren in November 2016. Instead, her text reached 16-year-old Jamal Hinton, a Desert Vista High School student sitting in class when his phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number. The text read simply: “Thanksgiving dinner is at my house on Nov. 24 at 3:00.” What happened next transformed a grandmother’s mistake into America’s favorite holiday tradition.
Hinton’s skeptical response sparked an exchange that would define both their lives. When Dench insisted she was “your grandma,” Hinton requested proof. The photo revealed a white woman he’d never seen before, prompting his now-famous question: “You not my grandma. Can I still get a plate though?” Dench’s response embodied the spirit that would sustain their friendship: “Of course you can. That’s what grandmas do…feed everyone.”
From Viral Moment to Genuine Friendship
Hinton’s decision to screenshot their exchange and post it on Twitter created an instant sensation, garnering over 200,000 shares within a week. The wholesome interaction struck a chord during an era when social media often highlighted division rather than connection. However, the real story wasn’t the viral fame but what came after. Both Hinton and Dench honored their commitment, beginning a Thanksgiving tradition that would endure far beyond internet attention spans.
The friendship faced its first major test in 2020 when Dench’s husband Lonnie died from COVID-19. Rather than abandoning their tradition, Hinton and Dench held a smaller gathering to honor Lonnie’s memory, proving their bond extended beyond social media novelty into genuine care and commitment. Netflix recognized the cultural significance of their story, producing “The Thanksgiving Text” film in 2021.
Weathering Life’s Challenges Together
The relationship’s authenticity became even more apparent when Dench faced breast cancer in 2024. Discovered during a routine CT scan for bronchitis, the diagnosis forced the pair to celebrate virtually via FaceTime while she underwent chemotherapy. Dench’s public advocacy for health screenings demonstrated how their platform had evolved beyond feel-good content into meaningful life lessons.
Dench’s message resonated with her growing audience: “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!” Her transparency about health challenges added depth to a story that could have remained superficial.
A Decade of Gratitude and Growth
As they prepare for their tenth Thanksgiving celebration in 2025, Hinton and Dench have transformed their accidental meeting into something larger than themselves. Their partnership with Airbnb offers others the chance to experience meaningful Thanksgiving connections, commercializing their story while maintaining its essential message about openness to unexpected relationships. Hinton announced he would host this year’s celebration, writing on Instagram: “Looking forward to a day filled with good food, great company, and lasting memories.”
Their story challenges contemporary assumptions about friendship formation and demonstrates that meaningful connections can emerge from the most unlikely circumstances. In an era of increased polarization and digital isolation, the Hinton-Dench friendship offers a counternarrative about the possibility of genuine human connection across racial and generational lines. Their decade-long commitment proves that sometimes the best family members are the ones you accidentally discover.
Sources:
CBS News – Jamal Hinton and Wanda Dench Thanksgiving Text Story
Wikipedia – Jamal Hinton and Wanda Dench
ABC7 News – Thanksgiving Tradition Continues for 9th Year
Good Good Good – Thanksgiving Grandma and Jamal 10-Year Update
