Grandma And Stranger She Accidentally Invited To Thanksgiving Are Celebrating Together For The 7th Year

Is there a more wholesome story on all of the internet than that of Jamal Hinton and Wanda Dench? Seven years ago, Wanda mistakenly invited Jamal to Thanksgiving dinner after believing she was texting her grandson. Jamal went anyway, resulting in one of the most heartwarming friendships pretty much ever.

  1. Their first Thanksgiving was memorable. After Wanda realized her mistake all those years ago, she told Jamal he was still invited, writing: “That’s what grandmas do… feed everyone.” Jamal shared their text exchange online and everyone waited with bated breath for Turkey Day. They hit it off well and Jamal’s been invited back every year.
  2. Everyone was wondering if Jamal and Wendy would meet up for Thanksgiving 2022. Thankfully, Jamal took to Instagram to tell everyone not to worry because it’s happening. “To answer all your questions, yes Thanksgiving year 7 is planned out! See you guys Thursday!” he wrote.
  3. Jamal and Wanda will share Thanksgiving together for as long as they possibly can. “I told [Wanda] the cameras and the fame, everything could stop tomorrow, and nothing’s changing between us,” he told “Today.” Wanda added: “Absolutely. He’s in my heart for life.” It seems their connection goes way beyond the considerable publicity their unconventional story has garnered.
  4. They have plenty of fans online. Like us, everyone seems to love the friendship these two have struck up. They check back for details every year. “I love seeing this each year. Wishing you both an early Happy Thanksgiving from Canada!” one person commented. Another added: “This is the best holiday story ever. I’m back for it every year.” Jamal Hinton and Wanda Dench are the kind of wonderful people we need more of in life!

Jennifer Still is a writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience. The managing editor of Bolde, she has bylines in Vanity Fair, Business Insider, The New York Times, Glamour, Bon Appetit, and many more. You can follow her on Twitter @jenniferlstill
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