History of Jamal Hinton and Wanda Dench in Timeline

Jamal Hinton and Wanda Dench, known as Thanksgiving Grandma, gained fame in 2016 after Dench accidentally texted Hinton, then a high schooler, a Thanksgiving dinner invitation. Hinton jokingly accepted, leading to an unlikely friendship and an annual tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving together. Their story went viral, capturing hearts with its display of kindness and unexpected connection.

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Full Timeline

2016: Viral Thanksgiving Invitation

In 2016, Wanda Dench accidentally texted Jamal Hinton, a 16-year-old highschooler, an invitation to Thanksgiving dinner. Hinton jokingly accepted, beginning an annual tradition.

2016: Thanksgiving Dinner Invitation Mix-Up

In 2016, Wanda Dench mistakenly sent a Thanksgiving dinner invitation to Jamal Hinton after her grandson's number changed and Hinton was assigned the number. Hinton received the invitation, which was originally intended for family members.

2017: Second Thanksgiving Dinner

In 2017, Jamal Hinton, along with his girlfriend, attended Thanksgiving dinner with Wanda Dench's family, continuing the tradition that began the previous year.

2018: Annual Thanksgiving Tradition

In 2018, Jamal Hinton continued the annual Thanksgiving dinner tradition with Wanda Dench and her family for the third year in a row.

2019: Hinton's Family Hosts Thanksgiving

In 2019, Jamal Hinton's family hosted the Thanksgiving dinner for the first time, continuing the tradition with Wanda Dench.

April 2020: Death of Wanda's Husband

In April 2020, Wanda Dench's husband, Lonnie, passed away from COVID-19. The family received an outpouring of support, including video messages from around the world.

2021: Thanksgiving Dinner and Movie Announcement

In 2021, Jamal Hinton and Wanda Dench met for Thanksgiving dinner. In December 2021, it was announced that Netflix was producing a movie about their story, titled "The Thanksgiving Text."

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2022: Tradition Continues and New Business Venture

In 2022, Jamal Hinton and Wanda Dench continued their Thanksgiving tradition. Dench also got her first tattoo, accompanied by Hinton. The two launched a black water business in 2022.

2023: Game Show Appearance and Sponsored Thanksgiving

In 2023, Jamal Hinton and Wanda Dench competed as a team on The Cube. Their eighth annual Thanksgiving dinner was sponsored by Airbnb, allowing two winners to stay at Dench's home and join them for the holiday. They were joined by one guest.

October 2024: Breast Cancer Diagnosis

In October 2024, Wanda Dench announced she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy. Due to her treatment, she and Jamal Hinton opted to video call instead of meeting in person for Thanksgiving.

November 2025: Partnership with Green Giant

In November 2025, Jamal Hinton and Wanda Dench announced a partnership with canned vegetable company Green Giant for their 10th Thanksgiving via Hinton's X account.