Arizona grandmother and the stranger she mistakenly texted in 2016 will celebrate 8th Thanksgiving together
A heartwarming tradition continues as an Arizona grandmother and the young stranger she accidentally invited to Thanksgiving in 2016 gear up for their eighth holiday celebration together.
Wanda Dench’s text mix-up with Jamal Hinton, then a 17-year-old, became a viral sensation when she invited him to her Thanksgiving dinner.
Amid initial confusion, Dench humorously declared herself as his grandma. In a playful exchange, Hinton cheekily inquired, “Can I still get a plate tho?” This amusing encounter evolved into an annual holiday tradition and an enduring internet phenomenon.
This year, Dench and Hinton are expanding their Thanksgiving gathering by inviting two more guests. Partnering with Airbnb, they’re offering the opportunity for two strangers to join them in commemorating this heartwarming tradition at the grandmother’s Arizona home, marking the eighth year of their unanticipated bond.
“Exciting news, guys – our Thanksgiving year 8 plans are with you! With @airbnb’s help, we’re hosting you and a friend at Wanda’s home this year,” Hinton wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Bookings opened at 10 a.m. PT on Tuesday.
