The internet’s favourite Thanksgiving duo just shared a heartbreaking but ultimately hopeful update.
Ten years after a wrong text turned into a beloved holiday tradition, things took a difficult turn.
Back in 2016, Arizona grandmother Wanda Dench accidentally texted a Thanksgiving invite to 17-year-old Jamal Hinton, thinking she was messaging her grandson.
When Jamal asked if he could still come, Wanda famously texted back: “Of course you can. That’s what grandmas do… feed everyone.”
Jamal showed up. And they’ve spent almost every Thanksgiving together since.
Their story went viral because it felt like pure kindness in a world that really needed some.
Over the years, their bond turned into a real family connection. They didn’t just eat turkey together, they went on trips, shared birthdays, and stayed close year-round.
Jamal comforted Wanda through the heartbreaking loss of her husband Lonnie in 2020. He called Wanda “family, not just a Thanksgiving story the internet loves.”
A Devastating Diagnosis Forces a Change in Tradition
Last year brought an emotional twist to their tradition.
Jamal shared an update on Instagram revealing Wanda had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Doctors discovered the cancer during a scan for bronchitis, after noticing a concerning lump.
Because of chemotherapy, Wanda’s immune system became extremely weak, making it unsafe to be around crowds.
Wanda said, “I was so looking forward to seeing Jamal’s family, but we must accept life as it is right now.”
Instead of gathering in person, they kept the tradition alive online, going live together on Instagram to chat, laugh, and share memories.
Fans flooded the comments with love, prayers, and emotional messages. People said their bond represents everything Thanksgiving is supposed to be about.
But Wanda remained hopeful, saying, “I’m sure next year will be so much better.”
She was right.
A Joyful Reunion And A Thanksgiving Thankful Moment
This year, Wanda proudly announced she is cancer-free after her latest medical check-up.
So, for this years Thanksgiving, the pair reunited in person once again.
They partnered with Green Giant, who provided the full feast: turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and of course, green bean casserole.
Wanda said, “It was easy to partner with Green Giant because we both grew up with them. Who doesn’t have green bean casserole every year?”
Jamal added, “It’s amazing that one mistaken text turned into something this beautiful.”
Both said they hoped their friendship reminds people to step out of their comfort zones.
“Family isn’t always blood,” Jamal said. “Sometimes it’s the people who unexpectedly show up and stay.”
Hollywood Wants Their Story Too
Their story touched so many hearts that Netflix confirmed a movie titled The Thanksgiving Text is in development.
There haven’t been many updates, but fans are eager to see the story made into a full film.
Wanda said she hopes the movie and their story remind the world what Thanksgiving is truly about.
“It’s not just food,” she said. “It’s love, connection, and saying yes to kindness.”
Jamal added, “We got to inspire people to be kinder, braver, and more open. And that means everything.”
Featured image credit: Jamal Hinton/X
