PHOENIX — The tradition lives on!
Jamal Hinton and Wanda Dench first met in 2016, when Dench mistakenly texted Hinton while trying to reach her grandson about plans for Thanksgiving. Despite the mistake, Hinton jokingly invited himself over.
"Of course you can," Dench replied. "That's what grandmas do ... feed everyone!"
Hinton stayed true to his promise and showed up with his girlfriend, and Dench welcomed the two with open arms. Screenshots of their text interactions and photos from the meal were shared thousands of times on social media, making Hinton and Dench social media icons.
Since then, the group has made sure to spend time together every Thanksgiving for the last six years, and will continue to do so this year!
Hinton said on Instagram recently that the tradition would continue with year seven:
Thanksgiving has looked a little different for the group in the last few years after Wanda's husband Lonnie died in 2020 after a battle with COVID. However, the tradition seems to continue to bring lots of smiles and love to everyone involved!