Story perspectives

Thanksgiving Tradition Continues: Wanda and Jamal's Heartwarming Journey

11/28/2025

Summary

Story summary

In 2016, Wanda Dench's wrong-number Thanksgiving text invited Jamal Hinton, launching a yearly tradition.
They have celebrated Thanksgiving together annually, except in 2020 when Dench mourned her husband.
This year, Jamal Hinton will host the celebration at his aunt's home in Phoenix, with Wanda Dench attending.
Their story has drawn media attention, and a Netflix film is in the works.
Dench says the friendship's popularity comes from its authenticity.

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Story summary

In 2016, Wanda Dench's wrong-number Thanksgiving text invited Jamal Hinton, launching a yearly tradition.
They have celebrated Thanksgiving together annually, except in 2020 when Dench mourned her husband.
This year, Jamal Hinton will host the celebration at his aunt's home in Phoenix, with Wanda Dench attending.
Their story has drawn media attention, and a Netflix film is in the works.
Dench says the friendship's popularity comes from its authenticity.