Thanksgiving Grandman's Husband Dies Of COVID-19

Lonnie Dench, the husband of Wanda Dench, better known online Thanksgiving Grandma online, died of COVID-19 on Sunday morning. Wanda is recovering from the virus.

The news comes from the Dench's "adopted" grandson Jamal Hinton, who went viral with Wanda in 2016m following an accidental invitation to Thanksgiving dinner. According to Wilton, Wanda is "not sick" and is recovering from her bout with the illness.

"As some of you may have already found out tonight Lonnie did not make it," tweeted Jamal. "He passed away Sunday morning😔 but Wanda told me all the love and support he was receiving put a huge smile on his face so I thank every single one of you guys for that!"

As some of you may have already found out tonight Lonnie did not make it… he passed away Sunday morning😔 but Wanda told me all the love and support he was receiving put a huge smile on his face so I thank every single one of you guys for that!🙏🏽❤️ https://t.co/tNvals0FMh

— Jamal Hinton (@kingjamal08) April 9, 2020

The story of Thanksgiving Grandma has become a viral heart-warmer over the last few years. After sending an invitation to Thanksgiving dinner to the wrong person, grandmother Wanda Dench invited Jamal Hinton, a total stranger, to her family meal.

Somebody grandma is coming in clutch this year!! Ayee!!! pic.twitter.com/QGrx83nHLl

— Jamal Hinton (@kingjamal08) November 15, 2016

The text created a yearly tradition in which the Internet checks in on this lovely pairing every November.

As promised! Here’s our 2019 update 🦃 @mikaela_autumn pic.twitter.com/hHGZUXYzr3

— Jamal Hinton (@kingjamal08) November 29, 2019

That relationship, like many around the world, took a heartbreaking turn on April 1st, when Hinton tweeted that Wanda and Lonnie were hospitalized with COVID-19 and pneumonia.

As some of you may have already found out tonight Lonnie did not make it… he passed away Sunday morning😔 but Wanda told me all the love and support he was receiving put a huge smile on his face so I thank every single one of you guys for that!🙏🏽❤️ https://t.co/tNvals0FMh

— Jamal Hinton (@kingjamal08) April 9, 2020

The news hit the Internet hard last night. Fans of this Thanksgiving pairing, have expressed their condolences, sending messages to Hinton on Twitter.

RIP Lonnie. Thanksgiving won’t be the same without you. pic.twitter.com/GcSqvllGIi

— Leroy (@ThatTrumpetGuy) April 9, 2020

💜💜💜 Deepest condolences to both of your families. Please continue to send Wanda EXTRA virtual hugs & love on behalf of allllllll us, during this incredibly difficult time. 💌💌💌💌

— RissaRoyal🦁🇯🇲🌻 (@RissaRoyal) April 9, 2020

I really hate to see this. I've been following your Holiday dinner stories with this family since they began. God made no mistake bringing you guys together. You all were family. And you'll be family for a lifetime. Prayers to you, your lady and Mrs. Wanda.

RIP Mr. Lonnie ❤

— Juanya Moss (@JuanyaMoss) April 9, 2020