Delores Dennison never received an invitation to prom during her time in high school in West Virginia because she went before graduation or prom. But her grandson, Austin Dennison, 19, made her long-cherished prom dreams come true at the age of 89. He extended an invitation to her to be his prom companion, and she graciously agreed.
“I approached my grandmother and requested her company at the prom. She felt honored by the invitation,” the high school football player shared in an interview with the Times Bulletin. “I emphasized that it would be a special opportunity for me. Delores recently had a heart attack and a stroke but promised her granddaughter that if she recovered enough when the day came, she would go to the prom with her.”
Fortunately, Delores’ health improved, allowing her to dress in style for prom. She got a new outfit for the occasion, and Austin even gave her a pearl necklace to complement her outfit. The evening began with Austin performing “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls to his great-grandmother’s music. Afterward, they had dinner at Bob Evans, one of Delores’ favorite restaurants.
They also took some pictures before heading to the dance floor. At the prom, they danced to a song that had sentimental value for Delores, because her late husband, Edward—Frank Sinatra’s “Delores” was sung for her.
Their night on the dance floor even included a bit of friendly competition when one of Austin’s friends requested to dance with Delores, briefly cutting in on their dance.