Every Tuesday night in Largo, Florida, something truly special happens. Gail Stott, along with her 102-year-old mom, Jane Croft, embark on their weekly adventure to McDonald’s. It’s more than just a meal; it’s their cherished ‘car picnic’. Croft, with a glint in her eye, always goes for the same order: a cheeseburger Happy Meal—sans onions and pickles—alongside a small Diet Coke.
Jane even sports a cute blue T-shirt showcasing burgers and fries, making the outing feel even more special.
“When we pull up to the drive-thru, they recognize us. They cheerfully say, ‘Look, it’s our favorite girls!’” admits 74-year-old Stott during an interview with TODAY.com. “It’s our little moment—just the two of us, chatting and creating memories.”
While she’s open to other fast-food meals, Jane admits she has a soft spot for McDonald’s patties because she finds them “thin and tasty”—and she believes their fries are simply the best.
After their McDonald’s treat, they often head off to Bingo, another enjoyable tradition. Everyone gathers around the duo to see which toy from McDonald’s Croft has scored that week, and she’s proud to keep each little prize.
Jane’s energy is infectious; she’s witty, outspoken, and doesn’t shy away from humor, even joking about a recent encounter with a paramedic after a little stumble. At 102, she might be a bit older in years, but when asked about her age, she simply says, “I feel like I’m 85.”
The secret behind her long life includes daily walks and maintaining strong social connections alongside commendable genetics. Additionally, her love for both McDonald’s and home-cooked spaghetti certainly helps, according to Stott.
“Absolutely! I’ve always loved eating,” shares Croft, a sentiment that has turned her into quite the internet sensation.
In 2024, Stott launched a TikTok account, originally just for family and close friends, sharing Croft’s delightful food moments.
“Next thing I knew, it just took off!” says Stott, and it’s easy to understand the hype. The pure joy conveyed by Croft at the dinner table is both heartwarming and infectious.
On TikTok, Croft is affectionately known as “Mom” to her growing fanbase of 67,000 followers. With each video, she enjoys an array of meals, from baby back ribs to chicken Parmesan, always sharing pleasant feedback.
“You can tell she loves every bit of what she tries,” one user noted. “I mean, who wouldn’t adore her?”
The simplicity of Stott’s videos – just Croft happily savoring her meals – adds to their charm. One fan even commented, “What makes watching her eat so delightful?”
Jane recently said how she hopes to be recognized one day by her fans in public, and it seems she’s eager for that moment to come.
Her humor shines even in the kitchen; when Stott frets about a bland shepherd’s pie because of missing rosemary, Croft retorts that “Rosemary went out on a date!”
But what really gets Croft excited? Dessert! Classic Oreos are her ultimate downfall. The moment supper is devoured, her hand darts for that recognizable blue package.
“I always split them in half for that extra satisfaction!” she laughs.
While Gail manages the cooking, Jane efficiently handles setting and clearing the table, perfectly syncing their teamwork that both treasure.
“I wash the dishes. Putting them away is tricky since I can’t reach,” Croft jests. “But besides that, I’m pretty capable!”
Best of all? Jane shows no signs of slowing down. Her doctor even recently advised her to make consistent use of her walker, with Stott reminding her how important it is to stay safe.
“I’m still doing great,” Croft beams. “I definitely don’t feel 102!”
This lovely story was first brought to you by TODAY.com
