DANVILLE, Va. (WDBJ) – At a lively senior living facility nestled in Danville, an impressive 85-year-old resident, Nancy Weatherford, has shot to fame on TikTok, captivating millions of viewers with her delightful and engaging videos.
It’s an exhilarating atmosphere at Commonwealth Senior Living, where Nancy Weatherford has established herself as the undisputed star, commanding an audience of enthusiastic fellow residents.
“I just love it,” shared Nancy Weatherford, a resident who radiates joy. “It’s so much fun, and it brings us together.”
Her journey began when she graciously volunteered to partake in the facility’s popular TikTok page, quickly earning the affectionate title of TikTok Queen among her peers, along with an astonishing over 4 million views across her memorable videos.
“We call Nancy our little TikTok queen, because our first one went viral instantly,” remarked Heather Dehart, Sales Director for Commonwealth Senior Living. “Now, we have so many followers, and they eagerly look forward to it. Nancy even received a phone call from a fan in Florida who said, ‘I saw you on TikTok.’ So, it’s definitely traveling.”
“It makes me happy to know that maybe I’m bringing a little pleasure to people,” added Weatherford, highlighting the emotional impact of her newfound fame.
Behind the infectious laughter and joy seen in her videos, Nancy initially felt uncertain when her sons encouraged her to transition into senior living last year after the passing of her husband.
“My husband had passed away, and they said, ‘Mama, you just do not need to be by yourself in this house.’ I wasn’t exactly worried about coming to this place, but more so about leaving home. I quickly realized they had made the right choice,” explained Weatherford, reflecting on her journey.
While the TikTok videos may exude fun, they also play a significant role in enhancing the lives of the residents.
“It gives them something to do. It gives them a purpose. When they have family members call from different states and say, ‘oh my goodness, I saw the fun you’re having on TikTok,’ it makes them then ask, ‘when are we doing the next one, because my family wants to know,” said Dehart, emphasizing the connection it fosters.
“Being older is fun. Maybe young people think, ‘ugh,’ but we have a lot of fun, too,” declared Weatherford, confidently celebrating the joy of aging.
To check out her videos, visit the Commonwealth Senior Living TikTok page.
**Interview with Nancy Weatherford, the TikTok Queen of Commonwealth Senior Living**
**Interviewer:** Nancy, it’s a pleasure to have you here! You’ve gained quite the following on TikTok at the age of 85! How does it feel to be recognized as the “TikTok Queen”?
**Nancy Weatherford:** Thank you! It feels absolutely wonderful! I just love it. It’s so much fun, and it brings all of us residents together. We share a lot of laughs and joy through the videos, and that’s what really matters.
**Interviewer:** That’s so heartwarming to hear. Can you tell us how this journey on TikTok began for you?
**Nancy Weatherford:** It all started when I volunteered to help with our facility’s TikTok page. I never expected it to take off the way it did! The first video we posted went viral instantly, and suddenly I was in the spotlight! It’s been a delightful experience ever since.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a fantastic journey! You mentioned that you have over 4 million views on your videos. How does that level of attention impact you and your fellow residents?
**Nancy Weatherford:** It has had such a positive impact! The residents love getting together to watch the videos, and we’ve created a lovely little community around it. It makes me happy to know that we can bring smiles to people outside our facility as well.
**Interviewer:** That’s incredible! Heather Dehart from your senior living facility mentioned that you’ve even received calls from fans. Can you share any memorable experiences from your newfound fame?
**Nancy Weatherford:** Oh, definitely! One call that stood out was from a fan in Florida who recognized me from TikTok. I was so surprised and thrilled! It’s amazing to think that our little videos can reach so far and connect people.
**Interviewer:** It truly is! Before we wrap up, what advice would you give to others, young or old, who might be hesitant about sharing their own talents or joining social media?
**Nancy Weatherford:** I would say just go for it! Don’t be afraid to express yourself and have fun. Life is too short to hold back. Embrace what you love, and you never know who you might inspire along the way!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Nancy! Your joy and enthusiasm are infectious. It’s inspiring to see someone like you embracing life so fully!
**Nancy Weatherford:** Thank you for having me! It’s been a joy to share my story!
