When the Webb family from Tennessee celebrates, they go all out — especially for their beloved “Papaw.” So when “Papaw,” Bill Webb, turned the big 8-0, his grandkids planned a tribute that only family could pull off: recreating his most iconic (and sometimes questionable) looks from different eras of his life.
Because if you’re going to honor your grandpa, why not also lovingly poke fun at some of his boldest fashion choices?
“We always go all out for my grandparents’ birthdays, especially the milestone ones,” says Kenzie Greene, Papaw’s only granddaughter, who masterminded the plan with her mom, Stacy, and her aunts Mandy and Robyn. “The boys were very willing to do this because Papa is literally the best grandfather ever.”
The result? A viral Instagram video that has racked up more than 4.6 million views, gaining attention on TODAY and capturing the hearts of people everywhere. Turns out, everyone loves a good Papaw tribute — especially one that involves plaid pants, frat-boy days, and Vienna sausages.
A walk down Papaw memory lane
How exactly does one capture the life of an 80-year-old legend? Simple: gather seven grandkids, dress them to the nines, and walk through the key moments of Papaw’s life — like a family photo album brought to life.
Here’s the all-star lineup of Papaw’s past selves, reimagined:
- Papaw in his elementary school singing quartet: Mason Greene, 14
- High school football star Papaw: Hutton Jones, 19
- Fraternity bro Papaw: Kenzie Greene, 21
- Beach vacation Papaw: Jackson Greene, 22
- Wedding day Papaw: Carson Cooper, 20
- Young dad Papaw: Colton Jones, 17
- Working engineer Papaw: Cameron Cooper, 18
Before the big reveal, Bill and his wife, Gail (aka “Nana”), were invited to what they thought was a casual family dinner. But what they walked into was a full-on Papaw-themed extravaganza.
The whole family was decked out in Papaw’s go-to look: maroon sweatshirts and khakis. And, of course, they feasted on his favorite snacks — French onion dip, Vienna sausages, and Golden Oreos. Because what’s a celebration without the snacks that scream “Dad in the ‘90s”?
Related: This toddler’s viral reunion with her grandparents after a month apart will melt your heart
Cue the Papaw parade
The pièce de résistance? The grandkids, who’d been hiding in the basement, made a dramatic entrance one by one, each dressed in their assigned era of Papaw’s life. According to Kenzie, “It was so cute. He just kept saying, ‘How did you guys do this? Where did you get that from?’ Everyone was just dying laughing.”
And Nana’s fashion critiques? She didn’t hold back. When Colton Jones strutted in wearing a green polo shirt and red plaid pants, Nana couldn’t help but burst out laughing: “Looks just like you! Remember those pants?”
For Bill, the whole experience was an unexpected trip down memory lane, sprinkled with a healthy dose of humor. “I was a little slow on the uptake,” he admits. “At first, I didn’t pay much attention. But once I caught on, it was kind of an honor — and making fun of me at the same time — so it was a neat thing to do.”
The internet is eating this up
In a world where social media often feels like a minefield, it’s refreshing to see something that’s pure, wholesome, and downright joyful. The comments? An outpouring of love:
- “He’s gotta be a 10/10 grandpa if they all gonna dress like him and love on him.”
- “Oh nothing. Just me crying for strangers again. This was beautiful.”
- “Not to be dramatic but I would die for Papaw.”
And honestly, same.
When asked how he felt about the tribute, Papaw sums it up with the kind of wisdom only an 80-year-old can deliver: “It was a blessing for an old man. And I was totally surprised!”
Here’s to many more birthdays for Papaw — and to grandkids who know how to roast with love.
Related: Kids are more likely to open up to their grandparents vs. their parents, survey shows
