Key facts
- Pauline Monk, an 86-year-old woman with stage 4 cancer, attended the grand opening of a Taco Bell in Sissonville, West Virginia.
- Monk had long wished for a Taco Bell in her hometown.
- Her son helped advocate for the restaurant to be built in Sissonville.
- Monk was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer around the same time the Taco Bell was under construction.
- She was brought in early on opening day and became a local sensation, dubbed the 'Taco Bell Queen'.
- Monk expressed gratitude for her family, community, and faith.
An 86-year-old West Virginia woman named Pauline Monk, who has stage 4 cancer, recently fulfilled a long-held dream of attending the grand opening of a Taco Bell in her hometown of Sissonville. Monk had been hoping for a local Taco Bell for years, and her son worked to help make it happen. Around the time construction began, Monk received a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer, with doctors giving her only a few months to live. She expressed uncertainty about whether she would live to see the restaurant open. On opening day, Monk was celebrated by the community and restaurant staff, earning the nickname 'Taco Bell Queen.' She shared that her favorite orders include the Nachos BellGrande or a chicken quesadilla, with cinnamon twists for dessert. Monk also spoke about her Christian faith, her love for her husband and family, and her past efforts in baking for her community. She mentioned that chemotherapy was not advised due to her age and that the cancer had spread to her lungs, but she remains at peace and thankful for the love and support she has received.