The Queen of Sissonville: Pauline Monk's 'Live Más' Moment

In the small town of Sissonville, West Virginia, the opening of a new Taco Bell on May 6, 2026, wasn't just a win for fast-food fans — it was the fulfillment of a long-held dream for 86-year-old Pauline Monk.

Known affectionately as "Mawmaw" or the "Taco Bell Queen," Pauline has been a resident of the Sissonville area for over 70 years. After being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in November 2025 and given a very short life expectancy, Pauline focused on a specific milestone: seeing a Taco Bell finally open in her own community.

A Labor of Love

The journey to bring the franchise to Sissonville was a personal mission for Pauline's family. Her son was a driving force behind the effort, advocating and working hard to ensure the restaurant became a reality in time for his mother to see it. As granddaughter and local creator Autumn Collette noted, the arrival of a major chain in the area is a rare event, often happening only once every few decades — which made this opening a massive win for the town.

On opening day, the community spirit was on full display. Although a crowd had gathered to be the first in line, they collectively stepped aside. In a heartwarming gesture, the patrons insisted that Pauline be the very first person to step inside, the first to sit down, and the first to place an order.

Pauline being escorted in as the very first customer at the new Sissonville Taco Bell

"I'm the Queen!"

Accompanied by family and surrounded by local media, Pauline placed her order at the kiosk — a moment captured by Autumn for her followers. Between bites of her favorite nachos, Pauline shared her excitement with the room, smiling as she was officially recognized as the "Taco Bell Queen of Sissonville."

Pauline beaming with her nachos at the new Taco Bell — the Queen has arrived

A Viral Inspiration

The video of the event quickly touched hearts far beyond West Virginia, garnering thousands of comments from people moved by Pauline's resilience. One commenter, madame.sandler, spoke for many by saying, "Thats OUR GrandMás," while others were inspired by her ability to find such profound joy in a simple wish.

The internet didn't stop there — fans rallied around Pauline in a big way. The outpouring of love went beyond kind words: after the video went viral, fans sent in money for Pauline, and Autumn was able to present her grandmother with a $100 Taco Bell gift card — a gift straight from the hearts of strangers across the country who were moved by her story.

Autumn presenting Pauline with a $100 Taco Bell gift card sent in by fans after the video went viral

One TikTok commenter even created a fan-made image crowning her the official Queen of Taco Bell, complete with royal robes, a scepter, and a golden crown — and the internet absolutely loved it.

Fan-made artwork crowning Pauline the Queen of Taco Bell — created by @tabithasonnieeng

While the health challenges Pauline faces are difficult, the day served as a powerful reminder to "Live Más." For Pauline Monk and the people of Sissonville, this wasn't just about a meal — it was about a family's devotion and a community coming together to celebrate one of their own.

Story by WV Vibes Staff. Video and photos courtesy of Autumn Collette | WV Creator ✨ — follow her on TikTok @autumncollette.