Ariana Grande, the global pop sensation, is grieving the loss of her beloved grandmother, Marjorie “Nonna” Grande, who died at the age of 99.
The singer announced the news on Tuesday through an emotional statement shared on Instagram, calling the family matriarch’s passing “devastating.” Marjorie, affectionately known as Nonna by Ariana’s fans, died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones.
“She was with us every moment of her final weeks,” read the message signed by the Grande family. “We’re heartbroken, but we feel so lucky to have shared such a beautiful, extraordinary life.”
Grande’s mother, Joan, also shared the same message. The family asked for privacy as they “grieve and celebrate” the life of the woman they describe as a guiding light.
Ariana’s older brother, Frankie Grande, offered a heartfelt tribute of his own:
“I love you endlessly, my sweet Nonna,” he wrote on Instagram. “My heart is shattered, but I feel you watching over me already… so proud of all I’ve done and all that’s to come.”
Born in the 1920s, Marjorie Grande lived through nearly a century of change. Her husband, Frank Grande, a World War II veteran, died in 2014 at the age of 90. The couple’s long love story, which began when they were children, was later shared by Ariana in a personal video on YouTube.
Ariana spoke often and fondly of her grandmother. On The Drew Barrymore Show last year, she described her grandparents as “incredible human beings.” Her bond with Nonna was more than personal it was professional too.
In 2024, Marjorie made music history. At 98, she became the oldest artist ever to appear on the Billboard Hot 100, featuring in Ariana’s track Ordinary Things from the Eternal Sunshine album. The song entered the chart at number 55, with Nonna credited for a short spoken-word appearance.
“She was thrilled,” Ariana wrote at the time. “It meant the world to both of us.”
Later that year, the singer who is also starring as Glinda in the upcoming Wicked film made a special trip to Boca Raton, Florida, to watch the movie trailer with her grandmother.
“Thrilled to report when the sugar glider had her drum solo Nonna exclaimed loudly ‘oh I LOVE that,’” Ariana shared, capturing the joy of the moment.
In a video message aired on The Drew Barrymore Show, Marjorie expressed pride in her granddaughter. “You make me so proud,” she said. “Your talent is marvellous. I love you with all my heart.”
For Ariana Grande, Nonna was more than family she was a muse, a confidante, and a quiet icon in her own right. As the world remembers Marjorie Grande, it also witnesses the private grief of a star who has lost her biggest fan.
