Cliff Notes – ‘Devastated’ Ariana Grande announces the death of beloved family member
- Marjorie ‘Nonna’ Grande, Ariana Grande’s grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 99, surrounded by family.
- Ariana shared the news via her mother’s statement, expressing gratitude for support and privacy during their time of grief.
- Nonna was a significant presence in Ariana’s life, often accompanying her to major events and recently featured on Ariana’s album, making history as the oldest artist on the Billboard Hot 100.
‘Devastated’ Ariana Grande announces the death of beloved family member
Ariana Grande has announced the death of her grandmother, Marjorie ‘Nonna’ Grande, aged 99 years old.
On Tuesday, the 31-year-old pop star reshared a statement originally posted by her mother, Joan Grande, confirming the loss.
‘We are devastated to share that the beloved matriarch of our family has passed away,’ read the note, signed by Ariana and her family.
‘Marjorie (Nonna) Grande passed away peacefully in her home and was surrounded by family and loved ones for every moment of her last few weeks.’
The family added, ‘We thank you for your love, support, and for respecting our privacy as we grieve and celebrate her beautiful, extraordinary life.’
Ariana shared a particularly close bond with her grandmother, who she referred to affectionately as ‘Nonna.’
Over the years, Marjorie was a regular presence in the singer’s life and was often seen with her superstar granddaughter.
From appearing alongside Ariana at major events like the 2014 MTV VMAs, where they wore coordinating outfits, to joining her at the American Music Awards and the Time 100 Gala, Nonna became an unofficial part of the Grande fan family.
In November 2023, Ariana flew to Florida to watch Wicked with her grandmother at a local movie theater they had visited often during Ariana’s childhood.
‘Flew to Boca for a day to watch with Nonna at the movie theater I grew up going to every weekend,’ Ariana shared on Instagram Stories at the time.
During the screening, she proudly recalled her grandmother’s enthusiastic reaction to a moment in the film: ‘Thrilled to report that when the sugar glider had her drum solo Nonna exclaimed loudly, “Oh I LOVE that.”‘
Ariana’s brother, Frankie Grande, also paid an emotional tribute on Instagram, sharing a series of photos and reflecting on the profound influence Marjorie had on his life.
‘You taught me how to love without conditions… how to stand in my truth unapologetically… how to show up for family in a way so deep, so unwavering,’ he wrote. ‘You always called me the apple of your eye, Nonna, and you have always been mine.’
In March 2024, Marjorie made history when she appeared on Ariana’s track ordinary things from her Eternal Sunshine album.
Her spoken-word message about love and commitment (‘Never go to bed without kissing goodnight… and if you don’t feel comfortable doing it, you’re in the wrong place’) made her the oldest artist ever to appear on the Billboard Hot 100.
Ariana proudly celebrated the milestone, writing, ‘Celebrating the one and only, most beautiful Nonna who has now made history.’