Ariana Grande and her family are mourning the loss of their beloved matriarch, Marjorie “Nonna” Grande, who recently passed away at age 99.
The Wicked star’s mother, Joan Grande, shared the devastating news on social media along with a heartfelt message and a photo of Nonna from her younger years.
“We are devastated to share that the beloved matriarch of our family has passed away. Marjorie (Nonna) Grande passed peacefully in her home and was surrounded by her family and loved ones for every moment of her last few weeks,” Joan wrote in the statement.
She continued, “We thank you for your love, support and for respecting our privacy as we grieve and celebrate her beautiful, extraordinary life.”
Ariana shared the statement on her Instagram stories while her brother Frankie Grande dedicated his own post to his grandmother. In a beautiful tribute, Frankie penned a note to Nonna, thanking her for the numerous life lessons through the years.
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“I honestly don’t know how this world turns without you in it, but I do know this: I know you so well, I will never have to wonder what you’d say or think in any situation. Your voice, your love, your spirit is forever part of me. So in that way, we’ll never be apart,” Frankie wrote.
He added, “I love you endlessly, my sweet Nonna. I miss you more than words can hold. My heart is shattered, but I feel you watching over me, already so proud of everything I’ve done and all that is about to come.”
Over the past decade, Nonna had become a well known figure among Ariana’s fans and she often accompanied the starlet to awards shows and events. Nonna was even featured on Ariana’s song “Ordinary Things” off of her 2024 album Eternal Sunshine.
In fact, her contribution to the album made her the most senior artist to ever appear on the Billboard Hot 100 when the song hit No. 55 on the charts.
“celebrating the one and only, most beautiful Nonna who has now made history for being the senior most person to ever appear on the @billboard Hot100 🥹🥹🌞♡,” Ariana wrote at the time. “we love and thank you ｡˚❀ 🥹”
Our hearts are with Ariana and her family during this difficult time.