Ariana Grande‘s grandmother, Marjorie Grande — known to the pop star and millions of her fans as “Nonna” — has passed away. She was 99 years old.
The singer announced the news Tuesday (June 17) on her Instagram Story, sharing a photo of Marjorie as a young woman accompanied by a statement from the Grande family. “We are devastated to share that the beloved matriarch of our family has passed away,” it reads.
“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,” it continues. “We thank you for your love, support and for respecting our privacy as we grieve and celebrate her beautiful, extraordinary life.”
Marjorie was beloved amongst her granddaughter’s fans, with the Grammy winner often sharing photos and videos of her grandmother over the years. The musician also enjoyed imitating Marjorie — who was the mother of Ariana’s mom, Joan Grande — including on The Tonight Show in 2016, where Nonna was present in the audience.
The matriarch was also known for her cameos on a few of the vocalist’s songs, including 2024’s “Ordinary Things.” The Eternal Sunshine album collaboration would make the then-98-year-old Nonna a Billboard Hot 100 record-holder as the oldest person to ever make an appearance on the chart.
“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, sharing a photo of Marjorie beaming while holding her Hot 100 plaque. “We love and thank you.”
Though Nonna is no longer with us, fans need only to press play on “Ordinary Things” to remember her for her sage advice. In a recording featured prominently at the end of the track, she reflects on her marriage to late husband, Frank, and reminds us: “Never go to bed without kissin’ goodnight … That’s the worst thing to do, don’t ever, ever do that. And if you don’t feel comfortable doing it, you’re in the wrong place — get out.”
