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Ariana Grande and her family are facing a deeply emotional time following the passing of their cherished matriarch, Marjorie ‘Nonna’ Grande, who died peacefully at home at the remarkable age of 99. Surrounded by the warmth and love of her family in her final weeks, Marjorie’s passing marks the end of an era for the Grandes, who have always shared a strong and visible bond across generations. The official announcement was shared by Ariana’s mother, Joan Grande, who expressed the family’s heartbreak while also thanking the public for their respect and support during this time of mourning and remembrance.
Ariana paid tribute to her grandmother in a touching, understated way by posting a black-and-white photo from Marjorie’s wedding, captioned simply with the word “forever.” The image and the single-word tribute reflect the depth of Ariana’s connection to her Nonna, who was more than a grandmother—she was a source of strength, wisdom, and joy throughout Ariana’s life and career. Their closeness was evident when Marjorie took the stage alongside Ariana during her 2018 performance of God Is a Woman, symbolizing how much the singer valued family as part of her public and private identity.
Frankie Grande, too, honored Marjorie in a heartfelt message filled with love and pain. In his post, he spoke of how deeply he misses her, while also finding solace in the belief that she continues to watch over him. His words captured the warmth and depth of their relationship, and his photo tribute further showcased how influential she had been in his life.
Marjorie’s legacy is not limited to familial love—she also made an unforgettable mark in the world of music. At 98 years old, she became the oldest person to appear on the Billboard Hot 100 thanks to her feature on Ariana’s track Ordinary Things from the Eternal Sunshine album. That achievement was a moment of pride not just for Ariana, who joyfully celebrated it online, but also for fans who saw how beautifully Marjorie remained involved in Ariana’s artistic journey, even into her late nineties.
Her support continued into Ariana’s major film milestone with Wicked, as Ariana flew to Boca Raton in 2024 just to watch the release with her grandmother. This quiet moment of familial celebration speaks volumes about their relationship—a love that prioritized connection over everything, even amidst fame and demanding schedules.
Marjorie Grande leaves behind daughters Joan and Judy, grandchildren Ariana, Frankie, and Lani, and a legacy rooted in unwavering love, quiet strength, and generational influence. While her physical presence may be gone, the emotional and artistic imprint she’s left on her family and their work will endure for years to come.