Ariana Grande‘s grandmother Marjorie “Nonna” Grande has died at the age of 99, the singer’s family revealed on social media.
Grande reposted her mother Joan on Instagram Stories announcing her death. “We are devastated to share that the beloved matriarch of our family has passed away,” wrote Joan. “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. We thank you for your love, support and for respecting our privacy as we grieve and celebrate her beautiful, extraordinary life.”
Fans had come to know Marjorie through Grande’s social media posts over the years, as well as through voice recordings featured on various songs. Nonna could be heard offering pearls of wisdom about romance on the intro to “Bloodline,” included on Grande’s 2019 album “Thank U, Next,” as well as on last year’s “Ordinary Things.” On the latter, Nonna can be heard discussing the fundamentals to build a lasting marriage, a theme that drove the album “Eternal Sunshine.”
Shortly after the album’s release, Nonna made chart history, becoming the senior-most artist to ever appear on the Billboard Hot 100 due to her appearance on “Ordinary Things.” Then 98, Nonna was listed as a feature on the song and took the chart record from Fred Stobaugh who, at 96, hit No. 42 on the Hot 100 with “Oh Sweet Lorraine” in 2013.
“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 🥹🥹🌞♡,” wrote Grande on Instagram at the time, posting a photo of Nonna holding a plaque commemorating the achievement. “We love and thank you ｡˚❀ 🥹.”
Grande’s brother Frankie also posted about the loss of their grandmother. “You always called me the apple of your eye, Nonna and you have always been mine. A best friend. My safe place,” he wrote. “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.”