Ariana Grande’s grandmother Marjorie Grande, known as “Nonna,” died at 99 years old on Tuesday.
“We are devastated to share that the beloved matriarch of our family has passed away,” Grande’s mother, Joan Grande shared on her Instagram Story, which was reposted on Ariana Grande‘s Instagram Story with her 375 million followers.
“Marjorie (Nonna) Grande passed peacefully in her home and was surrounded by her family and loved ones for every month of her last few weeks,” the statement continued. “We thank you for your love, support and for respecting our privacy as we grieve and celebrate her beautiful, extraordinary life.”
Ariana Grande’s brother, Frankie Grande also shared his grief with the world about his grandmother’s death, recalling all of “the countless lessons you wove into my heart over the years.”
“You always called me the apple of your eye, Nonna and you have always been mine,” Frankie Grande said on Instagram. “A best friend. My safe place.”
Frankie Grande continued saying that he doesn’t “know how this world turns without” Marjorie Grande in it.
However, he said he knows her so well that he “will never have to wonder what you’d say or in any situation. Your voice, your love, your spirit is forever part of me. So in that way, we’ll never be apart.”
Frankie Grande added that “my heart is shattered,” but he feels that his grandmother is watching over him.
“Thank you for every moment, every lesson, every hug, every bell laugh,” he said. “Until we meet again, and we will, please kiss Grandpa and Aunt Judy for me, and tell them how much I love and miss them too. Forever your apple.”
Throughout the years, Ariana Grande has spoken fondly of her grandmother. Marjorie Grande has accompanied her granddaughter to a variety of events, including the 2014 VMAS, 2015 American Music Awards and the 2016 Time 100 Gala, according to Today.
Marjorie Grande was also featured on the song “Ordinary Things” from Ariana Grande’s 2024 album, “Eternal Sunshine,” which landed on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making Marjorie Grande, then 98, the “senior-most artist ever to have appeared on the Hot 100,” Billboard wrote.
