Ariana and Frankie Grande’s maternal grandmother, Marjorie Grande, who was famously known as “Nonna,” has passed away.
The “Wicked” actress’s mother, Joan Grande, made the announcement on her Instagram Stories on Tuesday afternoon. Ariana then shared the post to her Stories.
“We are devastated to share that the beloved matriarch of our family has passed away,” the statement said.
She went on to explain that Marjorie died “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,” the note concluded.
Ariana posted her grandparents’ wedding photo with the caption “forever.” Francesco “Frank” Anthony Grande passed away in 2014.
Fans of the “7 Rings” singer know how close she and her Nonna were. She often spoke highly of their relationship, had her accompany her on many award show red carpets and documented other endearing moments on social media.
In 2018, Marjorie got her first tattoo with her granddaughter by her side when she was 93. She got “ciccio” — an Italian term of endearment — tattooed on her left ring finger in honor of her late husband and Ariana’s grandfather.
The elder Grande was even featured on her song “ordinary things” off her 2024 album “Eternal Sunshine.” The move allowed the then-98-year-old to be the oldest artist to chart Billboard’s Hot 100.
Ariana’s older brother, singer and actor Frankie, penned a lengthy note honoring Marjorie on Instagram alongside a slide of sweet family photos.
“How can I ever thank you enough for the countless lessons you wove into my heart over the years? You taught me how to love without conditions, how to dominate a three-card poker table, how to never ever take a bad picture, how to light up a dinner party just by being in the room, how to give the warmest, safest hugs, how to stand in my truth unapologetically, how to not give a single f*ck about what anyone thinks, and most importantly, how to show up for family in a way so deep, so unwavering, that I promise you: I will carry that torch fiercely in your absence. No question. No option,” he wrote.
“You always called me the apple of your eye, Nonna and you have always been mine. A best friend. My safe place,” he continued. “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.”
He went on to explain how much he’ll miss her and while his “heart is shattered,” he feels her watching over him. He then thanked her for “every moment, every lesson, every hug, every belly laugh.”
“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.”
Marjorie is survived by her daughter Joan and grandchildren Ariana, Frankie and Lani. She’s predeceased by her daughter Judy.
