Ariana Grande’s Grandmother Marjorie Grande Passes Away at 99: A Heartfelt Tribute

It’s a heartbreaking time for the Grande family. On June 17, Ariana Grande’s mother, Joan Grande, shared the sad news that their beloved matriarch, Marjorie “Nonna” Grande, has passed away at the age of 99. The announcement was made through a touching Instagram story, where a sepia-toned photo of Marjorie was posted with a heartfelt family statement.

“We are devastated to share that the beloved matriarch of our family has passed away,” the family wrote. “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’s clear from the way Joan and her children spoke about Marjorie that she wasn’t just the eldest member of the family — she was the soul of it. Ariana reposted the tribute on her Instagram, quietly honoring the woman who played such a key role in her life. Joan simply added, “I love you mom!!” A few words that say so much.

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What did she mean to the Grande siblings?

Frankie Grande, Ariana’s older brother, shared one of the most emotional tributes. In a carousel of photos capturing sweet memories across the years, Frankie held onto the love and wisdom his Nonna had passed down to him.

“You always called me the apple of your eye, Nonna, and you have always been mine,” he wrote. “A best friend. My safe place.”

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He spoke of her voice, her spirit, and her presence that shaped so much of who he is. Though she’s no longer physically here, he promised to carry her voice within him always. “So in that way, we’ll never be apart,” he said.

Frankie ended his tribute asking her to pass along love to their late Grandpa and Aunt Judy. “Forever your apple,” he signed off, breaking hearts everywhere.

How strong was Ariana’s bond with her Nonna?

Ariana and her Nonna had one of those rare and beautiful bonds. Over the years, Marjorie accompanied Ariana to red carpets like the VMAs and AMAs and even the Time 100 Gala. But one of the most special moments was when Nonna, at the age of 98, featured on Ariana’s 2024 album “Eternal Sunshine” in a track called “Ordinary Things.” The song made it to the Billboard Hot 100 — making Marjorie the oldest artist to ever land on the chart.

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And that wasn’t just a record-breaking moment. It was a full-circle moment between a granddaughter and the grandmother who never stopped cheering her on.

Just months before her passing, the family had come together to celebrate Marjorie’s 99th birthday. Ariana even flew down to Boca Raton for a special day at the Cinemark 20 theater, where she and Nonna watched “Wicked” together. Ariana’s post from that day is now even more priceless. “Thrilled to report that when the sugar glider had her drum solo nonna exclaimed loudly ‘oh i LOVE that,’” she wrote with love and pride.

Marjorie Grande may have lived a long, full life, but for those who knew her — and even for the fans who watched her shine in Ariana’s world — her passing is a huge loss. She wasn’t just Nonna to the Grande family. She was Nonna to all of us who admired that intergenerational love and support.

She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, wisdom, and fierce family devotion. And in every note of Ariana’s music, every caption Frankie posts, and every smile Joan shares — we’ll feel her spirit living on.