Ariana Grande’s grandmother, lovingly known as “Nonna,” has died at age 99.
Joan Grande, Ariana’s mother, confirmed the news on Tuesday (June 17) through a statement shared on her Instagram Story.
“We are devastated to share that the beloved matriarch of our family has passed away,” read the statement. “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. Love, The Grandes,” the note concluded.
Nonna had a special presence throughout Ariana Grande’s life and career.
She was there the day her granddaughter attended the performance by the original Broadway cast of Wicked and won an auction to meet Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the role of Glinda, backstage.
The experience came full circle years later when Grande was cast as Glinda in Wicked’s film adaptation directed by Jon M. Chu. Born in 1925, Nonna was around 14 years old when The Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland was released in 1939.
Nonna’s voice and wisdom have also been immortalized into Ariana Grande’s music over the years.
On her 2013 debut album Yours Truly, Nonna appears in “Daydreamin’” and shares her love story with Frank Grande, Ariana Grande’s grandfather who passed away in 2014.
Nonna later introduced “Bloodline” on 2019’s Thank U, Next and made Billboard history at age 98 as the most senior artist to have ever appeared on the Hot 100 when “Ordinary Things” debuted at No. 55 from the Eternal Sunshine album.
“Never go to bed without kissin’ goodnight,” Nonna says on the track. “That’s the worst thing to do. Don’t ever, ever do that. And if you don’t feel comfortable doing it, you’re in the wrong place—get out.”
