HITMAKER Ariana Grande is heartbroken as she reveals her beloved ‘matriarch’ grandma has died.
Taking to her Instagram stories today, Ariana revealed the heartbreaking news to her millions of followers.
Ariana, who has long called her gran Nonna, which means grandma in Italian, is “devastated” by Marjorie’s passing.
A statement shared on Ariana’s Instagram, written by the Grande family, read: “We are devastated to share that the beloved matriarch of our family has passed away.”
It continued: “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.”
Marjorie was and is hugely loved by Ariana’s fans, with the Grammy winner often sharing snaps of her and her nonna online.
In 2016, Ariana even imitated her nonna on The Tonight Show as she watched on from the audience.
More recently, Marjorie made a cameo in Ariana’s 2024 track Ordinary Things.
She even made history on Billboard charts by becoming the senior person to be featured on the Hot 100 charts.
Nonna received a certificate with her feature in Ordinary Things from Ariana’s album Eternal Sunshine, and even received a plaque for it.
When Ariana shared a snap of her nonna with the plaque, she penned a touching caption.
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“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.
“We love and thank you,” she concluded the caption.
This cameo in a track marked Marjorie’s third time being in one of her granddaughter’s songs.
At the end of the song, Ariana’s nonna can be heard reflecting on her marriage to late husband Frank.
She can be heard saying at the end of the tune: “Never go to bed without kissin’ goodnight.
“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.”
She previously provided sound bites for Daydreamin’ and Bloodline.
Marjorie first met Ariana’s grandfather when they were children and resided in the same neighborhood.
As the two kids grew up, they then began to date before Frank was enlisted in the military.
When Frank got back from the military, he and Marjorie got engaged and later tied the knot in 1946.
Marjorie and Frank then welcomed daughters Joan (Ariana’s mom) and Judy (Ariana’s aunt).
Ariana has a brother, Frankie, and they are half-siblings, sharing mom Joan, though having different dads.
