Losing someone who shaped your world is never simple. Ariana Grande’s grandmother, Marjorie “Nonna” Grande, passed away peacefully at 99, leaving behind a legacy wrapped in humor, strength, and family devotion.
Ariana Grande surprised fans when her 2024 song “Ordinary Things” included a voice recording from Nonna. At 98, she became the oldest person to ever chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Her words about love struck a chord: “Never go to bed without kissing goodnight.”
From red carpets to interviews, Nonna became a public fixture in Ariana’s world. But it was not just for show. Ariana often said her grandma was her biggest inspiration. Their bond was steady, grounded, and constant, setting the tone for how Ariana sees family.
Most people slow down in their nineties. Not Marjorie. At 93, she got her first tattoo with Ariana by her side. It read “ciccio,” a nickname for her late husband, Frank. Ariana shared the moment online, reminding fans that love and a bit of boldness don’t age.
Grande4e / IG / Nonna's advice didn’t begin with “Ordinary Things.” Ariana had quietly added her grandma’s voice to older tracks like “Bloodline.”
She Was the Surprise Star At Award Shows
Nonna didn’t just support from the sidelines. She attended the 2014 VMAs and was Ariana’s date at the TIME 100 Gala in 2016. She handled the cameras and chaos with surprising ease. Nonna didn’t crave attention, but she didn’t shy from it either when it mattered.
These little moments gave fans clues about how much influence Nonna had on Ariana’s creative process, even behind the scenes.
At a private “Wicked” screening in 2024, Nonna did what no one expected. Cheered during a sugar glider’s drum solo. The moment became an inside joke among fans, but to Ariana, it was just her grandma being unfiltered.
She Met Her Husband When She Was 11
Marjorie met her husband Frank when they were just kids. After he served in the military, they married and built a family that valued loyalty and love. That deep bond became the model Ariana admired. Nonna’s long marriage gave Ariana a framework for a lasting connection.
Marjorie also raised Joan and Judy, her daughters, with that same blend of directness and warmth. Ariana’s mom, Joan, often credited her mother for being her own role model. That chain of strength is clear across three generations.
Ariana / IG / Ariana Grande often said Nonna was her grounding force. When fame got overwhelming, Nonna reminded her who she was.
Frankie Grande called Nonna his “safe place.” In his tribute, he said she gave him comfort that never wavered. It is rare to hear men talk about family that way, but Frankie’s words showed how deep Nonna’s reach went.
Nonna never chased laughs, but people laughed anyway. Her voice notes, her one-liners, even her reactions at public events, everything felt authentic. That kind of natural humor is not common, especially in celebrity families. She was never trying to be a star, which made her one.
She Kept Showing Up
Even as she got older, Marjorie didn’t disappear into the background. She stayed present. Whether that meant attending a gala or recording a voice clip for a new album, she showed up, not out of obligation, but out of love. Ariana noticed, and so did fans.
Fame didn’t turn Nonna into someone else. What you saw was what Ariana saw every day. Her wedding photo, which Ariana shared with the caption “forever,” said more than a full caption could. There was something permanent about her presence.