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Marjorie 'Nonna' Grande: 7 Surprising Facts About Ariana Grande's Record-Breaking Matriarch Who Lived To 99

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The world mourned the loss of a true family matriarch and an unexpected pop culture icon when Marjorie Marie D'Amico Grande, affectionately known as "Nonna," passed away at the age of 99 on June 14, 2025. Her life was a testament to enduring love, wisdom, and a vibrant spirit that transcended generations, making her a beloved figure not just within the Grande family, but to millions of fans globally.

The grandmother of pop superstar Ariana Grande and Broadway performer Frankie Grande, Nonna became a beacon of warmth and authenticity, frequently appearing in her grandchildren’s lives and, surprisingly, even in their work. Her passing was announced by the family, noting she died peacefully in her home in Boca Raton, Florida, surrounded by loved ones. The news, which broke in mid-2025, cemented her legacy as a woman who lived a full, almost centenarian life filled with family and unexpected moments of fame.

Marjorie Grande: A Full Biography and Family Profile

Marjorie Grande’s life spanned nearly a century, from the Roaring Twenties to the modern digital age, providing her with a unique perspective and a wealth of wisdom she often shared with her famous grandchildren. She was the cornerstone of the Grande family, a devout Catholic, and a retired citizen who spent her final years in Boca Raton.

  • Full Name: Marjorie Marie D'Amico Grande
  • Nickname: Nonna
  • Date of Birth: October 12, 1925
  • Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
  • Date of Death: June 14, 2025
  • Age at Death: 99 years old
  • Spouse: Frank Grande (deceased)
  • Children: Judy Grande and Joan Grande (Ariana and Frankie’s mother)
  • Grandchildren: Ariana Grande and Frankie Grande
  • Residence: Boca Raton, Florida
  • Legacy: Guinness World Record holder, Matriarch of the Grande Family, Featured Recording Artist

Her marriage to Frank Grande was a central theme of her later public life, particularly in the spoken word segments that brought her unexpected fame. She was a constant, grounding presence for her grandchildren, often attending major career events and offering a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of global stardom.

The Record-Breaking Legacy of Nonna on the Charts

One of the most surprising and enduring aspects of Marjorie Grande’s life was her late-career pivot into becoming a featured recording artist, a feat that earned her a legitimate Guinness World Record. This achievement was a highlight of her 99 years and is a key part of her musical legacy.

In March 2024, at the age of 98, Nonna Grande became the oldest person to ever be credited as a featured artist on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This incredible milestone was achieved through her appearance on the track "Ordinary Things," the final song on Ariana Grande’s critically acclaimed seventh studio album, *Eternal Sunshine*.

The song features a touching, unscripted spoken-word segment from Nonna where she offers heartfelt advice to her granddaughter. The conversation centers on love, relationships, and the importance of knowing when to walk away, all while reminiscing about her late husband, Frank Grande. This profound and personal feature was not only a fan favorite but also cemented Nonna as the only featured artist on the entire *Eternal Sunshine* album.

Prior to this official feature, Nonna had provided spoken samples for at least two other Ariana Grande songs, demonstrating her consistent, subtle influence on the pop star’s discography. Her voice, full of warmth and grandmotherly wisdom, became an unexpected signature sound for the Grande family's public narrative.

Nonna’s Most Memorable Public Appearances

While Marjorie Grande was primarily a private citizen, her close bond with Ariana and Frankie meant she occasionally stepped into the spotlight, always with grace and a delightful sense of humor. These moments are cherished by fans and highlight the deep connection she shared with her family.

1. The 2014 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) Date

In 2014, Nonna Grande served as Ariana Grande’s date for the MTV Video Music Awards. This was a particularly poignant appearance, as it came shortly after the passing of Ariana’s grandfather, Frank Grande. Nonna and Ariana were photographed together, with Nonna looking elegant and supportive, showcasing their close, coordinating bond on one of music’s biggest nights.

2. The "God is a woman" Performance

At a later VMA ceremony, Ariana Grande’s performance of her hit single "God is a woman" concluded with a powerful moment of female solidarity. Nonna Grande, along with Ariana's mother Joan Grande and cousin Lani, joined the singer on stage. This moment was a public celebration of the Grande family’s strong matriarchal line, with Nonna standing proudly alongside the women who followed her.

3. The Drew Barrymore Show Tribute

Nonna’s love for her granddaughter was evident in a video message she recorded for Ariana Grande that was shown on "The Drew Barrymore Show." In the message, she expressed her immense pride and love for Ariana, further solidifying the public's view of their beautiful relationship.

The Enduring Impact and Final Farewell

Marjorie Grande's passing on June 14, 2025, marked the end of an era for the Grande family. Tributes from Ariana, Frankie, and Joan Grande poured out, expressing their devastation but also celebrating her long, incredible life.

Ariana Grande often referred to Nonna as her "best friend" and a source of unparalleled strength and wisdom. The singer’s public statements highlighted Nonna’s warmth, her unwavering Catholic faith, and the indelible impact she had on Ariana's life and artistic expression.

Nonna's life was a beautiful blend of traditional family values and modern celebrity, making her a unique and cherished figure. Her legacy is one of love, resilience, and the simple, profound wisdom that can only come from 99 years of a life well-lived. She will be remembered not just as Ariana Grande's grandmother, but as Nonna—a record-breaking, advice-giving, and deeply loved matriarch who truly was the heart of her family.

marjorie grande
marjorie grande

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