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The Enduring Legacy Of Ariana Grande's Nonna: 5 Ways Marjorie Grande Made Music History At 99

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The global music community and fans of Ariana Grande are currently mourning the loss of a true icon: Marjorie Grande, affectionately known to the world as "Nonna." The beloved matriarch of the Grande family, whose wisdom and vibrant personality often shone through her granddaughter's music and public life, passed away recently in mid-2025 at the remarkable age of 99. Her passing marks the end of an era for the family, but her profound influence on Ariana’s art and her own unexpected late-career entry into music history have cemented her legacy as far more than just a famous celebrity grandmother. This article, updated on December 23, 2025, looks back at the incredible life of Marjorie Grande and the indelible mark she left on the world of pop culture.

Marjorie Grande's life was a testament to enduring love, family devotion, and a sharp, witty spirit that captivated millions. While she was a constant, grounding force behind the scenes for her famous grandchildren, Ariana and Frankie Grande, she stepped into the spotlight in her later years to achieve a historic musical milestone that is unlikely to ever be broken. From dispensing viral relationship advice to stealing the show at major awards ceremonies, Nonna’s presence was a gift, and her story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to make history.

Marjorie Grande: A Life of Influence and Unconventional Fame

Marjorie Grande, born Marjorie Marie D'Amico, lived a life spanning nearly a century, witnessing monumental changes in the world and personally shaping one of the biggest pop stars of the modern era. While the world knew her best as "Nonna," her role within the Grande family was that of a powerful, loving, and fiercely supportive Italian-American matriarch. Her deep bond with her granddaughter, Ariana, was frequently highlighted, providing a grounding contrast to the often-chaotic world of global pop stardom.

Here are the essential biographical details of the legendary Nonna:

  • Full Birth Name: Marjorie Marie D'Amico
  • Commonly Known As: Nonna
  • Date of Birth: October 12, 1925
  • Date of Passing: Mid-2025
  • Age at Passing: 99
  • Spouse: Frank Grande (Ariana’s paternal grandfather, passed away in 2014)
  • Children: Joan Grande (Ariana's mother) and Frank Grande Jr.
  • Grandchildren: Ariana Grande and Frankie Grande
  • Notable Achievements: Oldest artist to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, credited artist on Ariana Grande's *Eternal Sunshine* album.
  • Hometown: Boca Raton, Florida (where she resided)

The close relationship between Nonna and Ariana Grande was not just for show; Nonna was often seen accompanying Ariana to major events, including the 2016 Time 100 Gala. Her presence at these high-profile events, always radiating warmth and pride, endeared her to Ariana's massive fanbase, making her a celebrity in her own right. Her passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from the family and the global "Arianator" community, who recognized her as the "heart" of the Grande family.

The Historic Billboard Record: Nonna Becomes the Oldest Charting Artist

In a career-defining moment that cemented her place in music history, Marjorie Grande became the oldest person to ever chart on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart. This incredible feat occurred in March 2024, when she was 98 years old, following the release of Ariana Grande's seventh studio album, *Eternal Sunshine*.

The track in question, "ordinary things (feat. Nonna)," is the album's closing song. It features a spoken-word outro from Nonna, where she dispenses a piece of heartfelt relationship advice. The song debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at No. 55, officially making Marjorie Grande the senior-most artist to ever appear on the chart. This record was previously held by Fred Stobaugh, who charted at age 96 in 2013.

Ariana Grande revealed that she always recorded her Nonna, anticipating that she would say something hilarious or insightful. The soundbite used was a beautiful, unplanned moment of wisdom that perfectly encapsulated the song's theme of finding enduring strength in a relationship. The family celebrated this historic moment, with Nonna reportedly receiving her own official plaque for the Billboard achievement. This unexpected musical success at age 98 highlighted her enduring vitality and her willingness to playfully participate in her granddaughter's career.

The Viral Wisdom of "Ordinary Things"

The spoken-word feature on "ordinary things" is arguably the most famous moment of Marjorie Grande’s public life, transforming a piece of family advice into a viral cultural touchstone. The track, which is about the realization that true love lies in the small, consistent moments of connection, is perfectly concluded by Nonna's poignant monologue.

The full, iconic quote from Nonna is:

"And as I told her, never go to bed without kissin' goodnight. And if you think you can't, then don't. Don't, don't go to bed without kissin' goodnight. That's the most important thing. Don't. If you don't feel comfortable with somebody, don't. And if you do, then you gotta, you gotta make sure that's what you want."

This simple, yet profound, advice resonated deeply with listeners worldwide. It provided a powerful, authentic moment of human connection on an album largely focused on love, loss, and self-discovery. The quote emphasized the importance of emotional honesty and physical affection, becoming a celebrated moment of intergenerational wisdom. Fans praised Ariana for including the intimate recording, which provided a raw and beautiful glimpse into her family life and the values instilled in her by her grandmother.

Nonna’s Enduring Musical Presence in Ariana Grande's Discography

While "ordinary things" was her chart-topping moment, Marjorie Grande's voice has been a subtle but consistent presence throughout Ariana Grande's music career, showcasing the Nonna's influence on her granddaughter's art. Ariana has often used samples and interludes featuring her grandparents as a way to ground her music in her personal life and pay tribute to her Italian heritage.

One of the earliest and most notable appearances was on Ariana's 2014 album, *My Everything*, where a brief recording of her grandfather, Frank Grande, was included in the track "Best Mistake." Following his passing, Ariana continued to honor her grandparents.

The 2018 album *Sweetener* also features Nonna’s voice. The album opens with an a cappella track, "raindrops (an angel cried)," which is a snippet of a song that Nonna used to sing. This tradition of incorporating her family's voices acts as a beautiful, emotional thread woven through Ariana’s discography, connecting her most personal albums to the familial love that supports her.

The inclusion of Nonna’s wisdom on *Eternal Sunshine*—an album dealing with complex adult relationships—brought this tradition full circle. It demonstrated that even as Ariana’s music evolved, the foundational advice and love from her grandmother remained a guiding light. Her final, chart-making contribution is a powerful testament to the enduring impact of family on artistic expression.

A Legacy of Love, Laughter, and Longevity

Beyond the music charts, Marjorie Grande’s legacy is defined by her infectious joy, her longevity, and her role as the ultimate celebrity grandmother. She was known for her quick wit, her hilarious reactions to pop culture, and her unwavering support for both Ariana and her brother, Frankie Grande. Nonna’s social media appearances, often shared by Ariana, were always met with delight from fans, who cherished her candid and often humorous commentary on life.

In her final years, Nonna continued to be a source of inspiration and family focus. Ariana Grande made a point of spending quality time with her, including a trip to Boca Raton, Florida, in late 2024 to take her grandmother to the movies to see the *Wicked* film, a project deeply personal to Ariana. These moments, shared publicly, painted a picture of a devoted granddaughter and a cherished grandmother whose bond was unbreakable.

Marjorie Grande’s passing at 99 leaves a void, but her story—a woman who became a Billboard Hot 100 charting artist in her late nineties—will forever inspire. She taught the world that age is truly just a number, that family love is the most important foundation, and that a little bit of sass and a lot of wisdom can make you a global superstar, even if it’s just for a moment at the end of a pop song. Her life, marked by love, laughter, and a historic musical achievement, is a legacy that will be celebrated for generations to come.

ariana grande nonna
ariana grande nonna

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