Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur / WireImage; arianagrande / Instagram
Ariana Grande’s Tender Tribute to Her Nonna
Pop star Ariana Grande shared a touching way she keeps her late grandmother close to her. In a Vogue Japan cover story interview published on January 26, Ariana revealed that she carries two items every day that once belonged to her beloved Nonna. The singer said carrying these keepsakes lets her feel her grandmother’s presence.
Grande called her grandmother Marjorie Grande a major influence in her life. Marjorie died in June 2025 at age 99, and her death deeply affected Ariana. Her mother, Joan Grande, announced the news on Instagram, writing that Marjorie died peacefully at home surrounded by family.
In the interview, Ariana explained she always has two ChapSticks that Marjorie used with her. She said carrying the ChapSticks means she always has “a little bit” of her Nonna. These small reminders help Ariana reconnect with strength and warmth when she needs them most.
The singer shared that her grandmother’s advice still grounds her. Ariana quoted Marjorie’s encouraging words, especially when she faces challenging moments in her career. The phrase encourages her to stay bold and confident.
Ariana’s bond with Marjorie went beyond typical family ties. Over the years, Marjorie attended award shows with her granddaughter and supported her work. Ariana often spoke about how much she admired her grandmother’s resilience and wisdom.
Marjorie even contributed to Ariana’s album Eternal Sunshine, helping the song “Ordinary Things” reach the striking achievement of making the Billboard Hot 100 chart. At 98, she became the oldest artist to appear on that chart.
For Ariana, carrying ChapSticks is more than a habit. It represents legacy, love, and the ongoing connection between a granddaughter and her cherished grandmother.
More About Ariana Grande’s Emotional Loss
In June 2025, Ariana Grande’s family shared heartbreaking news with fans. Her grandmother Marjorie Grande passed away at age 99 surrounded by loved ones. Her mother, Joan Grande, shared the news via social media, thanking fans for support and privacy during grief.
Ariana spoke openly about how her grandmother shaped her view of strength and resilience. Marjorie offered encouraging advice and life lessons throughout Ariana’s childhood and early career. These lessons influenced Ariana’s personal and artistic decisions over many years.
The star said she still channels her grandmother’s strength every day. That strength comes to her when she faces tough decisions or feels drained. Ariana now sees those memories as a source of encouragement more than sadness.
Fans responded to the tribute with heartfelt messages on social media. Many expressed admiration for Ariana’s emotional honesty and vulnerability. They praised her for publicly honoring family ties and emotional roots.
Marjorie did more than just support Ariana from the sidelines. She attended award shows with her granddaughter, sharing in both quiet and high-profile moments. Those shared memories became lasting parts of Ariana’s life story.
Ariana’s brother, Frankie Grande, also paid tribute to their grandmother. He posted heartfelt messages remembering the comfort and joy she brought to the family. Many fans connected with his tribute for its sincerity and warmth.
Marjorie’s presence in Ariana’s journey reflected deep love and mutual respect. Ariana’s tribute underscores a universal truth: meaningful relationships shape art and life. Her honesty about her loss reminds fans that even global superstars share human experiences of love, loss, and memory.
How Ariana Honors Her Grandmother’s Influence
Ariana Grande’s connection with her grandmother extended into her creative work. Marjorie Grande even participated in Ariana’s album project that landed on mainstream charts. That presence brought personal meaning into her art.
The song “Ordinary Things,” featuring Marjorie’s contribution, landed on Billboard’s Hot 100. This achievement marked a rare milestone for both Ariana and Marjorie. It also showed how deeply personal relationships can touch public audiences.
Marjorie appeared at award shows with Ariana, demonstrating pride and support. These appearances gave fans a glimpse of their close bond beyond stage lights and fame. Their warmth often became headlines and fan conversation topics.
After her grandmother’s passing, Ariana openly reflected on loss and remembrance. She shared emotional moments with fans, honoring Marjorie’s memory publicly and privately. Ariana’s vulnerability resonated with people who have lost loved ones.
The ChapSticks Ariana carries serve as a daily reminder of Marjorie’s presence. She said that these small items comfort her when life feels overwhelming. Carrying them also symbolizes that her grandmother’s influence lingers.
Fans appreciated that Ariana chose everyday items as keepsakes. These simple objects remind many people of how ordinary things can hold extraordinary meaning. Ariana’s choice touched fans who have similar sentimental traditions.
Grande’s tribute highlights how personal memory shapes identity. By carrying her grandmother’s ChapSticks, she invites the world into her emotional landscape. This gesture encourages fans to cherish their own cherished memories and meaningful tokens.
Ariana Grande in the Midst of a Busy Career
While Ariana Grande mourns her grandmother, she remains active in major projects. She embraced film work, music, and world tours in recent years. In doing so, she continues to evolve as a multi-talented artist.
Ariana’s role in the Wicked: For Good films has brought her praise and new creative challenges. She tapped into acting with passion and artistic intensity. That work helped her reshape the way she balances music and performance.
During her Vogue Japan interview, Ariana also discussed emotional balance and career pacing. She admitted that her energy changed after years of nonstop work and travel. She began prioritizing emotional sustainability.
Ariana said she grew from taking breaks while filming her acting projects. She feels stronger today because she took time away from touring. That break helped her heal her relationship with music and life.
Later in 2026, Ariana is set to return to touring with her Eternal Sunshine Tour. Reports describe it as smaller and more intentionally paced compared with older tours. She aims to connect with fans without exhausting herself.
Fans reacted with excitement and understanding to Ariana’s evolving priorities. Many celebrate her honesty about creative balance, grief, and ambition. They see her as a model of resilience and self-care.
Even as she juggles personal reflection and professional momentum, Ariana integrates life lessons into her work. Her story shows the emotional roots behind artistic achievement.
What Ariana’s Tribute Teaches Us
Ariana Grande’s tribute to her grandmother offers universal insight. People everywhere understand loss, remembrance, and emotional anchors. Her story highlights how small tokens can carry deep meaning.
Carry tokens from loved ones reminds many of strength, comfort, and connection. For Ariana, two ChapSticks represent memory, guidance, and emotional resilience. This simplicity resonates with fans of all ages.
Her openness about grief invites fans into a moment of shared humanity. It reminds audiences that celebrities also walk through life’s emotional seasons. Ariana’s honesty reduced distance between performer and person.
This tribute also shows how personal history shapes public art. Marjorie’s involvement in Ariana’s music bridged family and creative expression. It reflected love in a medium that reaches global listeners.
Grande’s example encourages people to honor ancestors and family ties. It prompts reflection on how memories influence present strength. Fans praised her for uplifting the value of remembrance in everyday life.
In conclusion, Ariana Grande’s story of memory, loss, and keepsakes reminds us all of connection. Her journey shows that even in fame, family remains central. That message resonates beyond celebrity headlines into hearts everywhere.