Ariana Grande Shares How Late Ex Mac Miller Told Her to "Embrace" Her Brown Hair

“That’s also a part of why I was so eager to ask him to be a part of it,” the 32-year-old shared. “Not only because he was so perfect for the song, but I also felt like I had him to thank for finding my sound.”

Ariana’s rare comments about the “Best Day Ever” rapper come seven years after he died of a drug overdose in 2018 at age 26. In the years since his death, Ariana has offered rare insight to her grief.

"It's pretty all-consuming," the “Thank u, Next” singer told Vogue in 2019. "By no means was what we had perfect, but, like, f--k. He was the best person ever, and he didn't deserve the demons he had. I was the glue for such a long time, and I found myself becoming...less and less sticky. The pieces just started to float away."

Mac—who was born Malcolm McCormick—was honored by Ariana as she marked the 10th anniversary of Yours Truly in 2023. The rapper was honored at the end of the remastered “The Way” music video as the visuals faded to black while the words "Feat. Mac Miller" written in white remained on screen.

For more about Ariana, keep reading…

Ariana Grande dazzled in a salmon pink dress at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards. This look made her vibrant red hair pop!

The Sam & Cat star stunned in a charming white mini-dress at the 2011 Grammy Awards. She paired her simple, yet striking outfit with sparkly gold heels and dainty jewelry pieces.

Looking like a modern-day Jessica Rabbit with her blinding Dolce & Gabbana red dress, Ariana shimmered at the 2013 American Music Awards.

Serving fans retro charm in her custom Kenley Collins dress, the Scream Queens actress looked perfectly polished at the 2013 Style Awards.

The "Dangerous Woman" singer made a splash at the 2014 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. Matching the orange carpet, Grande wore a vibrant mini-dress and pairs it with white pumps and a whimsical clutch.

Ariana oozed with old Hollywood glamour at the 2014 American Music Awards. She opted for a floor-length black lace gown from MT Costello.

Wearing a white gown with silver lamé mesh at the 2015 Grammy Awards, Ariana shined as bright as the flashing lights on the red carpet.

Beaming in a floral beaded, peplum mini-dress at the 2015 American Music Awards, Ariana stunned in this statement-making piece from Giambattista Valli.

Ariana made a bold fashion choice wearing an all-white ensemble at KISS FM in 2015. While most are scared to get an outfit like that dirty, the Nickelodeon alum wasn't afraid to take that risk!

Ditching the usual dress at the 2016 American Music Awards, the "Problem" artist opted for a sexy corset top and elegant white pants.

Ariana rocked a funky fresh outfit at the 2016 Hairspray Live! press junket. She sizzled in oversized overalls, a bralette and a bedazzled choker necklace.

Ariana brought the heat to the 2016 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. Her Atelier Versace dress highlighted her playful side with its unique cut-out design and bright colors.

Ariana took fans to church with her Sistine Chapel-inspired dress at the 2018 Met Gala. Megan McCluskey designed the gown in keeping with event's theme of "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination."

Ariana looked like a cotton candy dream in her pastel pink ensemble at the 2018 iHeartRadio Wango Tango event. Giving us '90s nostalgia, she rocked platinum sneakers, matching ankle socks and an oversized sweater that states, "girls girls girls."

The "7 Rings" singer looked regal and elegant in her custom Christian Siriano dress, which she perfectly dubbed the "loofah of the year" lewk. Of course, she tied her outfit together by wearing her signature thigh-high boots.

Not only did the pop star turned heads with two outfit changes at the 2020 Grammys red carpet, but her platinum blonde pony was all anyone could talk about at the time.

Ariana said thank u, next to her signature high pony with a selfie that showed off her natural curls in 2020.

The "Positions" singer channeled Jennifer Garner's 13 Going on 30 character in 2021.

Ariana channeled Glinda the Good Witch in a pink Giambattista Valli gown at the 2024 Oscars.

For the 2024 Met Gala, which had a "Garden of Time" dress code to celebrate the "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" exhibit, Ariana wore an ethereal white gown from Loewe featuring a mother of pearl bodice—a nod to her birthstone—and long chiffon skirt.

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