Ariana Grande has had her share of romances over the years — let’s not forget her short-lived marriage to Dalton Gomez or her current bond with rumored partner Ethan Slater. But one of her most prolific relationships was with the late rapper Mac Miller. Ari’s relationship with Mac was everyone’s favorite for many different reasons. The two first sparked romance rumors in 2013 when Miller was featured on Grande’s song “The Way” (they even kiss in the music video!).
The pair finally came out as a couple in 2016 while attending that year’s MTV Video Music Awards together. The two were seen making funny faces at each other and laughing together after Ari’s steamy on-stage performance of “Side To Side.” Ari and Mac were together for two years before going their separate ways in May 2018. Grande confirmed their split on her IG Stories. “This is one of my best friends in the whole world and favorite people on the planet,” she captioned a photo of them together. “I respect and adore him endlessly and am grateful to have him in my life in any form, at all times regardless of how our relationship changes or what the universe holds for each of us!” Four months later, Miller died of an accidental overdose. Since his death, Grande has honored Miller’s memory, and continues to do so as she subtly paid tribute to him in the cover art of her Yours Truly (Deluxe) album, which came out on Aug. 25.
On Aug. 19, Grande announced that she would be releasing live performances of songs from her debut album, Yours Truly, in honor of its 10th anniversary. On Aug. 25, Ari released her Yours Truly (Deluxe) album along with new cover art that pays tribute to Miller.
The cover art is a screengrab of Grande from “The Way” music video. Below the title of the album, she included “‘The Way’ feat. Mac Miller.” Though this might not mean anything to some, for diehard Ari and Mac shippers, this is everything.
Though their relationship didn’t pan out the way many of us had hoped, it’s clear that Miller has always had a special place in Grande’s heart — and still does! Immediately after seeing Miller’s name on Grande’s new cover art, fans flooded X (or should I say Twitter) with their reactions to this sweet tribute.
Don’t mind me, just crying my eyes out over here.