A detailed timeline of Ariana Grande and Mac Miller's relationship from collaboration to legacy.
The relationship between Ariana Grande and Mac Miller holds a significant place in pop culture history.
The two artists maintained a friendship for several years before developing a romantic bond. Their initial connection came in 2012, sparked by a playful exchange on Twitter that resulted in a collaborative cover of the classic 1944 holiday duet, “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”
In 2013, Grande and Miller (Malcolm McCormick) reunited professionally for Grande's track, “The Way,” where their on-screen chemistry included a kiss in the music video.
The pair confirmed their romance to the public in 2016, officially announcing their relationship on Instagram that September.
Ariana Grande’s Dating History In Photos: A Timeline of Her Exes and Flings
They remained a couple for almost two years, separating on good terms in May 2018. Just four months later, in September 2018, Miller passed away from an accidental overdose, as verified by Us Weekly. He was 26 at the time of his death.
Following his death, Grande shared an emotional message on Instagram: “I adored you from the day I met you when I was 19 and I always will,” she wrote. “I can’t believe you aren’t here anymore. I really can’t wrap my head around it. We talked about this. So many times. I’m so mad, I’m so sad, I don’t know what to do. You were my dearest friend. For so long. Above anything else. I’m so sorry I couldn’t fix or take your pain away. I really wanted to. The kindest, sweetest soul with demons he never deserved. I hope you’re okay now. Rest.”
Continue reading for a detailed timeline highlighting Ariana Grande and Mac Miller's relationship journey.
2012
The pair collaborated vocally on the unreleased recording, “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”
2013
Following their collaboration on Grande’s track, “The Way,” the actress discussed working with Miller on the recording process.
“I cut my vocal on it, and then Mac and I had been hanging out for a while at that point, and I was like, ‘I really want you to feature on this record,” Grande told Billboard at the time, recalling that she asked, “‘What do you think?’ And he said, ‘Sounds like a hit to me!’”
August 2016
The duo was seen together at a VMAs post-ceremony event hosted by Republic Records, where they appeared affectionate.
September 2016
Miller released his single “My Favorite Part,” featuring Grande, in September, the same month they publicly confirmed their relationship on Instagram.
The actress discussed her new romance with the rapper during an interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Grande admitted to host Ellen DeGeneres: “This is so crazy. I’ve never had the relationship talk on a show before.”
May 2017
Following the bombing at Grande’s Manchester Arena concert in Britain, Miller canceled several appearances to support her during the tragedy.
June 2017
Miller made an unannounced appearance at Grande’s Manchester benefit concert, joining her onstage to perform “The Way.”
Later that month, Miller shared a heartfelt tribute celebrating Grande's birthday.
“Happy Birthday to this adorable pure soul who has reminded me what being happy feels like,” he wrote. “Thank you for loving me so good. I think it’s supposed to be ‘so well’ but I don’t care. I love you and can’t wait for all of the adventures.”
April 2018
Miller supported Grande during her performance at Coachella that year. They were also observed embracing and showing affection throughout the festival.
May 2018
Us Weekly confirmed that Grande and Miller ended their relationship on amicable terms following nearly two years as a couple.
September 2018
Miller passed away on September 7, 2018. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, authorities arrived at the rapper’s San Fernando Valley residence shortly before noon in response to a call. He was declared deceased upon arrival.
August 2019
Approximately one year following his passing, Grande shared her reflections on their relationship during an interview with Vogue magazine.
“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,” she explained to the publication. “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.”
December 2025
Grande revealed that Miller encouraged her to “do the brave thing” and pursue R&B-influenced pop music, for which she expressed deep gratitude. While conducting a master class at Chapman University, Grande subsequently discussed their work together on her 2013 song “The Way.”
“That’s also a part of why I was so eager to ask [Miller] to be a part of it,” Grande stated during The Hollywood Reporter’s “Awards Chatter” podcast. “Not only because he was perfect for the song, but I also felt like I had him to thank for finding my sound.”
