Ariana Grande and Mac Miller: A Timeline of Their Relationship

Ariana Grande and Mac Miller’s relationship was a roller coaster of emotions for everyone involved, including the fans of both artists. Though that chapter is sadly closed, we can reflect on the ride together.

First Twitter Conversation (Nov. 2012)

Ariana and Mac first interacted over social media back in 2012 when he responded to her Thanksgiving tweet asking what fans were thankful for. The convo started with Mac answering her question with “the velvet revival,” and ended with him asking for a duet between Ari and his alter ego, Larry Lovestein. This interaction resulted in the pair teaming up to cover Baby It’s Cold Outside.

First Public Kiss in The Way Music Video (March 2013)

Ariana requested Mac to join her for their second duet on The Way.

“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. What do you think?' And he said, 'Sounds like a hit to me!'” Ariana told Billboard back in 2013.

In the music video, the two singers are seen flirting and ultimately kissing, sparking dating rumors that Mac shut down in an April 2013 MTV interview. “That's the homie. She's got a boyfriend and everything,” Mac said. “Obviously, that [kiss] made everyone talk. I didn't even know that was going to happen and then we were shooting and the director was like, 'This should happen,' and I'm like, 'Alright.'”

Denial of Dating Rumors (July 2013)

Ariana was reportedly dating YouTube star Jai Brooks at the time, but Mac still continued to receive a ton of questions about her. "She’s like the greatest person in the world,” he said in an interview. “She’s like an angel, she’s very nice, she’s a sweet girl.”

In a radio interview, Ariana also received questions about Mac. When asked to rate him as a kisser, she didn’t hold back. “I'm gonna say a one just 'cause the cigarettes,” Ariana said. But, the singer insisted that “he's a great, great, great guy.”

Reunion on Ariana’s 'Into You' Single (Aug. 2016)

Mac and Ariana reunite in the studio for the remix of her Into You single. Between the last collab and this one, Ariana had been in a relationship with Big Sean. After the remix was released, Ariana and Mac were seen kissing at a restaurant in Encino, CA.

The Relationship Goes Public (Aug. 2016)

The couple went public at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards. They were even seen cuddling at the VMA Awards after party hosted by Republic Records.

Ariana Makes the Relationship Instagram and 'Ellen' Official (Sept. 2016)

Ariana posted a cute photo of her and Mac fooling around with the sweet caption, “baabyyy.”

Then, Ariana was on The Ellen Degeneres Show, and the host wasn’t letting her get off easy. "This is so crazy. I’ve never had the relationship talk on a show before," she told Ellen. The flustered singer blushed, but when Ellen asked if she was happy with Mac, she replied, "Yeah."

Mac Supports Ariana After the Manchester Attack (May 2017)

Mac was there when Ariana got off the plane after 22 concert attendees were killed following an attack at her show in Manchester. The rapper even canceled a few of his festival performances to be by his girlfriend’s side after the attack. Ariana returned to Manchester a month later for her benefit concert, and Mac was right by her side to perform The Way, along with other songs.

Spotted at Coachella (April 2018)

Ariana returned to music in April 2018 with her single No Tears Left to Cry. Mac shared her single on his Twitter account and wrote a sweet message: "very proud of this girl right here. Welcome back. We missed you. One of a kind." Ariana performed the single at Coachella and Mac was there to root her on.

Ariana Announces Breakup via Instagram Stories (May 2018)

After rumors popped up that Ariana and Mac had broken up, the singer confirmed the news on her Instagram Story.

“This is one of my best friends in the whole world and favorite people on the planet,” Grande wrote above a photo of the two. “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!”

Ariana Defends Decision on Social Media (May 2018)

Mac unfortunately spun out a bit after the breakup, and was arrested for drunk driving and a hit-and-run. Some fans blamed Grande for the rapper’s actions, but she stuck up for herself.

Ariana Remembers Mac on Social Media After His Overdose (Sept. 2018)

Tragically, Mac passed away after an accidental overdose on Sept. 7, 2018. Ariana has has posted about her ex-boyfriend various times, and even got a tattoo dedicated to the late rapper’s dog, Myron.

According to Billboard, a song on Ariana's upcoming album Thank U, Next will be about Mac.

We loved watching their love story unfold and can only hope that Ari continues to heal after Mac’s tragic death.