Ariana Grande mourns the death of her dog that was with her before the fame

Ariana Grande has taken a step back from the public, but this week she shared some heartbreaking news with her fans. The singer took to Instagram on Monday to reveal that her beloved dog Coco has died, posting a series of photos and videos that highlighted their bond through the years.

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“sweetest, most amazing and most beautiful coco … i am so proud of you. thank you for your love, and for blessing this planet with your physical presence for over seventeen wonderful years,” Grande wrote in the emotional Instagram tribute.

“you make everywhere you go a more beautiful place,” she continued. “i will miss you every day and hold you in my heart always. i love you so, sweet girl.”

Grande did not share Coco’s cause of death, but it was likely natural given he was 17. The photos offered a glimpse into the life they shared, from quiet moments together to memories of Coco celebrating her 17th birthday. 

The last heartbreaking slide was a photo of Coco's paws with roses placed next to them.  Her boyfriend, Ricky Alvarez, who was tagged multiple times in the gallery, also appeared to have played a role in capturing some of the sweet memories.

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Coco was by Ariana Grande’s side before fame

Coco was part of Grande’s life as she transitioned from her early acting career into music. The dog even appeared in one of the singer’s earliest YouTube music vlogs in December 2012, when Grande was working on her debut album.

The clip, titled “Coco breaks it down,” featured the then-19-year-old interviewing her dog about her music. 

Reportedly a dachshund-German shepherd mix, Coco was also among the rescue dogs Grande welcomed over the years. The singer has shared her life with several other beloved animals, including Toulouse, the beagle-Chihuahua mix she adopted in 2013.

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She also stepped in to care for Myron, the dog she shared with her late ex-boyfriend Mac Miller, after his passing.

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Grande has long been vocal about her love for animals, making rescue and adoption an important part of her public advocacy.

“I got involved with dog rescues by simply loving animals,” she told Billboard in 2015. “Dogs are the most harmless, sweetest babes in the world. They show nothing but unconditional love, so they deserve that in return.”

She later helped launch Orange Twins Rescue, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to finding homes for animals in need. At the time, Grande explained her motivation in simple terms.

“My mission is to help as many homeless dogs as I can find loving families who will cherish them,” she told Billboard.

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Ariana Grande receives an outpouring of love after Coco’s death

Following Grande’s tribute, friends and fans filled the comments with messages of support, remembering Coco and sending love to the singer as she grieves.

Rachel Zegler kept her message simple, writing, “love u ari,” while Leon Thomas shared his condolences and added, “Coco was the best.”

Other commenters also offered comfort, with one writing, “all dogs go to heaven, sending you so much love,” while another remembered Coco as “the sweetest girl.”

The loss marks the end of a nearly two-decade chapter for Grande.