Ariana Grande holds cherished memories of Mac Miller, forever etched in her heart.

The star of Wicked recently opened up about how the late rapper offered her invaluable support as she transitioned from her role on Nickelodeon’s Sam & Cat to launching her debut album, Yours Truly, in 2013.

“I’ve never shared this before, but Malcolm, known to many as Mac, encouraged me to embrace my true self,” Ariana revealed on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast on January 13. “He reassured me that it was okay to move away from that character, to embrace my natural brown hair, and to create R&B-influenced pop music. He urged me to be brave and take that leap.”

Reflecting on Mac’s impactful guidance, the “7 Rings” artist expressed, “I’ve never mentioned this, but his influence was significant, and I’m incredibly grateful for it.”

The support from Mac—Ariana’s partner from 2016 to 2018—played a pivotal role in her decision to feature him on her breakout single “The Way.”