Who Is Ariana Grande’s Father Edward Butera? Here’s All You Need to Know

Ariana Grande, the high-ponytailed queen, has been through her share of ups and downs, but none quite as tender (or as public) as her journey with her dad, Edward Butera. You might know her as just ‘Ariana Grande’ on Spotify, but she recently chose to use her full name, giving a nod to her family.

In Wicked, she’s credited as Ariana Grande-Butera! And oh, this wasn’t just a small change—her father, Edward Butera’s reaction was everything. He cried, he hugged, and she caught it all on camera! A truly heartfelt moment.

But there’s a lot more to Ed than just being Grande’s dad. From award-winning designs to being a classic proud dad on Instagram, he is a man of many talents.

Who is Ariana Grande’s Father, Edward Butera?

Edward Butera is a talented creative professional in his own right. He’s a graphic designer, photographer, and the founder of Ibi Designs, a creative agency based in South Florida that he’s been running since 1992.

His work includes websites, graphics, and photography, and he’s even won awards for some of his creations. Ed also has a steady following on Instagram, where he shares his artwork and personal life with around 180,000 followers. His bio reads, “Father, Artist, Graphic Designer, Photographer, and Avid Angler,” showing his love for both his family and his craft.

Who is Ariana Grande’s Mother, Joan Grande?

Grande’s mom, Joan Grande, is a powerhouse in the business world, as well as a constant support in the singer’s life. This lady is the CEO of Hose-McCann Communications, a big name in the marine industry. 

The company’s clients include big names like the U.S. Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard, which shows just how significant her work is. But Joan’s talents don’t stop there—she also runs Diamond Dog Entertainment with Grande’s brother, Frankie.

They’re the brains behind fun projects like Summoning Sylvia and Titanique The Musical, a comedy-musical mashup of Titanic with Celine Dion tunes. This mom is as much of a boss as her daughter herself, and together, they make the ultimate girl power duo.

Edward Butera and Joan Grande’s Split When Ariana Grande Was So Young

According to Entertainment Tonight, Ariana Grande’s parents split up when she was just eight years old. This wasn’t exactly an easy time for her—she even dropped a hint about it in her 2018 hit, Thank U, Next. You know the line:

“One day I’ll walk down the aisle / Holding hands with my mama / I’ll be thanking my dad / ‘Cause she grew from the drama.”

Although her parents went through tough times, they eventually found common ground. In November 2021, the star invited both her parents to a Thanksgiving gathering, where they shared laughs, played games, and celebrated as a family. 

Ariana Grande and Edward Butera’s Relationship

Back in 2014, Grande opened up in Seventeen magazine about her tough relationship with her dad, saying they’d become estranged. The queen of pop said it was hard to admit that they had issues but learned to accept her dad’s influence. “It’s private … It took me so long to be okay with it,” she added.

Over time, they mended things, and by the 2020 Grammys, the songstress even tweaked her Thank U, Next lyrics to “I’ll be thanking my dad / ‘Cause he’s really awesome” (via PEOPLE). A little change, but a big step!

They’ve since been close, celebrating holidays and giving shout-outs on social media. In a sweet 2021 Father’s Day post, she thanked Ed for all the laughs and the traits she got from him. That’s growth!

Ariana Grande’s Tribute to Her Dad in Wicked Credits

Ariana Grande’s choice to include her father’s last name in her Wicked credits is perhaps the most public tribute she’s given him. When she surprised him with the news, he was so touched that he cried!

Grande, always with a plan, secretly recorded his reaction, calling it a moment she’ll always remember. And she wasn’t alone in pulling this off—director Jon M. Chu helped her sneak a peek at the credits, letting Ed see it before anyone else. Look at what she told ET:

Before he was supposed to send me—sorry Universal, the cat’s out of the bag—he sent me the credits. He knew that people were going to start seeing it soon and he was scared someone was going to talk about it before he got to see it, and we surprised him.

Ari said that including her dad’s last name felt like a full-circle moment, bringing her back to her roots and the memories of when she first fell in love with Wicked as a young girl.

As she said, “That was my name when I first saw Wicked.” For the Everyday star, using her full name felt like a tribute not just to her family but also to the journey that brought her where she is today.

Wicked is set to be released on November 22, 2024.