Our hearts go out to Mac Miller‘s family and friends — it’s been reported that the rapper has passed away after an apparent overdose. Mac was only 26 years old. According to reports, Mac was found Friday at approximately noon at his home in San Fernando Valley. Most recently, he dropped his album Swimming and seemed excited to get back out on the road to see his fans.
I just wanna go on tour
— Mac (@MacMiller) September 7, 2018
While Mac, whose real name was Malcolm James McCormick, was known for his music, he also was once at the center of a high profile relationship. He dated Ariana Grande for two years, and he was by her side as she dealt with the tragic aftermath of the attack at one of her concerts in Manchester. They split in 2018, and she has since become engaged to comedian Pete Davidson. Mac recently had said he wished her nothing but the best.
“I was in love with somebody. We were together for two years. We worked through good times, bad times, stress, and everything else. And then it came to an end and we both moved on. And it’s that simple,” Mac said to Zane Lowe on Apple Music’s Beats 1. “It’s just a part of something that’s going to continue to help make me who I am. It’s all positive energy. I am happy for her in moving forward with her life, just as I’m sure she is with me.”
On her new album, Sweetener, she has a song “Better Off” that was about their time together and the end of their relationship. She admitted on Twitter when she wrote and recorded the song, it was everything she was afraid would happen in her relationship she was in at the time. Although she didn’t mention Mac’s name, fans have assumed this tune is about him.
bc at first i was nervous about like……. it coming true. if that makes sense. more honest than i was ready to be w myself at the time (its v old). but it’s beautiful and has always been one of my favs and i’m very happy she’s on there. excited to share it w you.
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) June 25, 2018
Ariana was vocal that Mac was struggling with substance abuse issues, and she had hoped he would stay sober. During happier times though, she explained how they were friends for years – as he was featured on her first single, “The Way,” before they started dating.
“I met him when I was 19. We have loved and adored and respected each other since the beginning, since before we even met, just because we were fans of each other’s talent. We weren’t ready at all, though, to be together. It’s just timing,” she said.
Celebrities – including Ariana – have started taking to social media to express their condolences and share the love they have for Mac.
I dont know what to say Mac Miller took me on my second tour ever. But beyond helping me launch my career he was one of the sweetest guys I ever knew. Great man. I loved him for real. Im completely broken. God bless him.
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) September 7, 2018
Unreal. So sad. RIP Mac Miller ❤️
— Shawn Mendes (@ShawnMendes) September 7, 2018
this hurts my heart man RIP bro @MacMiller
— Khalid (@thegreatkhalid) September 7, 2018
Devastating news to hear about another young person overdosing…this time losing their life. RIP Mac Miller, gone far too soon. 🙏🏼😓
— Victoria Justice (@VictoriaJustice) September 7, 2018
We’re thinking of Mac’s loved ones during this time.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
This post was originally published on September 7, 2018 and since has been updated.
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