AceShowbiz - Ariana Grande is no stranger to overcoming personal challenges. The pop sensation and "Wicked" star recently opened up about a significant milestone in her life - reuniting her divorced parents, Joan Grande and Edward Butera, after almost two decades of strained relations.

In a heartfelt conversation on the "WTF with Marc Maron" podcast, Grande shared that her parents are now best friends, thanks to her persistent efforts.

The singer recalled her pivotal decision during her 24th birthday in 2017. "It took 18 years and it took me forcing it. I forced them to communicate again. I really did," she stated.

Grande's message to her parents was clear and uncompromising, "You guys, I love you both so much. It's been such a long time. Figure it the f*** out. Like hello, it's been 18 years. I'm 80 [years old]. Please get over it."

The resolved tensions have created a profound impact on their family dynamic. "I can't separate them. It's the best thing in the whole world," Grande said, expressing her delight over her parents' newfound friendship. "I guess they just had some beautiful conversation or realized that like, how much they love me is so much louder than whatever nonsense happened way back when."

Although the journey was long and at times difficult, Grande believes that the tools available today, such as therapy and open conversations, might have facilitated this reconciliation sooner. "It makes me really happy," she added.

To symbolize this reconnection, Grande has proudly incorporated the name "Ariana Grande-Butera" in her professional credits, a nod to her heritage and the significant emotional journey of her family. When addressing the name change during an interview, she mentioned, "It felt like a really lovely way of honoring that. It felt really full circle."

In the past, Grande has been open about her estrangement from her father, even referencing it in her hit song "Thank U, Next." The lyrics, "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," poignantly reflect this.

When she performed the song at the 2020 Grammys, she altered the verse, saying, "I'll be thanking my dad/'Cause he's really awesome," highlighting their renewed bond.

Since their reconciliation, Joan and Edward have shown unwavering support for their daughter, attending major events like the Grammy Awards and the premiere of "Wicked" together. Grande's determination not only mended her parents' relationship but also set a heartwarming example of the power of family and forgiveness.