Lady Gaga is mourning the loss of her beloved grandmother, Angelina Calderone Germanotta, who passed away just days short of her 95th birthday on October 12. The matriarch was laid to rest on October 17 in Pompton Plains, New Jersey, marking the end of a cherished life that significantly influenced Gaga and her family.
Angelina was a cornerstone of the Germanotta family, being the mother of Gaga’s father, Joe Germanotta. The close bond between grandmother and granddaughter was reflected in Gaga’s full name, Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, a tribute that underscores her deep affection and pride in her Italian heritage.
Born into a proud Italian-American family, Angelina embodied the traditions and values that not only shaped Gaga’s early life but also laid the foundation for her successful music career. Alongside her late husband, Joe Germanotta Sr., she raised a family that would go on to make notable contributions to society. This includes Gaga’s mother, Cynthia Germanotta, who serves as president of the Born This Way Foundation—a charity co-founded by Gaga to promote youth mental health and well-being.
Gaga has frequently shared her admiration for Angelina, often crediting her family’s enduring love and strong values for grounding her amidst the challenges of fame. Their close-knit relationship was poignantly highlighted in 2017 when Gaga shared a touching FaceTime moment with her grandmother shortly before her Super Bowl halftime performance. Their loving exchange, viewed by many fans, showcased the warmth and affection they held for one another.
Angelina’s strength was evident not just within her family but in her responses to broader societal challenges. During a painful episode in 2021, when Gaga’s dogs were stolen, Angelina expressed her compassion for the family and the dog walker affected by the incident, demonstrating her empathy in a cruel world.
Well-regarded for her love, strength, and grace, Angelina Calderone Germanotta leaves behind a legacy that resonates through her family and, particularly, through Lady Gaga. The pop star continues to honor her grandmother’s influence and values, ensuring that the spirit of family and tradition remains an integral part of her identity as she navigates her illustrious career.