NEW YORK, Sept 15 — Singer Ariana Grande paid a poignant tribute on Friday to rapper Mac Miller, a week after her former boyfriend died at age 26.

"i adored you from the day i met you when i was nineteen and i always will,” Grande wrote on Instagram in her first public reaction to Miller’s death from a reported overdose.

The two split up in May, and Grande has faced attacks on social media by people claiming she was the cause of Miller’s death.

"you were my dearest friend. for so long. above anything else. i’m so sorry i couldn’t fix or take your pain away. i really wanted to,” Grande wrote.

Miller, who released his fifth album in August, spoke openly about his struggle with addiction.

"the kindest, sweetest soul with demons he never deserved. i hope you’re okay now. rest,” Grande wrote. — AFP