Ariana Grande tells fans planned break was long decided, continues tour

Ariana Grande returned to the stage in Chicago on Aug. 3 after her team announced she will step back from public appearances once her Eternal Sunshine Tour ends in September.

During the show, Grande told fans the decision had been planned "quietly" a long time ago and was not a reaction to recent public attention. She also said outside negativity would not affect the bond she shares with her fans, describing the tour as one of the most healing and meaningful experiences of her life.

Her representative said Grande plans to finish the tour "healthily and happily" before taking a well-earned break from public-facing work following years of intense public scrutiny.

Grande will complete the remaining Chicago concerts before a 10-show run in London through Sept. 1. She has also withdrawn from the planned West End production of Sunday in the Park with George. After the tour, she is set to appear in Focker-in-Law, the next Meet the Parents film, which is scheduled for release on Nov. 25.